Wednesday, March 16, 2005
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, £100,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m 5f. Weights: 4yo 10st 13lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £58,000; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500; 6th: £1,500
1) NO REFUGE (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 5-11-07 Graham Lee 17/2
2) RACING DEMON (Mrs T P Radford) Henrietta Knight 5-11-07 Jim Culloty 14/1
3) OUR BEN (Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-07 Ruby Walsh 33/1
4) POLE STAR (Paul Green) James Fanshawe 7-11-07 Robert Thornton
5) GOLD MEDALLIST (Mrs D L Whately) Philip Hobbs 5-11-07 Richard Johnson 9/2 Jt Fav
6) REVEILLEZ (J P McManus) James Fanshawe 6-11-07 Tony McCoy
7) ROYAL PARADISE (Patrick Delaney Jnr) Tom Foley IRE 5-11-07 Mick Fitzgerald 9/2 Jt Fav
8) BLACK APALACHI (Gerard Burke) Philip Rothwell IRE 6-11-07 John Cullen
9) SNOOPY LOOPY (Vicky Scott, A Butler) Vicky Scott 7-11-07 Christian Williams
10) SECRET PLOY (Mrs A M Carding) Hughie Morrison 5-11-07 Barry Geraghty
11) RED GEORGIE (M P Wareing) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-11-07 Carl Llewellyn
12) QUEEN ASTRID (Dr R Lambe) Dermot Weld IRE 5-11-00 Paul Carberry
13) INCH PRIDE (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-00 Timmy Murphy
14) COURT LEADER (Mrs P Duffin) Tom Mullins IRE 7-11-00 Robbie Power
15) OLASO (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 David Casey
16) FORAGER (Joesph Curran) Mick Ryan 6-11-07 Seamus Durack
17) BAGAN (F F Racing Services Partnership III) Charlie Mann 6-11-07 Noel Fehily
18) DARKNESS (Lady Lloyd-Webber) Charles Egerton b1 6-11-07 Jimmy McCarthy
19) ROMAN ARK (Richard Collins) Malcolm Jefferson 7-11-07 Tony Dobbin
20) REGENTS WALK (Mrs D Vaughan) Ben De Haan 7-11-07 Leighton Aspell
20 ran Non-Runner: Stan (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: Cathal Ryan Breeding: ch g Hernando (FR) - Shamarra (FR) (Zayyani)
Dist: .75, 2.5, sh, nk, nk, 7, 9, nk, nk, 1.25, hd, 1, 8, .75, 7, .75, 2, 2.5, 27
Tote Win: £9.30 Places: £3.10; £3.70; £7.10 Exacta: £102.60
Winning Trainer: Howard Johnson Based: White Lea Farm, Crook, County Durham Born: August 11, 1953, Barnard Castle Date of First Licence: 7th July 1986 Previous occupation: worked for Arthur Stephenson, Roy Johnson Wins (1988/9-2003/04): 14,14,10,21,19,32,32,35,23,27,18,19,13,15, 33, 41 Number of horses in training (1990-2004): 40, 32, 33, 55, 63, 70, 47, 53, 56, 51, 46, 48, 40, 36, 78 Cheltenham Festival wins: (3) National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase (1993 Ushers Island), Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 No Refuge) Other major wins: Lonesome Glory Hurdle (1993 Dance Of Words), Dipper Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli), Tingle Creek Chase (1998 Direct Route), Charlie Hall Chase (2003 Ballybough Rasher, 2004 Grey Abbey), Scottish National (2004 Grey Abbey), Pillar Property Chase (2005 Grey Abbey), Maghull Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli, 1998 Direct Route), Red Rum Chase (1997 Down The Fell), Topham Chase (1996 Joe White), Melling Chase (1999 and 2000 Direct Route) Wins This Season: 61 Second win of The Festival 2005
Winning Jockey: Graham Lee Born: December 16, 1975 Background: Irish pony-racing circuit, left school at 15 to join handler Noel Meade. Five rides for Meade then joined Dessie McDonogh in County Meath. Ger Lyons then obtained Lee a position with Mary Reveley when he was 17. Began riding out for Bill Haigh, before joining Malcolm Jefferson. He is now stable jockey to Howard Johnson, for whom he rode 35 winners in 2003/4. Number of Wins (1993/94-2003/04): 6; 20; 11; 16; 21; 24; 28; 25; 58; 66; 94 First Winner: Navan, November 7, 1992, Blushing Pearl Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 No Refuge) Big Race Wins: Winter Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Inglis Drever); Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Inglis Drever); totesport Classic Chase (2004 Southern Star); Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Rosa); Charlie Hall Chase (2003 Ballybough Rasher; 2004 Grey Abbey); Scottish National (2004 Grey Abbey) John Smith’s Grand National (2004 Amberleigh House) Wins This Season: 84 Second win of The Festival 2005
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE - ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Graham Lee, rider of the winner No Refuge, said: “He is so tough. His heart is in the right place and he really tries his heart out. He had to be strong and he keeps staying on.
“Going down to the third last I was happy enough, but when they kicked he was caught a bit flat footed. But then turning in he was really starting to stay on again.”
Winning owner Graham Wylie said: “I thought at the last he had too much to do. I felt at that stage that if he was second that would be good, so to win as he has done was brilliant.
“I was pretty relaxed when Arcalis won yesterday, but today I am shaking a bit. It just gets better and better. I celebrated last night and my head is not OK !”
After this race Cashmans revised their prices about the leading owner at the meeting. Graham Wylie is now second favourite at 7-4 (from 5-1) behind David Johnson, who has eased from 4-5 to 6-4. J P McManus is a 2-1 shot with 50-1 bar.
Race One: Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle
Winner’s Quotes:
SAME AGAIN FOR DURHAM DYNAMOS
Graham Wylie, Howard Johnson and Graham Lee, who kicked off the first day in flying style when Arcalis won the Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, teamed up again to serve up an identical dish with No Refuge in today’s opener, the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle.
Racing Demon, having attacked on the final bend, looked to have the race in safe keeping when he jumped the last clear, but he drifted right, and Lee galvanized No Refuge who got up close home to win by three parts of a length.
“How tough is he?” asked Lee on dismounting, and Johnson described No Refuge as “a hardly little horse.”
The trainer said: “I have bought five horses from trainer Sir Mark Prescott and they have all won. This fellow is a real street-fighter, but he was not a natural when we first popped him over hurdles.
“However, the penny has dropped these past two weeks and he schooled well over one hurdle at home yesterday morning.”
As the rain lashed down, Johnson, who has a quality team up in County Durham, is pleased with the rain which will ease the ground to suit his Scottish National winner Grey Abbey, who runs in Friday’s totesport Gold Cup.
Johnson added: “It has been well documented how we have had problems with Grey Abbey’s check ligament on his off-fore, but he is sound now and looks great, so he is travelling down and we will check him over when he arrives at the course.
“He has done plenty of swimming, but I am very much in a no-win situation. I would hate anything to happen to the horse, but he is in terrific fettle and if it keeps on raining he will take a lot of pegging back.
“Whatever happens, the plan is to retire Grey Abbey at the end of the season, and if he wins the Gold Cup that will be out and he will go straight out in the field. It’s a dilemma, and I want to do the best for the horse, but he is very well.”
FIRST RACE PLACED QUOTES - ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
NO REFUGE FOR DEMON
Racing Demon, who looked sure to land the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle heading to the last, was caught on the run-in to go down by three-quarters of a length to No Refuge.
“He may have been out in front just a bit too long but I was thrilled with that run,” said the second’s trainer Henrietta Knight. “I’ve always thought a lot of him and he is going to be some horse over fences.
“He’s had very few races in his life and we might give him one more outing over hurdles before he goes chasing next season, you can’t wrap them all up in cotton wool.”
Our Ben also finished well to take third under Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins is another looking forward to fences next season.
“He pulled too hard and was shuffled back at the third or fourth and had just two behind him. He’s not an easy ride and his three wins have all come on right-handed tracks,” said Mullins.
“I’ve always said he’s a chaser in the making and he jumped like one today - I’m looking forward to coming back here for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase next year.”
FIRST RACE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
GROUND
After the first race, the following jockeys reported the ground as:
Carl Llewellyn, rider of Red Georgie, said: “Good.”
Seamus Durack, rider of Forager, said: “There’s a bit of cut in it.”
Paul Carberry, rider of Queen Astrid, said: “Soft side of good.”
Robbie Power, rider of Court Leader, said: “A bit loose on top but still good ground.”
Timmy Murphy, rider of Inch Pride, and Barry Geraghty, rider of Secret Ploy, both said: “A bit slower than yesterday.”
Noel Fehily, rider of Bagan, said: “The rain is getting in a bit - on the easy side.”
Tony McCoy, rider of Reveillez, said: “Still good at the moment.”
Tony Dobbin, rider of Roman Ark, said: “Good ground.”
Jimmy McCarthy, rider of Darkness, said: “Good but the rain will get in and make it a bit slower.”
Christian Williams, rider of Snoopy Loopy, said: “Good ground now but it will be riding on the softer side later on probably.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.35pm ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
Class A, Grade One, £140,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m .5f. Weights: 5yo 10st 8lb; 6yo+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £81,200; 2nd: £30,800; 3rd: £15,400; 4th: £7,000; 5th: £5,500; 6th: £2,100
1) TRABOLGAN (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 7-11-04 Mick Fitzgerald 5/1
2) COMPLY OR DIE (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-04 Timmy Murphy 3/1 Fav
3) CORNISH REBEL (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 8-11-04 Ruby Walsh 9/2
4) L'AMI (Jim McCarthy & Uplifting Bloodstock Ltd) Francois Doumen FR 6-11-04 Robert Thornton
5) LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 11-10-11 Tony McCoy
6) BRAVE SPIRIT (The Con Club) Colin Tizzard p7-11-04 Joe Tizzard
F12) TRIBAL VENTURE (Hill, Trembath, Bryan & Outhart) Ferdy Murphy 7-11-04 Brian Harding
PU) LIGHT DES MULOTTES (R K Carvill) Charles Egerton b6-11-04 Jimmy McCarthy
PU) BACKBEAT (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 8-11-04 Graham Lee
9 ran Non-Runner-King Harald (runs tomorrow)
Breeder: Michael Lysaght Breeding: b g King’s Ride - Derrella (Derrylin)
Dist: 3, 3, hd, 2.5, dist
Tote: Win: £5.30 Places: £2.10; £1.80; £1.80 Exacta: £19.30
Winning Trainer: Nicholas John Henderson Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth:10/12/50 Date of first licence: July (1978) Previous occupation/ apprenticeship: Amateur jockey, assistant to Fred Winter 1975-78 Wins (1982/3--2003/04):40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 93, 69, 79 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 56, 45, 56, 66, 76, 67, 66, 72, 71, 71, 65, 64, 69, 80, 83, 84, 91, 115, 114, 116, 113 Cheltenham Festival wins: (26) County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper), Mildmay (1985,1986 The Tsarevich), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man), Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then),Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino), William Hill National Hunt H’cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2005 Trabolgan) Other major wins include: Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1993/94/95 Travado), First National Bank Gold Cup (1994 Raymylette, 2003 Iris Royal), Peterborough Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 1993 & 1995 Travado), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1991 Mutare, 1997 Fiddling The Facts), Victor Chandler Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio), Agfa Diamond Chase (1996 Amtrak Express), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog), BMW Handicap Chase (1998 Big Matt), West Yorkshire Hurdle (1999 Silver Wedge), Gerry Feilden Hurdle (1999 Bacchanal), Totesport Gold Trophy Hcap Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 and 2004 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), AON Chase (2002 Bacchanal), Tripleprint Gold Cup (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal), Ladbroke Hurdle (2002 Chauvinist), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2003 Fondmort), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio) Wins This Season: 47
Winning Jockey: Mick Fitzgerald Date/place of birth: Cork, 10/05/1970 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (12) CATHCART CHASE: (1994 Raymylette, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), WILLIAM HILL TROPHY CHASE (1995 Rough Quest, 2000 Marlborough), JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (1999 Katarino), QUEEN MOTHER (1999 Call Equiname), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (1999 See More Business), IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Tiutchev), LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE (2000 Bacchanal), CORAL CUP (2003 Xenophon), ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE (2005 Trabolgan) Other Big Race Wins: GRAND NATIONAL CHASE (1996 Rough Quest), VICTOR CHANDLER CHASE (Big Matt 1996, Isio 2004), AGFA DIAMOND CHASE (1996 Amtrak Express), MITIE GROUP KENNEL GATE HURDLE (1998 Hidebound), TOTE LANZAROTE HCAP HURDLE (1999 Tiutchev), MITSUBISHI SHOGUN GAME SPIRIT CHASE (1999 Celibate), MITSUBISHI SHOGUN PENDILNOVICES’ CHASE (1999 Makounji), WEEKENDER DOVECOTE NOVICES’ HURDLE (1999 Premier Generation), VOICE NEWSPAPER ADONIS JUVENILE NOVICES’ HURDLE (1999 Katarino), QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (1999 Call Equiname), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (1999 See More Business), CHARLIE HALL CHASE (1999 and 2000 See More Business), ROSSINGTON MAIN NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Dusk Duel), AON CHASE (2000 See More Business), TOTE GOLD TROPHY HCAP HURDLE (2000 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), DESERT ORCHID H’CAP CHASE (2000 Fadalko), TRIPLEPRINT GOLD CUP (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal), PADDY POWER GOLD CUP (2003 Fondmort), FIRST NATIONAL GOLD CUP (2003 Iris Royal) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/04): 68; 82; 102; 121; 107; 78; 109; 77; 51 Wins This Season: 61
RACE 2 WIN QUOTES - ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
TRABOLGAN OVERCOMES INEXPERIENCE
Trabolgan’s three length win in today’s Royal & SunAlliance Chase had trainer Nicky Henderson, who was gaining his 26th Festival victory, dreaming of further success in next year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He said: “This fellow is inexperienced and what he’s got to do now is keep learning. Trevor [Hemmings, owner] bought him as a yearling and it’s a long old project when you do that.
“His only blip came at Haydock last time when it was horrible ground and I had to leave him alone after that - I was hoping to get another run into him. It took him a bit of time to get over his Kempton run as well. I cannot believe that he just won’t keep improving. That was Plan A and I would like to think that he’ll be back for the Gold Cup next year.
“I worked a whole lot of horses at Newbury last weekend but this fellow wasn’t one of them as he didn’t need a racecourse gallop. He’s just been practising at home.
“The horses have come back well although we had a few wobbles last week. I haven’t won any of the big races this year so it was important to get a win in at the Festival.
“This is a lovely horse - he’s got class, character and temperament and he’s getting to learn a bit more now.
“He only had three hurdle races, a couple of bumpers and this was only his fourth chase start - he’s entitled to learn a bit more about life.”
Trabolgan received a 16/1 quote for next year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup from Paddy Power.
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES - ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
Mick Fitzgerald, rider of the sucessful Trabolgan, said: “we’ve always had a warm opinion of him and it is really good that he has finally done what we thought he could do.
“Coming to the meeting we thought he was our best chance and I am so pleased for the horse. I thought he was gone at the second last.”
Winning owner Trevor Hemmings, celebrating his first Festival winner, said: “Nicky has been ever so patient with this horse and Mick was fantastic, I have always felt that he was a really good horse and it was my idea to run him in the bumper two years ago when he was second.This is a really special moment.
“When he idles you have to be careful because that is when he can lose concentration.
“I now know how David Johnson feels every week.
“I told Mick Fitzgerald that I wanted to give him a Cheltenham winner before he retired and he replied ‘you cheeky so and so.
“Nicky kept him in the Gold Cup at my request but he pointed out that the horse still has low mileage on the clock and said that we should go for the novice race and come back for the big one next year.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said: “He is a lovely, lovely horse. Experience is what he has been lacking and that showed sometimes today. Mick said that the second last was a bit hairy.
“He is still learning and is still a baby, but that is one in the bag, one on the board.”
Ladbrokes make Trabolgan a 25-1 chance for next year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Race Two: Royal & SunAlliance Chase
Placed Quotes:
“WE ARE LUCKY TO BE HERE” - PIPE
Winning is not everything, and, despite 3-1 favourite Comply Or Die being beaten into second place by Trabolgan in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, his trainer, Martin Pipe, was just “happy to be here”.
Pipe explained: “Comply Or Die had such a crunching fall four from home at Newbury in November that I feared the worst.
“He lay on the ground for a long time, and the injuries he suffered were horrific, but Mary Bromiley and the vets did a magnificent job, and it is purely down to them that we are here today.
“He jumped really well today, and the lass who looks after him has told me we’ll be back next year to win the Gold Cup. She is a good judge, and I hope she is right.”
Chasing’s most treasured crown is also the long-term target for Cornish Rebel, though owner Graham Roach conceded “he’ll need soft ground.”
Roach added: “We needed this rain to have come 24 hours ago - Cornish Rebel is a galloper, but, granted a soft ground Festival in 2006, he could well be a Gold Cup horse.”
Paul Nicholls, who trains Cornish Rebel, said: “He was always flat to the boards, but the Scottish National could well be his race. Novices do well in the Ayr marathon, and Ruby (Walsh) would be able to ride more of a race on him.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
THIRD RACE RESULT - 3.15pm QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
Class A, Grade One, £250,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 6lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £145,000; 2nd: £55,000; 3rd: £27,500; 4th: £12,500; 5th: £6,250; 6th: £3,750
1) MOSCOW FLYER (Brian Kearney) Jessica Harrington IRE 11-11-10 Barry Geraghty 6/4 Fav
2) WELL CHIEF (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-10 Timmy Murphy 7/2
3) AZERTYUIOP (John & Lisa Hales) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Ruby Walsh 2/1
4) ONEWAY (Mark Rimell) Mark Rimell 8-11-10 Graham Lee
5) KADARANN (Notalottery) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Paddy Brennan
6) CENTRAL HOUSE (John Kenny) Dessie Hughes IRE b1 8-11-10 Paul Carberry
7) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Martin Pipe t10-11-10 Jamie Moore
PU BEF 9) CENKOS (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 11-11-10 Joe Tizzard
8 ran
Breeder: Edward Joyce Breeding: b g Moscow Society (USA) - Meelick Lady (IRE) (Duky)
Dist: 2, 13, 7, 7, 4, 1.5
Tote: Win: £2.20 Places: £1.30; £1.60; £1.40 Exacta: £4.60
Winning Trainer: Jessica Harrington Based: Commonstown Stables, Moone, County Kildare, Ireland Background: Fomrer three-day-event rider, competed for Ireland at the Olympics. Date of First Licence: 1989 Cheltenham Festival Wins (5): Grand Annual Hcap Chase (1999 Space Trucker), Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003 & 2005 Moscow Flyer), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader) Big Race Wins: Melling Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Evening Herald Champion Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Morgiana Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), William Hill Handicap Hurdle (2002 Spirit Leader), Totesport Gold Trophy (2003 Spirit Leader) Wins This Season (In Britain): 3
Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: one of six children from a “horse-mad” family in Drumree. His father Tucker was a useful amateur rider and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brothers Ross and Norman are both jockeys. The former won the 2002 Irish Grand National on The Bunny Boiler, while Norman is an amateur who doubles as a farrier. Barry has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that arena in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride the following month. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), William Hill Trophy Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift) Big Race Wins: Grand National (2003 Monty’s Pass), Midlands Grand National (1998 Miss Orchestra), Melling Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Evening Herald Champion Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Intervet Trophy (2002 Stormez), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2002 Cyfor Malta), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio), Tingle Creek Chase (2003 & 2004 Moscow Flyer) Wins in Britain in 2002/3-2003/4: 26; 13 Wins This Season (In Britain): 8
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE - QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
Barry Geraghty, rider of the victorious Moscow Flyer, said: “he’s different class. He travelled brilliantly and jumped well, though he missed the last ditch, just like he did last year.
“Turning for home he pricked his ears and started taking the mick and he really winged the last.”
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said: “What a race and he had to do it the hard way. He was just brilliant, he really was, though he did miss the last ditch a bit.”
Eamon Leigh, Harrington’s head lad who looks after Moscow Flyer, said: “he’s back in his rightful place. He was the best horse in the race and he showed it. He’s not showing his age. He’s been in great form and we’ve been happy with him all the time. He’s had a great preparation.He couldn’t do any better than this. I’ve given him a lot of time and now he has done this for me.”
Ruby Walsh felt that Azertyioup “just wasn’t himself. He ran no sort of a race and he was just never going from an early stage. That’s just not him. Before the water where he made his mistake I knew it was all over and I just couldn’t keep up. This just wasn’t his day, but he’ll be back to fight another day.
“The winner is a brilliant horse with a great jockey, a brilliant trainer and the best lad. He’s a marvellous horse and he got the reception he deserved; I can’t see any reason why he should not be back next year.”
Hills offer 7-2 against Moscow Flyer and Well Chief for the Queen Mother Champion Chase next year, while Ladbrokes have Moscow Flyer at 2-1 and Well Chief at 3-1 with Azertyioup a 5-1 chance. Cashmans offer 9-4 against Moscow Flyer, with Azertyioup on 3-1 and Well Chief a point longer.
Race Three: Queen Mother Champion Chase - Press Conference Quotes:
QUEEN MOTHER PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Barry Geraghty, who quite rightly milked every last drop out of the amazing reception which greeted Moscow Flyer in the winner’s enclosure after his brilliant triumph in the Queen Mother Chase, had no hesitation in reaffirming that “he is the best that I have ridden.”
Elaborating on that claim, Geraghty added: “People have even claimed that Moscow Flyer is the best horse we have seen since Arkle, and I would not argue with that.
“He might only have won two lengths, but he had his ears pricked and only ever does just enough. He beat Steel Band by only two and a half lengths at Leopardstown last time, and that fellow was tailed off in the Arkle yesterday, but that is Moscow. He does not believe in over-exerting himself.
“Cheltenham is where Moscow Flyer belongs - he is an amazing horse in that, while he is 11-years-old, he pulls out like a six-year-old every morning and, touch wood, has never taken a lame step in his life.”
Owner Brian Kearney, who is a successful engineer, beamed: “He has blown them sky-high, and he showed that there is plenty of life in the old boy yet.
“You need to experience the lows to really appreciate the highs, and though we were really sad when he tipped up last year it has made winning that much sweeter.
“Where he goes now is up to Jessie (Harrington). I put in my twopennyworth and then she tells me what we are doing. He is the best over two miles, but I suppose when he does start to lose a bit of his speed we might finally have a shot at the King George VI Chase. Jessie says he is bred to get the trip and further.”
THIRD RACE WINNING QUOTES - QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
MOSCOW STARS
It was billed as the race of the Festival and the Queen Mother Champion Chase lived up to the anticipation when - with Azertyuiop having made a mistake at the water fence - Moscow Flyer held off Well Chief to score by two lengths.
The winner returned to a huge cheer and jockey Barry Geraghty, who treated racegoers to a Frankie Dettori-style flying dismount, said: “He jumped brilliantly, was always in command and just a different class today. He is an amazing horse and now has won more than £1 million in prize money and this was his 18th completed start and win.
“He didn’t have to do as much as when winning the Tingle Creek today and it was all very straightforward, I hope it’s as easy next year.
“Last year was one of those things and he put in a short one at the ditch again but we got through it between us.”
Trainer Jessica Harrington added: “He was absolutely brilliant and the atmosphere he came back to was just electric.
“He did it the hard way from the front today and I watched the whole thing, I have to see every bit of the agony although did close my eyes at the third last but fortunately he jumped it super.
“I didn’t have any doubts about him staying, he’s won over two and a half at Aintree, but I was worried about Well Chief, he’s very tough.
“I hope Azertyuiop is alright but we ran Well Chief to a similar margin as at Sandown, maybe we were half a length further in front.
“He never wins by very far, last time he only scored by two and a half lengths, his races don’t take that much out of him, that may be the thing.
“We’re all very attached to him, we’ve had him for six years and he has been an amazing horse. I don’t think he’s ever had an easier preparation than this year.
“We take it one race at a time with him and there would be only two other options if we were to run him again, Punchestown and Aintree. We will have to have a good think about it in the cold light of day.”
Harrington is as usual staying with Nicky Henderson, who saddled Trabolgan to win today’s Royal & SunAlliance Chase, and she added: “I think we will be celebrating properly tonight, maybe Nicky will have another winner as well. I wouldn’t like to think what state we will all be in tomorrow.”
RACE 3 PLACE QUOTES - QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
YOUNG PRETENDER JUST DENIED
Well Chief bowed to his older rival Moscow Flyer, going down by two lengths in a thrilling renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Martin Pipe, Well Chief’s trainer, said: “I’m very proud of him, it was a fantastic run and I’m delighted.
“That was the best run of his life and he jumped well and went well - I have no excuses and if you had told me two months ago that we would be beaten two lengths by Moscow Flyer, I would have settled for that!
“The rain wouldn’t have helped our fellow. He’s only a baby [six-years-old] while Moscow is 11 - I hope we’re that good when we are 11. He was bought by Graham Bradley so well done Graham Bradley. He was always going well but Moscow Flyer was always going just a bit better. I don’t know where he’ll run next.”
Owner David Johnson added: “We’ll take a deep breath - most of the critics say that he’s had a hard season.”
Azertyuiop was a further 13 lengths adrift for trainer Paul Nicholls and owner John Hales.
The owner said: “There is one more race for him and we’ll see how he is after this - he’s gone back to the top of the Order of Merit.
“He might go into the field or run in the race at Sandown [the Queen Mother Celebration Chase] at the end of April but I would think that he is only going to run there if there is a chance to win the Order of Merit [Azertyuiop is now on 70 points, while Crystal D’Ainay has 63 points].
“I’m disappointed with him but he is safe and well and Moscow Flyer is a worthy winner. This is the first time our fellow has had an off day and Ruby said that he didn’t think he was going to win after the first fence.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
FOURTH RACE RESULT
4.00pm CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE
Class A, Grade Three, £75,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m 5f. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after February 27, a winner of a hurdle 4lb - no penalty to increase a horses’s weight above 11st 12lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125
1) IDOLE FIRST (Direct Sales UK Ltd) Venetia Williams 6-10-10 Alan O'Keeffe 33/1
2) DANCING BAY (Elite Racing Club) Nicky Henderson 8-11-01 Mick Fitzgerald 14/1
3) TUMBLING DICE (Mrs John Donegan) Tom Taaffe IRE 6-11-01 Barry Geraghty 16/1
4) COVENT GARDEN (ADA Partnership) Howard Johnson 7-10-07 Tony Dobbin 14/1
5) AFTER EIGHT (Let’s Live Racing) Venetia Williams 5-10-02 Sam Thomas 33/1
6) FAIRWOOD PRESENT (R J Bagnall) Philip Rothwell IRE 7-10-07 John Cullen
7) ROYALEETY (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) Ian Williams 6-10-10 David Dennis
8) FOUNTAIN HILL (The Fountains Partnership) Paul Nicholls 6-11-02 Philip Brennan
9) DISTANT PROSPECT (The Rae Smiths & Pauline Gale) Andrew Balding 8-10-08 Tony McCoy 100/30 Fav
10) LILIUM DE COTTE (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 6-10-04 Andrew Tinkler
11) SUPREME SERENADE (Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs 6-11-02 Paul Flynn
12) MYTHICAL KING (Richard Edwards) Richard Lee 8-10-09 Robert Thornton
13) TOP STRATEGY (W J Kane) Ted Walsh IRE b5-11-01 Ruby Walsh
14) SPRING PURSUIT (Ed Bevan) Ed Bevan 9-10-08 Christian Williams
15) LOUGH DERG (W Frewen) Martin Pipe 5-11-12 Tom Scudamore
16) ANSAR (Kay Devlin) Dermot Weld IRE b1 9-11-07 David Casey
17) ZIBELINE (Ashley Carr) Brian Ellison t1 8-11-00 Noel Fehily
18) YOU OWE ME (C Cornes) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-10-04 Carl Llewellyn
19) GIVE ME LOVE (C J Harriman) Paul Nicholls t5-10-02 Robbie McNally
20) OMNI COSMO TOUCH (Alan Potts) Sue Smith 9-10-07 David Elsworth
21) ROYAL HECTOR (Three Countries Racing 2) Martin Pipe v1 6-10-03 Tom Malone (5)
22) ILNAMAR (Joe Moran) Martin Pipe v1 9-11-04 Timmy Murphy
23) RED RUFFLES (T F C Partnership) Noel Chance 6-10-05 Tom Doyle
24) EBINZAYD (R J Gilbert) Len Lungo 9-10-09 Gary Berridge (5)
25) ANATAR (Eminence Grise Partnership) Martin Pipe 7-10-04 Jamie Moore
F 2 OUT) SHARP RIGGING (The Sharpshooters) Alex Hales 5-10-07 Jimmy McCarthy
PU) KASTHARI (Elliott Brothers) Howard Johnson 6-11-05 Graham Lee
PU) JACK DAWSON (The Premier Cru) John Berry 8-11-02 Jim Culloty
PU) MR FLUFFY (The Cockpit Crew) Philip Hobbs 8-9-11 Robert Stephens (5)
29 ran Non-Runner: Unleash (Ground)
Breeder: Ralph Alfandari Breeding: b g Flemensfirth (USA) - Sharon Doll (IRE) (Shahrastani)
Dist: 5, 6, 5, nk, 1.25, .5,.75, .5, 2, 7, hd, 1.25, 2.5, 6, 1.5, 4, .5, 7, 5, 4, 15, 12, 5, dist
Tote Win: £45.90 Places: £8.20; £3.70; £3.30; £2.90 Exacta: £786.70
Winning Trainer: Venetia Mary Williams Trains at Aramstone, Kings Caple, Hereford Date of birth: May 10, 1960 Riding career: 10 NH winners as an amateur 1986-88 Date of first trainer’s licence: 1995, previously assistant John Edwards (1986-93), Martin Pipe (1993-4), six months with Colin Hayes (Australia), J Fulton (USA) and Barry Hillls Wins (1996/6--2003/04): 7, 33, 45, 74, 74, 63, 55, 78, 89 Number of horses in training (1998-2004): 52; 73; 71; 73; 89; 87; 87 Cheltenham Festival wins: (2) Grand Annual Challenge Cup H’cap Chase (2000 Samakaan), Coral Cup (2005 Idole First) Big race wins: Badger Beer Chase (1998 Teeton Mill), Hennessy Gold Cup (1998 Teeton Mill), King George VI Chase (1998 Teeton Mill), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (1999 Teeton Mill), Cleeve Hurdle (1999, 2000, 2001 Lady Rebecca), Peter Marsh Limited Hcp Chase (1999 General Wolfe), Thomas Pink Gold Cup Handicap Chase (1999 The Outback Way), First National Bank Gold Cup Handicap Chase (1999 Nordance Prince), Unicorn Handicap Chase (2000 The Outback Way), Towton Novice Chase (2000 Arctic Camper), Victor Chandler Handicap Chase (2000 Nordance Prince), Haldon Gold Cup H’cap Chase (2000 Bellator), Ladbroke Hurdle (2003 Thesis) Other details: Won Group Three Ormonde Stakes (1998 Stretarez) with her first runner on the Flat. Wins This Season: 67
Winning Jockey: Alan Christopher O’Keeffe Riding Weight: 9st 5lb Background: 120 successes in pony races in Ireland, formerly based with Ferdy Murphy in North Yorkshire First Winner under Rules on Flat: Bold Amusement (Amateur Riders’ Handicap, Ayr, September 20, 2001) Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Coral Cup (2005 Idole First) Wins 2002/03-2003/04: 21; 25 Wins This Season: 25
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE FOUR
CORAL CUP HURDLE
Winning jockey Alan O’Keeffe, enjoying his first success at The Festival, said: “I have wanted this for ever and it is brilliant. I thought I was going to do it yesterday on Luzcadou (who was second to Spot Thedifference in the Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase).
“He got a bit outpaced down the back but he kept going very well and has beaten some good horses. It is unbelievable.”
Venetia Williams, the winner’s trainer, said: “It is fantastic and I am stunned. Not so much because he has won but some things you hope for for such a long time. We’ve been talking about Cheltenham for this horse for a long time and you are just stunned when it actually happens.
“He is such a big horse that it has taken time for him to learn but he ran very well in the Tote Gold Trophy and it is fabulous to be back in the winner’s spot at Cheltenham.”
RACE 4 WIN QUOTES
CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE
IDOLE FIRST FOR O’KEEFFE
Idole First provided Alan O’Keeffe with his first Festival success when beating Dancing Bay by five lengths to bely his starting price of 33/1.
Winning trainer Venetia Williams said: “Alan always rides horses for this owner [Direct Sales UK Ltd] - it’s his third season with us and he shares a house with Sam Thomas.”
The winning rider said: “He’s a nice horse and he’ll be a real nice chaser. He galloped the whole way to the line and it’s great to get a chance on a good horse like this.
“The owner stood by me and this horse has been running in good handicaps. The step up in trip helped and he got it in every way - he picked up and really went.
“I did a lot of pony racing in Ireland and was at Liam Browne’s for a season. I then went to Ferdy Murphy which really helped but a lack of opportunities made me move down South to Venetia’s.
“It’s good to soft ground and you wouldn’t want much more rain - saying that it suited my horse.”
Race Four: Coral Cup
SPONSORS TOAST 33-1 WINNER
Arguably, the most muted reception of the meeting so far greeted the shock 33-1 success of Idole First in the Coral Cup, but, while there were precious few punters celebrating, especially with the gambled on 100-30 favourite Distant Prospect having trailed in ninth, the sponsors were grinning from ear to ear on the victory rostrum.
“No excuses - we had the run of the race and were going well enough running down the hill, but I am not sure that he actually got home,” said a disappointed Tony McCoy as he dismounted from Distant Prospect.
David Stevens of Corals admitted that it had been “a tremendous result” for the layers but was taken aback by the monumental plunge on Distant Prospect.
He said: “If Distant Prospect had won it would have cost the bookies millions. He was the biggest gamble of the week, and, make no mistake, the betting ring is so strong out there that it takes a lot of money to shift a horse from an early morning 6-1 down to 100-30.”
Andrew Balding, who trains Distant Prospect, was baffled by the deluge of cash for the favourite.
He said: “At 20-1, I thought he was each-value, but he has ended up a ridiculous price and he looked not to stay.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.40pm FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP CHASE
Class B, £50,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+ Rated 0-140, 3m .5f. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after February 27, a winner of a class A to C chase 4lb - no penalty to increase a horses’s weight above 11st 12lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £29,000; 2nd: £11,000; 3rd: £5,500; 4th: £2,500; 5th: £1,250; 6th: £750
1) JUVEIGNEUR (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 8-11-07 Mr Richard Burton 12/1
2) LORD OF THE RIVER (Brian Stewart-Brown) Nicky Henderson 13-11-05 Mr Aidan Fitzgerald 50/1
3) PARSONS LEGACY (R A S Offer) Philip Hobbs 7-11-06 Mr Derek O'Connor 16/1
4) PERSIAN WATERS (Paul Green) James Fanshawe 9-11-12 Mr Tom Greenall 11/1
5) BEE AN BEE (Stan Moore) Tom George 8-10-10 Mr David Dunsdon
6) LOU DU MOULIN MAS (The Eight Amigos Racing Syndicate) Paul Nicholls 6-10-11 Mr Colman Sweeney (3)
7) KNOCK DOWN (Patrick Burling Developments Ltd) Henry Daly 6-11-06 Mr Adrian Wintle (3)
8) OH BE THE HOKEY (J P McManus) Charlie Swan IRE 7-11-03 Mr J T McNamara 9/2 Fav
9) SMILE PLEEZE (Miss S Troughton) Matt Sheppard 13-11-00 Miss Polly Gundry
10) ULUSABA (Dorothy Clinton, Chris McHugh, Jon King) Ferdy Murphy 9-10-07 Mr Tom Dreaper (3)
11) RATHBAWN PRINCE (Susie Culloty) Henrietta Knight 13-10-09 Mr Jonathan Jarrett (7)
12) CARRYONHARRY (Drs D Silk, J Castro, M Gillard, P Walker) Martin Pipe 11-10-00 Mr Andrew Glassonbury (7)
13) MAXIMIZE (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 11-11-05 Mr Darren Edwards (5)
14) MONTREAL (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 8-10-11 Mr Robert Quinn (7)
15) KOQUELICOT (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 7-10-10 Mr Tom O'Brien (7)
16) INDALO (ROA Arkle Partnership) Venetia Williams 10-11-02 Mr Nick Williams
BD 3 OUT) PEARLY JACK (Mrs A McCarthy) Davy Fitzgerald IRE 7-10-08 Mr Michael O'Connor (3)
DNF) THE BANDIT (Richard Lavelle) Emma Lavelle 8-11-9 Mr Robert Widger
F 2 OUT) LATITUDE (Neil Edwards, Martin Pipe) Martin Pipe 6-10-10 Mr Guy Weatherley (7)
DNF) BOLD INVESTOR (Mrs A R Thompson) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-11 Mr Kevin Power
DNF) CHAMPAGNE HARRY (Raymond Mould, Gavin MacEchern) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-10-03 Mr Gerald Tumelty
F 3 OUT) THE BUSHKEEPER (Brian Stewart-Brown, J Palmer-Brown) Nicky Henderson 11-10-13 Mr Ben King (5)
DNF) HEART MIDOLTIAN (Mrs S Neville) Martin Pipe 8-11-05 Mr Gordon Elliott
DNF) ITSONLYME (Mel Davies) Venetia Williams 12-10-11 Mr Robbie McCarthy (7)
24 ran
Breeder: P Le Gloannec Breeding: ch g Funny Baby (FR) - Azurea (FR) (On My Way)
Dist: 1.25, 1, 6, 6, nk, 5, hd, 2.5, 14, 9, hd, 2.5, 1, .5, 24
Tote: Win: £16.90 Places: £4.20; £7.40; £4.00; £3.90 Exacta: £541.50
Winning Trainer: Nicholas John Henderson Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth:10/12/50 Date of first licence: July (1978) Previous occupation/ apprenticeship: Amateur jockey, assistant to Fred Winter 1975-78 Wins (1982/3--2003/04):40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 93, 69, 79 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 56, 45, 56, 66, 76, 67, 66, 72, 71, 71, 65, 64, 69, 80, 83, 84, 91, 115, 114, 116, 113 Cheltenham Festival wins: (27) County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur), Mildmay (1985,1986 The Tsarevich), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man), Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then),Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino), William Hill National Hunt H’cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2005 Trabolgan) Other major wins include: Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1993/94/95 Travado), First National Bank Gold Cup (1994 Raymylette, 2003 Iris Royal), Peterborough Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 1993 & 1995 Travado), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1991 Mutare, 1997 Fiddling The Facts), Victor Chandler Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio), Agfa Diamond Chase (1996 Amtrak Express), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog), BMW Handicap Chase (1998 Big Matt), West Yorkshire Hurdle (1999 Silver Wedge), Gerry Feilden Hurdle (1999 Bacchanal), Totesport Gold Trophy Hcap Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 and 2004 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), AON Chase (2002 Bacchanal), Tripleprint Gold Cup (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal), Ladbroke Hurdle (2002 Chauvinist), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2003 Fondmort), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio) Wins This Season: 48
Winning Jockey: Richard Peter Lingen Burton Born: August 24, 1976 Based: Preston-On-Severn, Uffington, Shrewsbury Status: amateur rider who won last season’s British men’s point-to-point championship. Attended Shrewsbury School before Reading University, where he also rode out for Henrietta Knight in between lectures Big Race Victories: Wragge & Co Hunters’ Chase (1997 Rusty Bridge); Lynx Express Hunters’ Chase (2000 Coulton). Former champion point-to-point rider. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (2005 Juveigneur)
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE FIVE
FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR HANDICAP CHASE
Champion point-to-point rider Richard Burton, successful on Juveigneur, was enjoying his first Festival success. “It’s a childhood dream, unbelievable,” he said, “and I am chuffed to bits.
“He was always travelling well though we were a bit worried about him getting the trip as his best form seems to have been over two miles four. But I was able to get a bit of a breather into him and that undoubtedly helped.
“I thought at one moment that I might have got there a bit too soon, but he ran on really well.”
This was the second success of the day and of The Festival for owner Trevor Hemmings, who is now at 5-1 (from 50-1) with Cashmans to be top owner at the meeting in terms of number of winners.
David Johnson, who was once odds on, is now at 7-4 (from 6-4) with Graham Wylie at 9-4 from 7-4 and J P McManus on 5-2 from 2-1.
FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES -FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR HANDICAP CHASE
JUVEIGNEUR COMPLETES HEMMINGS DOUBLE
Owner Trevor Hemmings, who enjoyed his first Festival success with Trabolgan in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, completed a double when Juveigneur landed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase under amateur Richard Burton.
Nicky Henderson, who trained the winner, was also responsible for second-placed Lord Of The River and said: “Going to the third last I had the 1-2-3 and I was thinking ‘frigging heck’ until The Bushkeeper, who could have been going best of all, fell.
“You just have to be thankful for any success here. We had all those great years but for the last couple of Festivals we have just had all seconds and thirds.
“The first two are both in the Scottish National and the winner will probably go for the Topham Chase at Liverpool, he was bought as a Grand National horse originally.”
It was a first Festival success for leading amateur Richard Burton, who said: “Harry Fowler was going to ride him but then got injured so I only got called on Sunday night to see if I could come and school the horse on Monday morning.
“I was in Cheshire at the time having just collected my girlfriend from hospital so I said it would have to be Tuesday. They fancied him a bit but just didn’t know if he’d get the trip.”
Shropshire-based Burton, 28, was champion point-to-point rider in 2003 and is leading this year’s title race with 16 successes.
Race Five: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup - Placed Quotes:
“WE WERE ROBBED”
Amateur Derek O’Connor was kicking the soggy turf as he dismounted from third-placed Parsons Legacy after the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, convinced that a quirk of fate robbed them of victory.
Philip Hobbs, who trains Parsons Legacy - beaten only two and a quarter lengths - said: “They were nearly brought down in the melee at the third last. Derek had to snatch up and come round the outside, and, while he is adamant that it cost him the race, they always say that.
“However, I was delighted how well Parsons Legacy rallied up the hill. He has been running well over fences but is equally happy over hurdles, and I am not sure what route we will take now.”
Persian Waters
Persian Waters collapsed and died during the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
SIXTH RACE RESULT
5.20pm WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
Class A, Grade One, £40,000 Guaranteed. 2m .5f. For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised rules of racing except NH/INH Flat races; horses are not to have run in more than four NH/INH Flat races and before February 28, 2005, must have been placed first, second, third or fourth in such a race. Weights: 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo & 6yo 11st 5lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £23,200; 2nd: £8,800; 3rd: £4,400; 4th: £2,000; 5th: £1,000; 6th: £600
1) MISSED THAT (Violet O’Leary) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-05 Ruby Walsh 7/2 Fav
2) DE SOTO (Peter Deal) Paul Webber 4-10-12 Tom Doyle 20/1
3) RASHARROW (Ashleybank Investments Limited) Len Lungo 6-11-05 Tony Dobbin 9/1
4) REFINEMENT (Michael Tabor) Jonjo O'Neill 6-10-12 Kieren Fallon
5) CLEW BAY COVE (Liam Walsh) Colm Murphy IRE t1 5-11-05 Paul Carberry
6) BUENA VISTA (Matt Archer & the late Jean Broadhurst) Martin Pipe 4-10-12 Jamie Spencer
7) ITSMYBOY (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-05 Timmy Murphy
8) MISTER TOP NOTCH (Marie Cronin) Davy Fitzgerald IRE 6-11-05 Mr Michael O'Connor
9) EYE ON THE BALL (R A Scott, Michael O’Flynn) Mouse Morris IRE 6-11-05 Conor O'Dwyer
10) OSCAR'S ADVANCE (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 6-11-05 Fran Berry
11) KARAGHAN (James Gough) Stephen Mahon IRE t1 5-11-05 Mr Kenneth Bowens
12) HIGH TECH MADE (R F Bailey) Charles Egerton 5-11-05 Jimmy McCarthy
13) WEE ROBBIE (P H Betts (Holdings) Ltd) Nick Gifford 5-11-05 Leighton Aspell
14) TIDDLE ABOUT (Lar Byrne) Jim Gorman IRE 4-10-05 Richard Hughes
15) LENNON (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 5-11-05 Graham Lee
16) BEAUTIFUL VISION (Enda Hunston) Tom Taaffe IRE 5-11-05 Barry Geraghty
17) YABOYA (J P McManus) Philip Hobbs 6-11-05 Tony McCoy
18) OSCARDEAL (Charles Pogson) Charles Pogson 6-11-05 Adam Pogson
19) NICE HORSE (Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II) Martin Pipe 4-10-12 Jamie Moore
20) MISTER QUASIMODO (J M Dare, T Hamlin, J W Snook) Colin Tizzard 5-11-05 Joe Tizzard
21) SNAKEBITE (Malcolm Denmark) Mark Pitman 5-11-05 Seamus Durack
22) THERE IS NO DOUBT (Helen Bridges) Helen Bridges 4-10-12 Miss Lucy Bridges
FELL) THE MICK WESTON (Mick Weston) Richard Phillips 6-11-05 Richard Johnson
UR START) KARANJA (D G Staddon) Victor Dartnall 6-11-05 Miss Nina Carberry
24 ran
Breeder: Exors of the late T F M Corrie Breeding: b g Overbury (IRE) - Not Enough (Balinger)
Dist: nk,.75, 3.5, .5, 1.25, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 9, sh, nk, 3.5, .5, 4, 2,.75, 1.25, .5, 7, 18, 21
Tote: Win: £4.50 Places: £2.40; £6.20; £3.40 Exacta: £171.70
Winning Trainer: Willie Mullins Date of Birth: 15/9/56 Date of first licence: 1988 Cheltenham Festival wins: (9) Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1995 Tourist Attraction), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1998 Florida Pearl, 2004 Rule Supreme), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1996 Wither Or Which, 1997 Florida Pearl, 1998 Alexander Banquet, 2000 Joe Cullen, 2005 Missed That), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2002 Scolardy) Other Major Wins Include: Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 Florida Pearl, 2002 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Rule Supreme), French Champion Hurdle (2004 Rule Supreme), Pierse Hurdle (2002 Adamant Approach), King George VI Chase (2001 Florida Pearl)
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (7): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2004 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene) Other Big Race Wins: GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), GREATWOOD HURDLE (2003 Rigmarole), RACING POST CHASE (2004 Marlborough) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2003/04): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls Wins This Season: 68
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE SIX - WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
Ruby Walsh, rider of the successful Missed That, reported that the winner “was very, very free early on and I was almost exhausted trying to hold him.
“I then got him to settle a bit and we were in front coming off the bend. I was praying for the post to come and he was just able to keep his head in front.
“With the excitement of the false start I should probably have gone to the back of the field and settled him, and maybe I did the wrong thing in having him where I did. But sometimes you get lucky and that is what happened to me this time.”
GOING UPDATE
There were three and a half millimetres of rain during the afternoon and after the third race the going was changed from ‘good’ to ‘good, good to soft in places’.
The forecast is that the weather will be dry and warm for the next two days.
RACE SIX: WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER - WINNING QUOTES
MISSED THAT GIVES MULLINS
NAP HAND
Willie Mullins clocked up his fifth victory in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper when the hard-pulling Missed That provided Ruby Walsh with a belated first win at the meeting in the second-day finale.
In an incident-packed race, Missed That, the 7-2 favourite, was far too free over the first mile, but Mullins has always maintained that he was something special and a huge roar could be heard on the other side of the Cotswolds as Walsh powered him to the front on the bottom bend.
However, Missed That had to dig deep when De Soto and Rasharrow attacked him inside the final furlong, but, to his credit, the Irish horse found plenty, winning by a neck and three parts of a length.
Missed That carries the Florida Pearl colours of Violet O’Leary, and, though that legendary chaser won this very same race in 1997, Mullins was reluctant to make comparisons with the two.
He said: “They are two different types, and Missed That is much more nervous, so we were worried that if he hit the front and then heard the crowd screaming he might stop.
“However, he kept on galloping, much to the surprise of Ruby, who told me when he got off that he could not believe how any horse could keep going after pulling so hard.
“Ruby was convinced that he would run out of gas at the top of the hill, but we have always thought a fair bit of Missed That, and he has a serious engine.
“Missed That has already won a point-to-point, so he is going the same way as Florida Pearl, and he has done an awful lot of growing up these past three and a half months.
“I cannot wait to go jumping with him, but whether we go hurdling or go straight over fences has not yet been decided. He is six now, so time is slipping by, and, while we know he has plenty of gears, we might have to make more use of him if he is going to take such a tug.”
Cashmans were as impressed as most onlookers and offer only 6-1 about Missed That winning next year’s Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle and 8-1 about him winning the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.
RACE 6 PLACE QUOTES - WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
DE SOTO GOES DOWN FIGHTING
A vintage bumper saw De Soto go down valiantly by a neck to Irish raider Missed That.
De Soto’s trainer Paul Webber said: “I trained the winner’s half-brother Sandy Duff.
“I thought maybe this was the horse to beat the Irish in the bumper.
“I think the world of our horse - he’s run well in two proper bumpers now and all he has done is improve.
“I guess he will go hurdling next season and hopefully we can move a few yards that way [into the winner’s enclosure] next year.”
Len Lungo brought Rasharrow down from Scotland to finish a further three-quarters of a length away in third.
“I am delighted and Tony [Dobbin, rider] thinks that he is a very, very good horse. He thought that the winner looks to be exceptional and our fellow ran right to the line and stuck his head out all the way.
“We know he’s a good horse and if he comes out of this okay, he might go for the bumper at the Scottish National Meeting at Ayr. If we do go for that, I want the Ayr management to give me a bottle of whisky when we arrive just for showing him to them!”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
TODAY’S ATTENDANCE
Today’s total attendance, including non-paying racegoers such as annual members, owners and trainers, was 54,850. This compares with an equivalent figure of 66,792 on the second day of last year’s three-day Festival.
Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said: “We have had another day of fantastic racing and had an amazing reception for Moscow Flyer after he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second time.
“I continue to receive appreciative comments from racegoers about the ease of movement so far at The Festival and we’ve still got two more terrific days to come.”
TOTE TURNOVER
Today’s on-course tote turnover was £2,505,268 for six races, compared to £3,500,184 on the equivalent day last year when there were seven races.
Damian Walker, the tote’s PR Manager, said: “The turnover seems to be in line with what we expected and has been tracking attendances at the four-day Festival.”
LAST RACE ENQUIRY
Following The Mick Weston’s fall in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, a steward’s enquiry was held.
William Nunneley, senior stewards’ secretary, said: “We enquired into Richard Johnson’s fall and found that it was caused by a number of factors and couldn’t apportion the blame to anyone. We found that it was accidental, there was a lot of tightening causing a concertina-type effect.”
NO WATERING
The going remains GOOD, GOOD-TO-SOFT in places on the hurdle and chase courses and there will be no watering tonight.
Simon Claisse, Cheltenham’s Clerk of the Course, said: “We will consider tomorrow afternoon whether to selectively water both courses.”
DAILY TELEGRAPH TROPHY FOR THE LEADING TRAINER
STANDINGS AT THE END OF DAY TWO
1st 2nd 3rd
Nicky Henderson 2 2 1
Howard Johnson 2 - -
Martin Pipe 1 2 -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 - 1
Enda Bolger IRE 1 - -
Francois Doumen FR 1 - -
Jessica Harrington IRE 1 - -
Dessie Hughes IRE 1 - -
Paul Nolan IRE 1 - -
Venetia Williams 1 - -
Noel Meade IRE - 2 -
Kevin Bishop - 1 -
Henrietta Knight - 1 -
Ferdy Murphy - 1 -
Jonjo O’Neill - 1 -
Paul Webber - 1 -
Ian Williams - 1 -
Gary Moore - - 2
Paul Nicholls - - 2
Grant Cann - - 1
Noel Chance - - 1
Philip Hobbs - - 1
Len Lungo - - 1
Colm Murphy IRE - - 1
Tom Taaffe IRE - - 1
DAILY TELEGRAPH TROPHY FOR THE LEADING JOCKEY
STANDINGS AT THE END OF DAY TWO
1st 2nd 3rd
Graham Lee 2 - -
Timmy Murphy 1 2 -
Mick Fitzgerald 1 1 1
Barry Geraghty 1 1 1
Alan O’Keeffe 1 1 -
Ruby Walsh 1 - 3
Mr Richard Burton 1 - -
Miss Nina Carberry 1 - -
Mr J T McNamara 1 - -
Conor O’Dwyer 1 - -
Robert Thornton 1 - -
Paul Carberry - 2 -
Tom Doyle - 1 1
Paddy Brennan - 1 -
Jim Culloty - 1 -
David Dennis - 1 -
Mr Aidan Fitzgerald - 1 -
Jamie Moore - - 2
Barry Cash - - 1
Tony Dobbin - - 1
Miss Polly Gundry - - 1
Mr Derek O’Connor - - 1
Latest Paddy Power Betting: 9/4 Timmy Murphy, 5/2 Graham Lee, 4/1 Ruby Walsh, 5/1 Barry Geraghty, 10/1 Mick Fitzgerald, 12/1 Tony McCoy, 14/1 Robert Thornton 20/1 BAR
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
Archive
|
