Friday, March 18, 2005
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, 100,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo, 2m 1f. Weights: 11st. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £58,000; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500; 6th: £1,500
1) PENZANCE (Elite Racing Club) Alan King 4-11-00 Robert Thornton 9/1
2) FAASEL (Jim Ennis) Nicky Richards v1 4-11-00 Tony Dobbin 7/1
3) AKILAK (Ada Partnership) Howard Johnson 4-11-00 Graham Lee 7/2 Fav
4) CERIUM (Barry Fulton, Tony Hayward, S Fisher, Liam Brady) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh 8/1
5) PHAR BLEU (Judy Stewart) Georgie Browne 4-11-00 Jim Culloty
6) STRANGELY BROWN (We Didn’t Name Him Syndicate) Eric McNamara IRE 4-11-00 David Casey
7) DIEGO CAO (Vetlab Supplies Ltd) Gary Moore 4-11-00 Jamie Moore
8) YANKEEDOODLEDANDY (K Tyre & Mrs C Barclay) Patrick Haslam 4-11-00 Barry Keniry
9) BISCAR TWO (Maenllwyd Racing Club) Bernard Llewellyn b4-11-00 Christian Williams
10) LOYAL FOCUS (Michael Smurfit) Dermot Weld IRE v1 4-11-00 Paul Carberry
11) MAJLIS (J P McManus) Michael O'Brien IRE 4-11-00 Tony McCoy
12) ADMIRAL (Willie McKay) Richard Guest 4-11-00 Henry Oliver
13) SIMONOVSKI (Deborah Potter) Simon Burrough 4-11-00 Tom Doyle
14) NEW ENTIC (H R Hunt) Gary Moore 4-11-00 Philip Hide
15) SKYHAWK (David O’Moon) Henry De Bromhead IRE 4-11-00 Denis O'Regan
16) DANAW (Comtesse C A Armand) Francois Doumen FR t4-11-00 L Metais
17) COURANT D'AIR (J T Billson) Lucinda Featherstone 4-11-00 Paddy Brennan
18) DON'T BE BITIN (A J Mulvey) Eoin Griffin IRE 4-11-00 Davy Condon
19) SOUND BLASTER (Ormond Park Syndicate) Liam McAteer IRE b1 4-11-00 Davy Russell
20) BONBON ROSE (Sean Mulryan) Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR 4-11-00 Conor O'Dwyer
21) BARATI (Sean Mulryan) Michael O'Brien IRE 4-11-00 Barry Geraghty
PU) CARTE DIAMOND (Ashley Carr) Brian Ellison t4-11-00 Richard Johnson
PU) ETENDARD INDIEN (Belinda Harvey) Nicky Henderson b1 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald
23 ran Non-Runner: Waltzing Beau (Ground)
Breeder: Elite Racing Club Breeding: ch g Pennekamp (USA) - Kalinka (IRE) (Soviet Star)
Dist: hd, 8, 1.25, .5. 1, 3, 1, 8, 1.5, 1, 1.5, 1.5, nk, 10, 3, 10, 4, 2.5, hd, .5
Tote Win: £7.40 Places: £1.90; £2.10; £2.00; £2.20 Exacta: £60.40
Winning Trainer: Alan King Born: December 13, 1966 Based: Barbury Castle Stables, Wroughton, Wiltshire Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): William Hill National Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance) Big Race Wins: Bula Hurdle (1999 Relkeel), Long Walk Hurdle (1999 Anzum), Jim Ford Challenge Cup (2000 Spendid), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal d’Ainay) Number of horses in training (2000-2004): 65; 51; 56; 74; 85 Number of Winners (1999/2000-2003/04): 27; 18; 34; 40; 47 Wins this season: 55
Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Wins (1995/96-2003/04): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73 Cheltenham Festival wins: (5) FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP CHASE (King Lucifer 1997), PERTEMPS FINAL (Pharanear 1997), WILLIAM HILL TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami) , JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance) Big Race Wins: MICHAEL PAGE GROUP KINGMAKER NOVICES’ CHASE (Flagship Uberalles 1999), MONEY STORE RENDLESHAM HCAP HURDLE (1999 Pharanear), SPORTING INDEX CHASE (2002 Famfoni), TOTE BULA HURDLE (2003 Rigmarole), MARTELL FOXHUNTERS’ CHASE (Blue Cheek 1997), CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE (Shankar 1997), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shalespeare) Wins this Season: 85
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Alan King, trainer of the successful Penzance, said: “that was wonderful and a bit different from last year (King then saddled 5-1 favourite Trouble at Bay, who finished tenth).
“I am very relieved as we have had a mixed three days before this. Most of the other horses have not run very well and my confidence was at rock bottom this morning.
“I don’t know about being worried at the start with the delay, I was worried after the last and I thought the winning post would never come, but thank God it did in the end.
“‘Chocolate’ said that he was always travelling well and that he stayed on very well up the hill. That shows that the doubts about his stamina were totally unfounded.
“I have no idea about him running again this season, though there has to be the possibility of Aintree or Punchestown. I am now off to celebrate and shall have a few winning owners to do that with.”
BOOKMAKER REACTION
Ladbrokes offer 20-1 about both Penzance and Faasel for next year’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
FIRST RACE QUOTES
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
PENZANCE TRIUMPHS FOR ELITE RACING CLUB
Penzance, owned by the Elite Racing Club, held off a persistent challenge from Faasel to land the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle.
“I thought the winning line would never come - it was the longest furlong of my life,” said winning trainer Alan King. “The second horse kept closing and closing. He travelled throughout the race and battled up the hill - any doubts we had about stamina were unfounded.”
Nicky Richards, trainer of second-placed Faasel, said: “I thought halfway up the hill that he might get there but Dobbs said the winner just pulled out a bit more and it was a battle between two nice horses.
“He never jibbed and just kept his head down. If he comes out of this OK then he will go to Aintree. I’d like to give him a summer at grass as I think he will still grow a bit more.”
Howard Johnson, trainer of third-placed Akilak, said: “The ground has against him, he must have some juice and unfortunately it dried up too much. He has still run a good race and won’t be out again this season unless he gets a soft surface. We’ll keep him ticking over and maybe go to Punchestown if the ground was right.”
RACE ONE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
GROUND
After the first race, the following jockeys reported the ground as:
Mick Fitzgerald, rider of Etendard Indien, said: “Good.”
Richard Johnson, rider of Carte Diamond, said: “Good.”
Paul Carberry, rider of Loyal Focus, said: “On the slow side.”
Tony McCoy, rider of Majlis, said: “A little bit deader than yesterday.”
Tom Doyle, rider of Simonovski, said: “A little bit dead.”
Barry Geraghty, rider of Barati, said: “On the slow side.”
David Casey, rider of Strangely Brown, said: “It is riding okay in places but is on the easy side of good.”
Paddy Brennan, rider of Courant D’Air, said: “Good ground - lovely.”
Barry Keniry, rider of Yankeedoodledandy, said: “On the easy side of good.”
Denis O’Regan, rider of Skyhawk, said: “A bit tacky - dead.”
Jim Culloty, rider of Phar Bleu, said: “Riding a bit dead on the hurdle course.”
Christian Williams, rider of Biscar Two, said: “Just a small bit on the dead side.”
Conor O’Dwyer, rider of Bonbon Rose, said: “On the slow side of good.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.35pm BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES HURDLE
Class A, Grade Two, £75,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo+, 3m. Weights: 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125
1) MOULIN RICHE (J C Seroul) Francois Doumen FR 5-11-07 Robert Thornton 9/1
2) OVER THE CREEK (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-07 Timmy Murphy 5/1
3) BREWSTER (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) Ian Williams 8-11-07 Richard Johnson 9/4 Fav
4) BOB BOB BOBBIN (Sarah Tizzard) Colin Tizzard 6-11-07 Joe Tizzard
5) THAMES (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 7-11-07 Mick Fitzgerald
6) STAGE BY STAGE (Evelyn Hankinson) Charles Egerton 6-11-07 Jimmy McCarthy
7) WITHOUT A DOUBT (Malcolm Denmark) Mark Pitman 6-11-07 Seamus Durack
8) JACKSON (C B Brookes) Alan King 8-11-07 Wayne Hutchinson
9) ROMANY PRINCE (J B Webb) Steve Gollings 6-11-07 Paul Carberry
10) KINGS BAY (P J Doherty) Hughie Morrison 6-11-00 Jim Crowley
11) KELTIC ROCK (D J Erwin Bloodstock & Tony Geake) Jonathan Geake 6-11-07 Mark Bradburne
12) SENOR SEDONA (Felix Rosenstiel’s Widow & Son) Nick Gifford 6-11-07 James Davies
13) LADY ZEPHYR (David Langdon) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-11-00 Carl Llewellyn
14) WASHINGTON LAD (Garrafrauns Syndicate) Pat Fahy IRE 5-11-07 Tony McCoy
15) DALVENTO (J T Pierse) John Murphy 7-11-07 Andrew McMamara
16) VA VAVOOM (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies t7-11-07 Tom Scudamore
17) GAELIC MUSIC (P J Constable) Mark Bradstock 6-11-07 Mattie Batchelor
F 5) BEWLEYS BERRY (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-11-07 Graham Lee
18 ran Non-Runners: Get My Drift (Vet’s Certificate) , Laska De Thaix (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: J C Seroul Breeding: b g Video Rock (FR) - Gintonique (FR) (Royal Charter)
Dist: 2.5, nk, 3, 14, 1.75, 1.25, .5, 16, 17, 5, 1.75, 1.25, 6, 1, 29, sh
Tote Win: £11.80 Places: £3.00; £2.50; £1.80 Exacta: £62.80
Winning Trainer: Francois Doumen Date Of Birth: 11/6/40. Date Of First Trainer’s Licence: 1977 Previous Occupation: Served apprenticeship (trainers) with father, Jean, who trained for James Hennessy at Maisons-Lafitte. Riding Career: Amateur 1956-70, rode more than 100 Flat winners including the Prix Georges Courtois, at Deauville in 1969/70. Big Race Wins Include: King George VI Chase (1987 Nupsala, 1991 & 1992 The Fellow, 1994 Algan, 2000 First Gold), Racing Post H’cap Chase (1995 Val d’Alene), Grande Steeplechase de Paris (1991 The Fellow, 1994 Ucello II, 1995 Ubu III), Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil (1992 & 1993 Ubu III), Prix Heros XII (1992 The Fellow, 1993 Ucello II), Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Feltham Novices’ Chase (1997 Djeddah), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1997 Djeddah), Wragge & Co Finesse Four-Year-Old Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Axminster 100 Kingwell Hurdle (2000 Hors La Loi III), Voice Newspaper Adonis Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Snow Drop), Long Walk Hurdle (2000 Baracouda, 2001 Baracouda, 2003 Baracouda), Capel Cure Sharp Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Ben Ewar), The Glenlivet 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2001 Bilboa) Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): totesport Gold Cup (1994 The Fellow), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2000 Snow Drop), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2002, 2003 Baracouda), William Hill Trophy Chase (2005 Kelami), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche) Horses in Training (1999-2004): 83; 104; 102; 119; 124; 93 Number of Winners in Britain (1998/99-2003/04): 3; 5; 9; 9; 4; 7 Wins This Season (In Britain): 9 Second Win of The Festival 2005
Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Wins (1995/96-2003/04): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73 Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP CHASE (King Lucifer 1997), PERTEMPS FINAL (Pharanear 1997), WILLIAM HILL TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche) Big Race Wins: MICHAEL PAGE GROUP KINGMAKER NOVICES’ CHASE (Flagship Uberalles 1999), MONEY STORE RENDLESHAM HCAP HURDLE (1999 Pharanear), SPORTING INDEX CHASE (2002 Famfoni), TOTE BULA HURDLE (2003 Rigmarole), MARTELL FOXHUNTERS’ CHASE (Blue Cheek 1997), CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE (Shankar 1997), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare) Wins this Season: 86 Third Win of The Festival 2005
RACE TWO BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
WIN QUOTES
DOUMEN GAINS SECOND FESTIVAL SUCCESS
Francois Doumen gained his second Festival victory of 2005 when Moulin Riche won the new Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle by two and a half lengths from Over The Creek, adding to Tuesday’s success from Kelami.
The French trainer said: “Other than Baracouda being beaten, I am 200% satisfied with the way this year’s Festival has gone. Danaw was well beaten in the Triumph Hurdle but you need luck in that race and that is something that you cannot count on and I have struck that run through.
“Moulin Riche will run at Aintree and after that go back to France for a rest before a steeplechasing campaign in the Autumn.
“I hadn’t really thought about this year’s King George VI Chase for him but he is a typical horse for that - he stays forever on any ground. The only thing is that although he has run in chases in France, he needs to get to know the English fences.
“As for next year’s Gold Cup, we’ll need to see how he jumps a fence before I can start thinking about that but obviously it could be a target.
“Baracouda was ridden this morning and he licked his manger out and he is just a real pleasure to train. I have said it before but I’ll say it again, he’s run here four years in a row now and was beaten yesterday by a younger horse on fast ground. I would like to meet the winner again on softer ground.
“Baracouda puts the bar very high indeed in terms of standard and he may run at Aintree or Punchestown.”
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE TWO
BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Winning trainer Francois Doumen said: “he was cruising and this kid has ridden him very well. I find it so hard to win here, so to win two means that I have been very spoiled. C’est magnifique, extraordinaire.
“It is like a dream, really, to have two winners, though it did not quite go right in the middle. It is hard to do it from France.
“His owner is President of the French Racehorse Owners’ Association and he thought I was crazy to run the horse here.
“But he has beaten the good horses in France and though he has never been over this trip I am sure he needed it. It is too soon for him to meet the big boys in France.
“Baracouda went out ridden this morning and licked out his manger. He is a real pleasure.”
‘Chocolate’ Thornton, who rode the winner, said: “he was always travelling well, and though he missed the one at the top of the hill that had no effect on me and it meant that I didn’t get to the front too soon.
“Penzance has made my week and now I need a bit of luck for Almaydan in the Grand Annual.”
MORE BOOKMAKER REACTION AFTER FIRST RACE
Paddy Power offer 20-1 about Penzance and 25-1 about Faasel for next year’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
SECOND RACE PLACED QUOTES
BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
JOHNSON LOOKS FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON FOR CREEK
Over The Creek failed by two and a half lengths to catch Moulin Riche in the first running of the Grade 2 Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle and owner David Johnson is already looking forward to next season.
“He ran out to the line and I thought he would be swallowed up at the top of the hill but he battled on,” said Johnson.
“We won’t see him again this season but what a prospect he is going to be over fences.”
Ian Williams saddled the 9/4 favourite Brewster to finish third and said: “The horse came again but the ground being as lively as it is just went against him in a competitive race like that.
“If the ground was soft he might go for the three-mile hurdle at Aintree but not if it was lively going there.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
THIRD RACE RESULT
3.15pm totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Class A, Grade One, £365,980 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m 2.5f. Weights: 5yo 11st; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £212,268.40; 2nd: £80,515.60; 3rd: £40,257.80; 4th: £18,299; 5th: £9,149.50; 6th: £5,489.70
1) KICKING KING (Conor Clarkson) Tom Taaffe IRE 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty 4/1 Fav
2) TAKE THE STAND (The Courters) Peter Bowen 9-11-10 Tony Dobbin 25/1
3) SIR REMBRANDT (Alan Hordle) Robert Alner 9-11-10 Andrew Thornton 12/1
4) ROYAL AUCLAIR (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls t8-11-10 Christian Williams
5) GREY ABBEY (The Roper Family & Norman Furness) Howard Johnson 11-11-10 Graham Lee
6) STRONG FLOW (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Ruby Walsh
7) CELESTIAL GOLD (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-10 Timmy Murphy
8) BALLYCASSIDY (R Owen & P Fullager) Peter Bowen 9-11-10 Seamus Durack
9) THEREALBANDIT (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 8-11-10 Tony McCoy
10) ASTONVILLE (Fergus Wilson) Michael Scudamore 11-11-10 Tom Scudamore
F 17) PIZARRO (Edward Wallace) Edward O'Grady IRE v1 8-11-10 Davy Russell
PU) BEEF OR SALMON (Joe Craig) Michael Hourigan IRE 9-11-10 Paul Carberry
PU) TIUTCHEV (The Liars Poker Partnership) Martin Pipe 12-11-10 Robert Thornton
PU) TRUCKERS TAVERN (Mrs M B Scholey) Ferdy Murphy t10-11-10 Brian Harding
PU) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Martin Pipe t10-11-10 Jamie Moore
15 ran Non-Runner: Rule Supreme (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: Sunnyhill Stud Breeding: b g Old Vic - Fairy Blaze (IRE) (Good Thyne)
Dist: 5, 8, nk, 9, 1.25, .5, 14, 11, dist
Tote Win: £4.40 Places: £2.30; £6.20; £2.80 Exacta: £131.90
Winning Trainer: Tom Taaffe Big Race Wins include: Byrne Group Plc Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Kicking King); Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase (2004 Kicking King); Champion Chase (2004 Kicking King); John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2004 Kicking King); King George VI Chase (2004 Kicking King) Background: Former jockey, following father Pat into the saddle, who rode 400 winners. His father partnered Arkle to his three victories in the totesportsport Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1964, 1965 and 1966 and won the race again as a jockey on Fort Leney in 1968. Pat also won chasing’s Blue Riband as a trainer with Captain Christy in 1974 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2005 Kicking King)
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 (9): 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): 9 Second win of The Festival 2005
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE
totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Winning jockey Barry Geraghty said: “I am lucky enough to be in a position to compare winning this race with winning the Champion Chase. I think I can safely say that I am fortunate enough to be riding the two best chasers in racing. He is some tool. He was running away all the time and he jumped brilliantly over the last three. He is only seven years old and full of scope -- you only have to look at him.”
Kicking King’s trainer Tom Taaffe said: “there was never an anxious moment for me through the race; in fact he has really pissed up. I told Barry not to take it up until fairly late and I think his biggest problem was restraining the horse until the final circuit.
“We had our bad moment when it looked as if the horse might not be able to run, and when I told Conor (Clarkson, the winner’s owner) he was in his car. He said that he did not move the car for two hours and just sat there, crying.I didn’t decide to come here. The horse told me because he was so well. At one time things were in tatters but we persevered. It is very good to have my name up there alongside my father’s among the Gold Cup winners.”
Kicking King’s lad Shane Malony said: “this is the happiest day of our lives. Just being here is something marvellous and my heart goes out to the connections of horses like Best Mate and Kingscliff who were not able to run. We have been here since Monday and everything has gone according to plan. Barry has ridden him and Tom has ridden him. I knew when he was popping away going out on to the course that everything was going to be alright.”
Conor Clarkson, Kicking King’s owner, said: “the sun is shining on us today and my nerves were much better than they were at Kempton. It is a bonus just being over here, I feel so lucky and to have won is an unbelievable feeling, a great moment.
“I remember when Tom rang me to say that the horse would not be able to run. I was driving on the motorway in Spain and after I had pulled over to the side it was two hours before I was able to manoeuvre the car back on to the road again.
“I would hope that he would run again this year but he is a young horse and we don’t want to overface him. But there is more than a month till Punchestown and we’ll have to see.
“I feel sorry for Best Mate’s connections that he wasn’t able to run. He is a great champion and it would be a privilege to run against him. Hopefully Best Mate will be back next year and it would be an honour to take him on.”
THIRD RACE WINNING QUOTES
totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
TAAFFE IS KING OF CHELTENHAM AGAIN
The name of Taaffe, forever associated with the great Arkle, joined the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup roll of honour when Kicking King ran out a brilliant five-length winner of steeplechasing’s ultimate prize.
Tom Taaffe, whose father Pat rode Arkle, trained Kicking King and said: “He really showed his class and jumped brilliantly today. My main worry was that Barry would take a tug with a circuit to go as he was travelling so well.
“I can say it now, I don’t think this was the highest class Gold Cup ever but you still have to run round and jump. I don’t think there was as much pace as normal today and Grey Abbey maybe didn’t go as fast as he could in front.
”It’s fair to say my legs were shaking when he jumped the last but I always said he’d get the trip and he certainly did. We rode him at Kempton to see if he’d stay and if he hadn’t made a mistake at the last he would have won by 10 lengths.
“I hope you (the press) will listen to me now, I’ve been saying what class he has ever since he won his bumper as a four-year-old at Leopardstown. It’s all pretty easy for me as he has so much class.
“I’m delighted that the Taaffe name is back on the roll of honour and the party starts now and it won’t be stopping for a few weeks.
“I’m very sorry for Best Mate’s’ connections that he couldn’t run but if anyone was going to stop him is was the Taaffe name, especially to protect Arkle.
“My son Pat was born the day this horse won at Leopardstown and I said that now we had the new Pat Taaffe we just needed the new Arkle.
“If he goes anywhere this season it would be to Punchestown, he’s not really had a race today.”
Kicking King was announced an absentee from the big race just over a fortnight ago after a dirty scope and re-entered the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup pciture a few days later.
“It was the horse that told me he wanted to come here as he was so well,” added Taaffe. “He wasn’t a runner two and a half weeks ago but he told me in the paddock that he wanted to do something. I rode him myself at home, then schooled him and decided that if he scoped well then he could run. I had thought about using antibiotics but decided to let nature take its course.”
Jockey Barry Geraghty added: “He’s a machine, at three miles or two furlongs further he’s shown he’s the best there is. He’s got pace, he jumps and he stays. He’s only seven and is going to be a serious horse next year, please God he can come back and do it all again.
“There was no rush to make a move, he jumped the last three brilliantly and just dossed a bit when he hit the front. I just dropped him in as I had no worries about the trip. He’d have beaten Best Mate today.”
BOOKMAKER REACTION TO THE GOLD CUP
Ladbrokes make Kicking King 4-1 favourite for a repeatin the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. They then go 8 Best Mate, 14 Kingscliff and 25 bar.
Paddy Power offer 4 Kicking King and 7 Best Mate for next year’s Gold Cup and 14-1 about Take The Stand for the Grand National. Cashmans quote Kicking King at 4-1, with Best Mate a point longer and 14 bar.
More totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup quotes - the press conference
Barry Geraghty, the winning jockey, said: “I was surprised to hear that Kicking King was written off (for the Gold Cup) so early.
“I was in Dubai at the time and was hoping, with over a fortnight to go, that things would improve. There was improvement.
“It was last Sunday week when I was going to Leopardstown that I heard from Tom and he sounded fairly confident.
“Today the only things I had concerns about was that he had scoped badly and whether he would settle as he likes to jump - taking on his fences. He jumps brilliantly.
“But he settled great when I dropped him in early - getting a great lead off Strong Flow. The whole problem with a horse like him is if you jump really well you pass slower horses and they get too keen.
“Strong Flow is such a good jumper that this did not happen - so Kicking King was not outjumping him which helped my cause.
“I had a great ride throughout he race - he has so much scope and so much class.
“Hopefully, if everything stays right with the horse - he avoids injuries etc - and he can come here in 12 months time without any hiccups, hopefully he can do it again.
“He is getting really professional at his job. I have had an unbelievable week - my father, brother and my girlfriend were all in tears and that brings a tear to your own eyes - they are the people watching you and they are hoping, praying and dreaming for you. To see them so emotional really brings it home.
“I am probably one of the better losers - things go wrong - that’s it. As long as the horse is OK, like Moscow Flyer last year, you look to the next thing and get over it.”
DOBBIN SECOND AGAIN
Tony Dobbin, second on 66/1 shot Go Ballistic in 1999, once again finished runner -up on an outsider when taking the runner-up spot on 25/1 shot Take The Stand.
Dobbin said: “No one likes being second but its the Gold Cup. He was an outsider but ran a brilliant race.
“There were no doubts about his stamina but all respect to the winner - he’s an absolute king - he just picked up and went away from me a very good horse.”
“I was a bit closer on Go Ballistic when See More Business caught me on the run-in. One day maybe my name will be on the Gold Cup!
“On form, he would have a chance in the Grand National but his jumping will be more under pressure there. He made a few mistakes in the first mile today but got it together after that.”
RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
PLACED QUOTES
TAKE THE STAND LOVES GROUND
Take The Stand found just Kicking King five lengths too strong in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Peter Bowen said: “He’s run a blinder - I’m gutted to be second but it’s brilliant and the winner is a very good horse.
“At the end of the race I hoped that he was going to win it - he didn’t jump too well at the beginning of the race but he warmed up as the race went along.
“I am delighted to win £80,000 for second as he only cost around £20,000 out of Ian Williams’s yard at Doncaster about two years ago.
“The ground definitely helped and he is a stone/20lb better on good ground - all of his last few runs have been on soft ground.
“He might go for the Grand National now - we will see how he comes out of this. The winner was just a little bit too good and our fellow’s few mistakes don’t help as every mistake takes a bit out of you. If only he got his act together!
“These were my first two runners in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and Ballycassidy is fine - he has only just come right and who knows what would have happened three weeks later.
“He’ll probably go to Aintree too for the Grand National or the Topham Chase.
“There are a husband and wife [the Courters] who own Take The Stand.
“I thought that he would run a good race - I know it was in the summer but he won the Summer National easily and in the Welsh National he was cantering with 11st 12lb before falling - I didn’t think that any of the other runners would have run this well in that race.”
Take The Stand’s jockey Tony Dobbin added: “I thought that we might be able to snatch it because of the stamina doubts over Kicking King but the winner is a class horse.”
Third-placed Sir Rembrandt finished a further eight lengths adrift.
Trainer Robert Alner said: “He made no mistakes and was up in the vanguard all the time.
“I was so delighted with him the whole way around and he had to fight the whole of the way up the run-in to get third - God willing he’ll be back here next year.
“All credit to the winner, a marvellous and great performance, especially to bring him back after the scare. Who knows, I might have Kingscliff back next year.
“But I have no excuses - I mentioned the ground before the race and Sir Rembrandt copes with wetter ground better than most. I think that was the best race that he’s ever run and I’m looking forward to next year.
“Andrew [Thornton, jockey] was ecstatic - he thought that the pace was a bit slower than last year and that is why he let him stroll on down the back. That is right up with his best form.
“That’s probably it for the season although he is in the Grand National.”
More totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup quotes
GREY ABBEY MAY CONTINUE AFTER FINE GOLD CUP RUN
Grey Abbey, whose participation in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup was in doubt until this morning, made much of the running and rallied up the hill to finish fifth.
The grey, who had leg problems and would have preferred soft ground, delighted jockey Graham Lee who said: “He cannot have tried any harder or have jumped any better.
“He just needs more juice in the ground to slow the others down more than anything else.
“He finished well up the hill - he has run a cracker.”
Trainer Howard Johnson commented: “The way the ground was his performance was unreal. I cannot believe how he has run with the problems he has had - what a horse to come back up the hill like that.
“It will be a hard decision about his future - I will talk to the owners and Graham Lee. I am feeling better than I did before the race. I have been worried about Grey Abbey all week which is why I have not been very well.
“We will take him back home and see how he is before deciding whether to retire him or not.”
Martin Pipe, the trainer of Celestial Gold, commented: “He finished sixth and probably didn’t see out the trip - that is what Timmy (Murphy) said.”
The owner David Johnson added: “That was disappointing - he should have done better on form - he may not have stayed.”
Paul Carberry said that his mount Beef Or Salmon had never really recovered from a mistake at the first.
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
FOURTH RACE RESULT
4.00pm CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
Class B, £40,000 Guaranteed. 3m 2.5f. For 5yo+, which since 31/12/02 and before 28/02/05 have been paced 1st, or 2nd on two occasions in a hunters’ chase in GB/IRE or have won two open chases at point-to-point meetings (ie Gentlemens, Ladies or Mixed Open Races) in GB or IRE or have won an open chase at a point-to-point meeting in GB/IRE and been placed 1st or 2nd in a hunters’ chase. Weights: 5yo 11st 4lb; 6yo+ 12st. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £23,200; 2nd: £8,800; 3rd: £4,400; 4th: £2,000; 5th: £1,000; 6th: £600
1) SLEEPING NIGHT (David & F A Jackson) Paul Nicholls 9-12-00 Mr Colman Sweeney 7/2 Fav
2) FOLY PLEASANT (Nick Shutts) Nick Shutts t11-12-00 Mr Richard Burton 20/1
3) PLACID MAN (Tim Jones & Partners) Alex Embiricos 11-12-00 Ms Alex Embiricos 14/1
4) LORD ATTERBURY (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 9-12-00 Mr Gordon Elliott
5) GATSBY (Jenny Powell) John Groucott 9-12-00 Mr Julian Pritchard
6) EARTHMOVER (Roger Penny) Paul Nicholls 14-12-00 Miss Rilly Goschen
7) JUST CLIQUOT (Ken Hamer) Corinne Swarbrick 9-11-07 Mr Gary Hanmer
8) CANTARINHO (Mrs M M Harrison) David Kemp t7-12-00 Mr David Kemp
9) LORD OF THE TURF (J F O’Malley) John Bleahen IRE 12-12-00 Mr Derek O'Connor
10) POLAR CHAMP (Angie Malde) Olivia Jackson v12-12-00 Miss Lucy Bridges
11) COUNTY DERRY (G T Lever) Jeremy Scott p12-12-00 Mr Neil Harris
12) PHELANS FANCY (John Phelan) Michael Winters IRE 7-11-07 Mr Michael O’Connor
13) GENERAL CLAREMONT (K G Manley) Paul Nicholls t12-12-00 Mr Liam Heard
14) FREE GIFT (Tom Chadney, D Guyer, V Howard, P Tozer) Sally Alner 7-12-00 Mr Daryl Jacob
15) JABIRU (Mary Sanderson) Mary Sanderson b12-12-00 Mr Darren Edwards
F) FIRST DOWN JETS (J B O’Mahoney) Liam Burke IRE12-00 Mr Richard Harding
F) BALLYSICYOS (Pam Deal) Olivia Jackson 10-12-00 Mr Guy Weatherley
F) THE WIPPER (W F Casey) Sean Aherne IRE b1 9-12-00 Mr Brian Hassett
PU) KINGSTON VENTURE (Corinne Overton) Clare Parfitt 9-12-00 Mr John “Tigger” Barnes
PU) SUPREME SILENCE (Russel Lee) Nick Kent 8-12-00 Mr Nick Kent
PU) TANAGER (P Fullagar, J Nash, R Owen, P Yacomine) Karen Lawther 10-12-00 Mr Ben King
PU) OURMAN (Adrienne Bell) Nick Bell 9-12-00 Mr Nick Bell
PU) GENERAL MONTCALM (G F Mahony) Edward O'Grady IRE 7-12-00 Mr J T McNamara
PU) COLQUHOUN (Brian Kilpatrick) Olivia Jackson 11-12-00 Mrs Olivia Jackson
24 ran
Breeder: Cattistock; Breeding: b g Sleeping Car (FR) - Doll Night (FR)
Dist: .75, 11, 9, 9, 7, 9, 6, 4, nk, 16, 1, 5, 1, 3.5
Tote Win: £5.00 Places: £2.60; £5.50; £2.80 Exacta: £112.00
Winning Trainer: Paul Nicholls Date of birth: 17/05/62 Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Wins (1992/3--2003/04): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136, 152, 127 Horses in training (1997-2004): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105, 106, 121 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (10) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene), Daily Telegraph Festival Trophy Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother) Other big race wins: Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother) William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba and 1999 Flagship Uberalles), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), attheraces Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Totesport Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) Wins This Season: 127 Second win of The Festival 2005
Winning Jockey: Sweeney, Mr Colman Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2005 Sleeping Night)
RACE FOUR CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE
WIN QUOTES
SLEEPING NIGHT PLEASES PUNTERS
Sleeping Night justified 7/2 favouritism in the Christies Foxhunters’ Chase, beating Foly Pleasant by three-quarters of a length.
Paul Nicholls said: “Basically he’s had loads of problems and it’s taken six months work to qualify for this - that’s just the job.
“He was injured in 2003 when just behind Baracouda and I said to David [Jackson, owner] ‘leave him with me, I’ll get him right and win the Foxhunters’ with him.
“He’s got hardly any vision in his right eye and if he comes out of this he may go for the Scottish National. But we may call it a day and go for the Hennessy instead next season - he won’t go for any more hunters’ chases.
“David has been patient as the horse has had a lot of problems.”
Jackson added: “I owned Le Sauvignon and I saw this one finish second to Douze Douze in the four-year-old champion chase in France. I thought then that I wanted to buy him and it took about three months before I got him.
“My company Peterhouse sponsor the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and I bought him specifically to win that - he finished second to Sackville.
“He was trained by Mary Reveley. I moved all my horses to Paul Nicholls as I think that he is an amazing trainer and he seems to improve them two stone.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.40pm JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHASE CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP CHASE
Class A, Grade Three, £75,000 Guaranteed. 2m .5f. For 5yo+ Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after February 27, a winner of a Class C chase 3lb; of a Class A or B chase 6lb - no penalty to increase a horse’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) FOTA ISLAND (J P McManus) Mouse Morris IRE 9-10-00 Paul Carberry 7/1
2) BAMBI DE L'ORME (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) Ian Williams 6-10-00 Graham Lee 16/1
3) CARACCIOLA (Piers Pottinger) Nicky Henderson 8-10-12 Marcus Foley 16/1
4) TYSOU (Bill Brown) Nicky Henderson 8-10-06 Mick Fitzgerald 10/1
5) IMPEK (Jim Lewis) Henrietta Knight 9-11-01 Jim Culloty
6) GREENHOPE (Lynn & Giles Wilson, Martin Landau) Nicky Henderson 7-10-02 Andrew Tinkler
7) MASTER REX (Louise Challis) Ben de Haan 10-10-08 Noel Fehily
8) BLEU SUPERBE (Peter Deal, Tony Hirschfeld & J Tyndall) Venetia Williams 10-10-07 Sam Thomas
9) ARMATURK (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 8-11-12 Christian Williams
10) LATALOMNE (Alderclad Roofing/K M Everitt) Noel Wilson 11-10-00 Paul Robson
11) BATSWING (Ashley Carr) Gary Moore 10-10-00 Jamie Moore
12) FIGARO DU ROCHER (Pipe Monkees) Martin Pipe 5-9-09 Tom Malone (5)
13) ATUM RE (Paul Green) Paul Webber v8-10-00 James Davies
14) L'ANGE AU CIEL (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 6-10-07 Ruby Walsh 9/2 Fav
15) ALMAYDAN (George Brooks & Family) Richard Lee 7-10-03 Robert Thornton
16) BONUS BRIDGE (Lady Knutsford) Henry Daly 10-10-09 Mark Bradburne
17) JERICHO III (Paul Beck) Richard Guest eb8-9-11 Larry McGrath (3)
18) FLAGSHIP UBERALLES (J P McManus) Philip Hobbs 11-11-08 Richard Johnson
19) PALUA (Richard Lavelle) Emma Lavelle 8-10-07 Jimmy McCarthy
20) DAVOSKI (Lady Maria Coventry) Dr Philip Pritchard 11-9-09 Dr Philip Pritchard (5)
F 2 OUT) TANGO ROYAL (Brian Kilpatrick) Martin Pipe t9-10-07 Timmy Murphy
F 1) GREAT TRAVEL (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls t6-10-13 Tony McCoy
PU) STORMY LORD (John Wade) John Wade 9-10-00 Brian Harding
UR 3 OUT) GROUND BALL (J P McManus) Charlie Swan IRE 8-10-06 David Casey
24 ran
Breeder: E Morrissey Breeding: b g Supreme Leader - Mary Kate Finn (Saher)
Dist: 5, 1, 1, 3, .5, 3.5, .5, .5, 6, 5, sh, 1, 8, 2.5, .5, 14, 1, 3.5, .75
Tote Win: £9.90 Places: £2.30; £4.20; £4.80; £2.40 Exacta: £321.50
Winning Trainer: Michael (Mouse) Morris Date of birth: 4/4/1951 Date of first licence: 1980 Previous occupation: Jockey, won Irish Grand National and Queen Mother Champion Chase (twice) Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 45, 45, 44, 43, 38, 30, 43, 38, 38, 36, 33, 35, 41, 38, 36, 31, 37, 34, 21, 32, 27 Cheltenham Festival Wins (5): Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1990 Trapper John), Christies Foxhunter (1986 Attitude Adjuster), Queen Mother (1986 Buck House), Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1983 Buck House), Grand Annual (2005 Fota Island) Aintree Festival wins: Mumm Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1998 Boss Doyle) Other major wins: Punchestown Chase (1993 Cahervillahow), Champion Novices’ Hurdle (1998 His Song), West Yorkshire Hurdle (2000 Boss Doyle), Intervet Trophy Handicap Chase (2000 Foxchapel King), Ulster Champion Chase (2001 Foxchapel King), Ericsson Chase (2001 Foxchapel King)
Winning Jockey: Paul Alice Carberry Date of Birth: 09/02/1974 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) BUMPER (1993 Rhythm Section), WILLIAM HILL TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE (1998 Unguided Missile, 2002 Frenchmans Creek), ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ CHASE (1999 Looks Like Trouble); LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Sausalito Bay), PERTEMPS FINAL (2005 Oulart,), GRAND ANNUAL (2005 FOTA ISLAND) Other Big Race Wins: GRAND NATIONAL (Bobbyjo 1999), TOTE GOLD TROPHY (1996 Squire Silk), ERICSSON CHASE (1998 Dorans Pride), THE SPORTING INDEX CROSS COUNTRY CHASE (1998 Linden’s Lotto) General: Son of former jockey Tommy Carberry who won the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1970 & 1971) and Grand Natiotional (1975) on L’Escargot. Based in Ireland, riding mainly for Noel Meade. Wins This Season (in UK): 5 Second Win Of The Festival 2005
INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE FIVE
JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP CHASE
Winning trainer ‘Mouse’ Morris said: “he’s done that well as he is only a novice. I was a bit worried about the loose horse, but we managed to avoid him and this has made up for Tuesday.
“In fairness to Tony McCoy this was the race he said that we should go for with the horse and he was right.”
Paul Carberry, who rode the winner, said: “it is great to have another winner at The Festival. It was a bit worrying when the loose horse came at me and I didn’t know which way to go to avoid him.
“First of all he went one way and so I switched to his outside and then he went back the other way so I didn’t know what to do.
“At the last I sat behind him in case he decided to run out.”
MORE GOLD CUP BOOKMAKER REACTION
Cashmans, who originally offered 50-1 against a repeat next year of the Irish treble of winning the Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Chase, have been forced to reduce that to 20-1 after the 50-1 and 33-1 were taken.
FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP CHASE
ISLAND CONTINUES GREAT IRISH RUN
The J P McManus-owned Fota Island became the ninth Irish-trained winner at the 2005 Festival when coming home five lengths clear in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
“I always thought this horse would be better on the better ground he got today,” said McManus. “I didn’t care whether this one or Ground Ball (who came down three fences out) won, I hadn’t backed either.
“Financially it has not been a great Festival for me, I had a couple of bets yesterday and left my money with the boys.”
Winning trainer Mouse Morris added: “This is a class horse on his day but the ground has been the problem and he had no weight today. We have no great plans for him but I expect he’ll go to Punchestown.”
RACE FIVE JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP CHASE
PLACED QUOTES
BAMBI DE L’ORME FINISHES SECOND
Ian Williams sent out Bambi De L’Orme to finish the five length runner-up to Fota Island in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
The runner-up’s trainer said: “He’s run a blinder and the early pace suited him well as he stays. Graham [Lee, jockey] produced him at the last but he just found one too good.
“He has been unfortunate this season and he deserved to run well - that was a good performance.
“He loves this faster ground and he might go to Aintree depending how he comes out of this.”
Nicky Henderson saddled Caracciola and Tysou to finish third and fourth in the race named after his late father, who passed away in 2003.
Henderson said to winning owner J P McManus: “I can’t think of anybody that I would rather give this prize too.”
He then added after a pause: “Apart from myself maybe!”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
SIXTH RACE RESULT
5.20pm VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE
Class A, Grade Three, £65,000 Guaranteed. 2m 1f. For 5yo+, which before February 13, have been placed first, second, ot third in a hurdle. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after February 27, a winner of a hurdle 4lb - no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £37,700; 2nd: £14,300; 3rd: £7,150; 4th: £3,250; 5th: £1,625; 6th: £975
1) FONTANESI (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-10-00 Timmy Murphy 16/1
2) STANCE (N J Jones) Gary Moore 6-10-00 David Casey 11/1
3) BORORA (Mrs E M Clarke) Richard Lee 6-10-00 Tom Doyle 200/1
4) GRANDE JETE (L Westwood, A Chandler, J J Hindley) Nicky Henderson 8-10-02 Marcus Foley 14/1
5) CROSSBOW CREEK (Mrs M Rimell) Mark Rimell 7-10-06 Jim Crowley
6) MONTE CINTO (Monica Hackett) Paul Nicholls 5-10-01 (1lb ow) Ruby Walsh
7) DESERT AIR (Belinda Harvey) Martin Pipe t6-9-09 Tom Malone (5)
8) GEOS (Thurloe Finsbury) Nicky Henderson 10-11-00 Tom Phelan (5)
9) MCBAIN (Hill, Trembath, Bryan & Outhart) Philip Hobbs 6-10-00 Paul Flynn
10) BALAPOUR (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE t7-10-09 John Cullen
11) BEECHCOURT (Pierse Contracting Limited) Michael O'Brien IRE 8-10-00 Paul Carberry 9/2 Fav
12) PEROUSE (J Dickson & SW McVie) Paul Nicholls t7-11-06 Christian Williams
13) KING REVO (Dick Renwick & Mrs C Barclay) Patrick Haslam 5-11-01 Barry Keniry
14) DANCING PEARL (J E Heymans) Cecil Price 7-10-00 Wayne Hutchinson
15) ITS CRUCIAL (Caroline Beresford-Wylie) Nigel Twiston-Davies 5-10-00 Carl Llewellyn
16) TORRID KENTAVR (Get Into Racing UK) Brian Ellison 8-10-07 Brian Harding
17) COPELAND (Professor David & Heather Silk) Martin Pipe p10-10-13 Jamie Moore
18) RIGMAROLE (Mr & Mrs Mark Woodhouse) Paul Nicholls t7-11-12 Paddy Brennan
19) CALATAGAN (Mr & Mrs J M Davenport) Malcolm Jefferson 6-10-03 Tony Dobbin
20) RISKY REEF (Ergon Syndicate) Andrew Lee IRE 8-10-08 Conor O'Dwyer
21) TAMARINBLEU (The Arthur White Partnership) Martin Pipe 5-11-03 Tony McCoy
22) GRAVE DOUBTS (Bill Davies & Bernard Tottle) Kevin Bishop t9-10-05 Jimmy McCarthy
23) CASTLESHANE (W Hobson, J King, G King, P Winfrow) Steve Gollings p8-9-09 William Kennedy (7)
24) SILVERTOWN (R J Gilbert & S W Transport (Swindon) Ltd) Len Lungo 10-10-03 Gary Berridge (5)
25) FOOL ON THE HILL (Louisville Syndicate) Philip Hobbs 8-10-07 Richard Johnson
26) MARBLE ARCH (Martin Wilson, Rory Sweet, Mary Morrison) Hughie Morrison p9-11-05 Barry Geraghty
27) BONGO FURY (Lord & Countess Donoughmore) Martin Pipe v6-10-05 Tom Scudamore
28) NAWAMEES (Paul Stamp) Gary Moore p7-10-05 Mick Fitzgerald
29) DEMI BEAU (Hugh Villiers) Charlie Mann 7-10-05 Noel Fehily
PU) ANOTHER DUDE (Maurice Hutchinson) Howard Johnson 8-10-00 Graham Lee
30 ran
Breeder: John R Gaines Thoroughbreds LLC & Orpendale
Breeding: b g Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Northern Script (Arts And Letters)
Dist: 2, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 4, nk, .5, 3.5, sh, .5, 2, 1, 5, .5, .75, nk, .5, sh, 1.5, 1.25, .75, 9, 1.75, 12, 4, 1, 18, 13
Tote Win: £28.10 Places: £6.00; £4.30; £34.60; £4.20 Exacta: £423.90
Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe Cheltenham Festival wins: (34) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica, 2004 Maximize), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief, 2005 Contraband), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind, 2005Fontanesi), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: John Smith’s Grand Nationaal (1994 Miinnehoma), Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta, 2004 Celestial Gold), Hennessy Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), betfred Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur, 2004 Puntal), Totesport Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand, 2002 Copeland), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno), cantorsport.co.uk Silver Cup (2001 Shooting Light, 2003 Horus), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic) Wins (1974/75-2003/04): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235, 190, 175 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140, 165, 165 Wins This Season: 165 Second Win of The Festival 2005
Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 First winner: Gayloire, Kilmuckridge point to point (Co Wexford) General: Rode the last ever winner over jumps at Nottingham - Dominie (29/2/96) Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): MILDMAY OF FLETE CHASE (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HCAP HURDLE (1999 Sir Talbot), PERTEMPS FINAL (2004 Creon), IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE (2005 Contraband), COUNTY HURDLE (2005Fontanesi) Other major wins: REHEARSAL CHASE (1998 See More Business), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1998 See More Business), ASCOT HURDLE (1998 Juyush), AGFA DIAMOND HCAP CHASE (1999 Clever Remark); REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2004 Our Vic), Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef Or Salmon), Lexus Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold), Hennessy Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/2004): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57 Wins This Season: 127 Second Win of The Festival 2005
RACE SIX VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE
WIN QUOTES
OWNER TURNS AROUND HELICOPTER
David Johnson was on his way home by helicopter above Prestbury Park when he realised that eventual winner Fontanesi had a chance in the concluding Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle. The five-year-old went on to win by two lengths from Stance.
He said: “I was on my way and came back in the helicopter! I saw him picking up and I knew that he would stay on.
“It’s been a long wait since Tuesday [when he was successful with Contraband] for another winner but that’s two now and I am very pleased - that’s the same number that I had last year.
“This horse is small and 10st was perfect - he can’t carry weight and he’s been running off 11st 12lb and things like that.
“I was expecting a big run from Our Vic, Contraband and Celestial Gold and I thought Comply Or Die might have a squeak but this one was not quite the one we expected. People can wait a lifetime for a Cheltenham winner.”
CONDON FINED
Jockey Davy Condon was fined £250 by the stewards after the starter reported that Condon, who rode Don’t Be Bitin in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, had disobeyed his instructions. He was found to be in breach of Rule 28 (xi).
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
ANOTHER HUGE CROWD
Today’s attendance was 66,767, so that over the four days there was a total crowd of more than 231,000. This is more than 35,000 up on last year.
Cheltenham’s managing director Edward Gillespie said: “It was a wonderful totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and great to witness such a quality new champion and to see everyone enjoying the racing in such remarkable conditions.”
GILLESPIE REACTION
Edward Gillespie, the Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, said today: “I think trainers and jockeys would rather be here today than wherever they were this time last year - they have told us, through the entries, runners and their reaction, that the new races are appreciated and they have blended beautifully into the existing programme.
“There will always be some fine tuning to do - if you look back over the years many races have evolved. It has not been many years that we have had the Weatherbys Champion Bumper but it is now very much part of the established card.
“Yesterday, the two new races over two miles and five furlongs went off with more runners than we expected and sat worthily within The Festival format.
“The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap on Tuesday was a great success and if we sat down and guessed 12 months ago we would not have come up with a bottom weight of 10st 10lb - the quality was there.
“Also the existing races have been very strong - there is no question of The Festival diminishing.
“We will sit down afterwards and consider everything. People are saying to us we would love to have seven races, particularly on the Friday.
“There are 66,767 people here and we are sending them out into the streets of Cheltenham when there is still some sunlight.
“We will be working with the owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys and media to make sure that whatever comes into The Festival has a rightful place there.
“We have been fortunate with the weather conditions this year and we will probably keep The Festival as it is next year and see how that goes. We would love to have an extra race on the Friday in two year’s time and maybe also have a seventh race on the Wednesday.
“We have given comfort to the strong mares’ lobby and told them that they will almost certainly get the next race to be added to The Festival - there will be a debate about what sort of race it should be but it probably needs to be for mares who can then go and add to their value.
“As far as the existing Bumper goes, it is great to get the Flat jockeys involved. Frankie was in Dubai which was why wasn’t he riding here. I believe he wants to be here and I think Kieren (Fallon), Richard (Hughes) and Jamie (Spencer) had an interesting time.
“It is all about working with the professionals and the enthusiasts - they own the race meeting and they are not short of coming forward.
“We will be up about 35,000 up on last year’s total - there will have been about 231,000 people here during the week. It is a massive attendance. We did come into this year hoping that we could build the attendance on days one, two and three in the future but I think what we have learnt this week that it might not be the right strategy. What we should be doing is saying 55,000 people here works nicely and let’s consider that. Maybe there will be some price adjustments. People have said “we might pay a little bit more to enjoy the comfort that comes with a smaller crowd.
“I don’t think there any radical changes we need to make and The Festival will evolve. We look forward to listening to people’s ideas.
“I appreciate that some people think we are putting a brave face on the situation. But I can assure you this year we are delighted with the extra attendance.
“To be honest people used to attend three days - they wanted to be here two days but paid for three because it was only just a bit more - some of those people, when faced with four days, have only bought tickets for two days because that was what they really wanted. That is fine and we know that by doing four days we are hopefully going to attract more individuals who are here for the first time.
“I have met plenty of them who have come for the first time and have enjoyed the experience - that is great for our business - they will maybe then go to Market Rasen, Warwick or Wincanton and become fans.
“We know that we are facing some pretty challenging times. To make this meeting - the flagship one - as strong as possible will help all the other race meetings to feel there is a real future to our sport which is so important.”
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL 2005
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 18
DAILY TELEGRAPH TROPHY FOR THE LEADING TRAINER FINAL STANDINGS
Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
HOWARD JOHNSON 3 - 1
Nicky Henderson 3 3 2
Martin Pipe 2 4 2
Francois Doumen FR 2 1 -
Dessie Hughes IRE 2 - -
Paul Nicholls 2 - 2
Venetia Williams 1 1 -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 - 2
Tom Taaffe IRE 1 - 1
Mark Bradstock 1 - -
Enda Bolger IRE 1 - -
Ian Duncan IRE 1 - -
Jessica Harrington IRE 1 - -
Alan King 1 - -
Mouse Morris IRE 1 - -
Paul Nolan IRE 1 - -
Ian Williams - 2 1
Noel Meade IRE - 2 -
Gary Moore - 1 2
Philip Hobbs - 1 1
Jonjo O’Neill - 1 1
Kevin Bishop - 1 -
Peter Bowen - 1 -
Henrietta Knight - 1 -
Jim Lambe IRE - 1 -
Ferdy Murphy - 1 -
Nicky Richards - 1 -
Nick Shutts - 1 -
Paul Webber - 1 -
Robert Alner - - 1
Grant Cann - - 1
Noel Chance - - 1
Alex Embiricos - - 1
Richard Lee - - 1
Len Lungo - - 1
Seamus Mullins - - 1
Colm Murphy IRE - - 1
Eamon Sheehy IRE - - 1
Howard Johnson takes the Daily Telegraph Trophy by virtue of earning more prize money
DAILY TELEGRAPH TROPHY FOR THE LEADING JOCKEY FINAL STANDINGS
Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
GRAHAM LEE 3 1 1
Robert Thornton 3 - -
Timmy Murphy 2 3 -
Paul Carberry 2 2 -
Ruby Walsh 2 - 3
Barry Geraghty 2 1 1
Mick Fitzgerald 1 2 1
Mr Richard Burton 1 1 -
Alan O’Keeffe 1 1 -
Mattie Batchelor 1 - -
Miss Nina Carberry 1 - -
Mr J T McNamara 1 - -
Conor O’Dwyer 1 - -
Mr Mark O’Hare 1 - -
Mr Colman Sweeney 1 - -
Mr Sam Waley-Cohen 1 - -
Tony Dobbin - 2 1
Tom Doyle - 1 2
David Casey - 1 1
Richard Johnson - 1 1
Tony McCoy - 1 1
Paddy Brennan - 1 -
Jim Culloty - 1 -
David Dennis - 1 -
Mr Aidan Fitzgerald - 1 -
Mr James O’Farrell - 1 -
Tom Scudamore - 1 -
Sam Thomas - 1 -
Jamie Moore - - 2
Andrew Thornton - - 2
Shay Barry - - 1
Barry Cash - - 1
Mr Gordon Elliot - - 1
Ms Alex Embiricos - - 1
Marcus Foley - - 1
Mr Andrew Glassonbury - - 1
Miss Polly Gundry - - 1
Mr Derek O’Connor - - 1
TOTE
Today’s tote Jackpot was not won and a rollover of £327,993.50 goes on to Uttoxeter tomorrow.
Today’s on-course tote cash turnover was £3,169,235, down from £3,745,000 in 2004 when there were seven races.
TAAFFE LANDS GUINNESS AWARD
Today’s Guiness Festival Award, for the person considered to have made the most outstanding contribution to the day’s three championship races, went to Tom Taaffe, trainer of totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King.
GUINNESS FESTIVAL AWARDS
Graham Lee wins Thursday’s Award
Graham Lee has won Thursday’s Guinness Festival Award which honours the individual who is considered to have made the most outstanding contribution in the three championship races on each day of The Festival.
Yesterday was just the third time that the public have voted for this prestigious award and the three nominations for yesterday’s award selected by an illustrious panel of racing journalists were the winner, Mattie Batchelor and Graham Wylie.
Lee completed a Festival treble yesterday when giving Inglis Drever a textbook ride in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle to beat French-trained previous dual winner Baracouda by three lengths.
The Irish jockey will receive a specially-commissioned trophy, generously donated by Waterford Crystal, which will be presented in the Paddock at Cheltenham today.
One lucky person who texted in their nomination yesterday will win a great trip to Ireland to watch the euro180,000 Guinness Gold Cup on the second day of the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday, April 27, 2005. The prize includes return flights to Dublin for two people and overnight accommodation. There is a similar prize each day.
On Saturday Channel 4's Morning Line viewers will be invited to vote for the overall 2005 Guinness Festival Award winner.
Conor O’Dwyer won Tuesday’s Guinness Festival Award for his brilliant ride on Hardy Eustace in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, in which he assisted the gallant eight-year-old to win hurdling’s Blue Riband for the second successive season.
The following day’s Award went to Jessica Harrington, who sent out Moscow Flyer to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase, in which the 11-year-old reclaimed the two-mile chasing crown having unseated his rider in the same contest last year after winning the previous season’s renewal.
NEW RECORD FOR IRISH IN 2005?
Seven Irish-trained winners on first three days of Festival bodes well
The all-time Irish record is eight victories at The Festival, which was recorded in 1958, when races were divided. This has not happened for many years, but with a four-day Festival for the first time this year, the record could well be beaten, especially as seven Irish-trained runners have prevailed on the first three days.
Dessie Hughes provided the first Irish success on Tuesday courtesy of the gallant Hardy Eustace, who was winning the Smurfit Champion Hurdle for the second successive season. Runner-up and compatriot Harchibald looked to be cruising to victory in hurdling’s Blue Riband but Hardy Eustace held on gamely to score by a neck.
The Enda Bolger-trained Spot Thedifference was the next Irish victor, also on the opening day, in the Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase in which the 12-year-old defied top-weight of 11st 12lb to deny Luzcadou by two and a half lengths.
Tuesday’s last event, the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, was significant as Nina Carberry on the Paul Nolan-trained Dabiroun became the first woman to beat professional male riders at the Cheltenham Festival since Gee Armytage in 1987.
Two further Irish victories were achieved on Wednesday courtesy of Moscow Flyer in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Missed That in the concluding Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
The former reclaimed his two-mile crown with a spectacular display of jumping, getting the better of young pretender Well Chief by two lengths, while Missed That was impressive in beating De Soto by a neck, if for no other reason than he took a keen hold and did extremely well to get up the famous Prestbury Park hill to give trainer Willie Mullins his fifth bumper success at the Festival.
Yesterday Ian Duncan saddled the sixth Irish success with Another Rum in the National Hunt Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase. The seven-year-old belied his odds of 40/1 to give County Down-born rider Mark O’Hare a first Festival victory.
Dessie Hughes then gained his second success of the week courtesy of Oulart in the concluding Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle. The winner was given a classic waiting ride from Paul Carberry to master the Martin Pipe-trained pair of Mioche D’Estruval and Quick by two and four lengths respectively.
Horses from the Emerald Isle have also achieved a modern-day record seven successes over the three-day Festival (without divisions) in both 1977 and 1996.
Since1973, Irish horses struck six times in 1978, 1982, 1993, and, most recently, in 2003, while they gained five wins in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1999 and 2002.
Four victories were achieved by Irish-trained runners in 1980, 1984, 1986, 1995, 1998 and last year, while a hat-trick was recorded in 1973, 1981, 1994, 1997 and 2000.
A brace came for Irish horses in 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, while a single success was notched in 1987 and 1988.
1989 was a particularly torrid time for Irish punters at The Festival, where not one Irish-trained success occurred.
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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