RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007
GILLESPIE DELIGHTED WITH WEEK
A total crowd of 232,062 attended the 2007 Festival at Cheltenham, marginally down on the 2006 figure of 232,983.
Today’s attendance was 65,921, compared to 67,512 in 2006.
The attendances each day were:
Year 2006 2007
Tuesday 55,426 55,903
Wednesday 55,083 55,215
Thursday 54,962 55,023
Friday 67,512 65,921
TOTAL 232,983 232,062
As the curtain came down on the 2007 Festival, Cheltenham racecourse’s Managing Director Edward Gillespie reflected on a highly successful week.
“We’ve had four phenomenal days in terms of atmosphere and quality of racing, which is what it’s all about,” said Gillespie.
“There has been a fair share of the spoils and our customers have been having a wonderful time. Our sport and this event are in very good health and this has been a much more upbeat finish than this time last year.
“We’ll undertake our review of the four-day Festival and look to make further improvements and make it more successful.
“It is the trainers, jockeys and horses - the athletes - who create the event, we are merely the stadium managers. Get them all together and it is a toxic mix.”
RACING POST AWARD FOR LEADING TRAINER AT
THE FESTIVAL 2007
FINAL STANDINGS
NB Prize money determines the standings in the event of a tie.
Trainer 1st PM 2nd 3rd
Paul Nicholls 4 £547,991 2 1
Alan King 3 £382,084 - 2
Jonjo O’Neill 3 £226,504 3 -
Ferdy Murphy 2 £109,928 - -
Philip Hobbs 1 3 -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 1 1
David Pipe 1 1 1
Howard Johnson 1 1 -
Tony Mullins IRE 1 - 1
David Arbuthnot 1 - -
Enda Bolger IRE 1 - -
John Carr IRE 1 - -
Jessica Harrington IRE 1 - -
Donald McCain Jnr 1 - -
Dr Richard Newland 1 - -
Venetia Williams 1 - -
Henry Daly - 2 1
Nicky Henderson - 1 4
Charlie Mann - 1 1
Colm Murphy IRE - 1 1
Michael Phillips IRE - 1 1
Gordon Elliott IRE - 1 -
Raymond Hurley IRE - 1 -
James Leavy IRE - 1 -
Carl Llewellyn - 1 -
Gary Moore - 1 -
John Quinn - 1 -
Suzy Smith - 1 -
Nicky Richards - - 3
Noel Chance - - 2
Edward O’Grady IRE - - 2
Oliver Brady IRE - - 1
Nick Gifford - - 1
Charlie Swan IRE - - 1
RACING POST AWARD FOR LEADING RIDER AT THE FESTIVAL 2007
FINAL STANDINGS
Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Robert Thornton 4 - 2
Ruby Walsh 3 3 -
Philip Carberry 2 - -
Richard Johnson 1 4 1
Tony McCoy 1 2 1
Paddy Brennan 1 1 -
Tom Doyle 1 - 1
Barry Geraghty 1 - 1
Mr Alan Berry 1 - -
Mr Richard Burton 1 - -
Miss Nina Carberry 1 - -
Davy Condon 1 - -
Andrew Glassonbury 1 - -
Sam Jones 1 - -
Graham Lee 1 - -
J T McNamara 1 - -
Alan O’Keeffe 1 - -
Davy Russell 1 - -
Noel Fehily - 4 1
Mick Fitzgerald - 2 4
Mr Derek O’Connor - 2 -
Colin Bolger - 1 -
Jason Maguire - 1 -
Mr Damian Murphy - 1 -
Timmy Murphy - 1 -
Denis O’Regan - 1 -
Miss Pauline Ryan - 1 -
Tony Dobbin - - 2
Leighton Aspell - - 1
David Casey - - 1
Brian Harding - - 1
Andrew McNamara - - 1
Niki O’Shea - - 1
Mr Ross O’Sullivan - - 1
Tom Scudamore - - 1
Mr Colman Sweeney - - 1
Sam Thomas - - 1
Mr Patrick Mullins - - 1
Mr Kevin Power - - 1
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007
THIRD RACE QUOTES
TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
NICHOLLS’ GREATEST TRIUMPH AS KAUTO STARS
After Kauto Star had overwhelmed his rivals to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup his trainer, Paul Nicholls, said the moment was the pinnacle of his career.
Nicholls said: “What a brilliant performance. We always believed in him and he’s been awesome, different class, and he jumped so well.”
Asked about the horse’s jump at the final fence, where he once again nudged the birch, Nicholls said: “It wasn’t a real problem. He was going uphill and he never looked like falling, but perhaps he just panics a little bit in front.
“It was great when See More Business won, but with all the doubters about this horse it’s been very special today. It’s the pinnacle, and brilliant for Ruby and all the team at home. The whole thing is just a brilliant day.
“I’ll talk to Clive [Smith] and Ruby and see about plans. He could go to Aintree, but we’ll see. We’ve done it now and we may just look after him a bit next year.”
MORE INITIAL TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP QUOTES
Winning rider Ruby Walsh said “Kauto Star is some horse! It's great - I think he's a wonderful horse. He's had his knockers, but everyone has their opinion. We thought he was a wonderful horse - he is a wonderful horse - and it's brilliant for everyone. I didn't even think about the last fence. He's a star!"
Paul Nicholls, the winning trainer, commented: "I'm thrilled. I have never in my time in racing heard so much rubbish talked about him. He's won six on the trot, in the Tingle Creek he beat the Champion Chase winner, and there's all these doubters.
"At Newbury he was half fit. We've just ticked him over since then, work, work, work, and he was relaxed today. We had a chat this morning and we knew what we were going to do - I said to Ruby take no notice of what anyone says, you go out there and do what you do best. You've got belief in the horse and I have - I said he's fitter than he's ever been in his life, have faith in him.
"It feels brilliant, unbelievable. I cannot tell you how nerve-racking the last month has been. Everyone's had their doubts about Denman and now Kauto Star, but they are good horses and we got them right on the day."
Clive Smith, the successful owner, declared: "This has certainly been the biggest day of all and I'm so delighted, I just can't tell you how thrilled I am. I'd like to see the replay of that [last fence] of course. He just hit the top I think, but he sailed on. Paul Nicholls has been absolutely spot-on all the way through. He's a terrific man. I think we'll do some celebrating tonight!"
STAR IS BORN
Kauto Star started a red-hot 5/4 favourite for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and came home two and a half lengths to be crowned not just the winner of jump racing’s Blue Riband, but the best modern-day chaser.
“That was good,” said an understated trainer Paul Nicholls. “We never really had any doubts beforehand and we had done nothing with him since Kempton before he ran at Newbury last time. We’ve got him very fit and relaxed since then.
“He was going so well that I think he just lost his concentration at the last but he never looked like falling. I don’t know what goes through his mind when he does that but he’s not tired.”
Jockey Ruby Walsh said that he had not felt pressure before the race. “It’s part of the job we’re in and I only play a very small part - it’s Paul and the team who had done the work and they had him spot on today.
“He’s a great horse and had been very well prepared. The more I looked at the race beforehand the more I thought he would win - as Tony Martin said to me last night the only thing that would beat us was bad luck.
“I wasn’t worried about the loose horse, who was a bit in front of me. I was following State Of Play. All I wanted was to make sure he settled and he did and I was worried that I hit the front too soon. But it was mighty!”
Nicholls’ head lad Clifford Baker added: “It’s a sensational day. This is my third Gold Cup, after See More Business and Charter Party, when I was with David Nicholson. But I think this horse is a bit more special.
“I’ve been dreaming for days and days about this race and how the horse should be ridden. This is down to Team Ditcheat - the most important thing has been keeping the horse right.”
Owner Clive Smith - who also scooped the best part of a £1 million bonus put up by Betfair for the win - added: “The money will go but the Gold Cup will always be with me. I don’t know what Paul’s plans are but I’d quite like to do nothing with him now!
“I can’t tell you excited I am. I was just pleased that he popped over his fences as we got nearer and nearer the finish. After two out I thought he would definitely win, I think he just teased us at the last and then he was clear.
“I’ve had horses since 1987 so for 20 years I had hoped that one day I might win this. I’m pleased as punch.”
Bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley - who also bought third-placed Turpin Green and fourth-placed Monkerhostin - purchased Kauto Star for Smith for 400,000 euros in the summer of 2004.
“At the time he was the most expensive horse I’d bought and I said to them that I hoped he might be a King George horse but he started off over two miles. I was not sure what his distance would be at the time,” said Bromley, who has also enjoyed success this week with My Way De Solzen, Voy Por Ustedes and Taranis.
RACING HAILS A SUPERSTAR
“And maybe now you’ll all believe he is a superstar.” That was Paul Nicholls message to the Doubting Thomases among the media as, together with owner Clive Smith and jockey Ruby Walsh, the champion trainer reflected on a brilliant performance from Kauto Star in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Nicholls said:”That wasn’t bad for a horse who can’t jump and doesn’t stay. I have never had any doubt that Kauto Star was the real deal.
“Today was the day that mattered - not the Aon Chase at Newbury, where all the talk was about his last fence mistake.
“We had been chopping and changing distances earlier in the season, and he was a bit too racey at Newbury, having been given a break after the King George VI Chase.
“We restricted him to just two canters between Kempton and Newbury, and he was probably not fit enough there, but we have stoked plenty of work into him since the Aon, and he was fit to fight for his life today.
“He was brilliant out there, and it was only a minor mistake at the last, where he just had a lapse in concentration.
“It takes an exceptional horse to win a Tingle Creek, King George and Gold Cup in the same season, and Kauto Star is exceptional.
“I get annoyed when I read a lot of this criticism about Kauto Star, and even this morning they were giving him some stick on Racing UK.
“He has won six races on the trot - what more do they want? That will be it for this season, and next year we will plan our whole season around defending our crown here in March.
“Denman put the doubters right on Wednesday, and now Kauto has put them firmly in their box.”
Kauto Star is 2-1 with the Tote to retain his crown next year, with Denman second-favourite at 6-1.
Inevitably, the stablemates will meet one day, but Ruby Walsh was not going to be drawn on which one he would choose.
He said:”You only have to look at Kicking Kick and War of Attrition to know what can go wrong in racing, so why think about it now. There is plenty of water to run under the bridge between now and next March.”
Nicholls, echoing those sentiments, said:”They will meet one day, but it certainly won’t be at Kempton. That course would suit Denman, who will probably go to Leopardstown, leaving Kauto Star for the King George, but let us enjoy the moment and worry about that problem when it arises.
“However, the one race I do want to win en route to the Gold Cup next year is the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. He has won it twice and I would love to make it three.”
Walsh reckons the fact that Kauto Star settled so well was the key factor in the victory. He said:”Even in the parade Clifford Baker, who knows him better than anyone, told me that he had never known him so relaxed, and that gave me even more confidence.
“Once I got him settled I knew it was just a matter of when I wanted to press the button, and, though I was worried for a second when I pulled off the rail and saw AP (McCoy) go there, all was ok in the end.
“We could not be certain about his stamina for the final quarter-mile, but either they stay or they don’t. He pinged two out and then it was a case of do or die and it was time to go.
“Kauto Star has come of age. He can be a bit lairy in front, but he was electric at his fences today.
“Winning the Grand National on Papillon for my father was fantastic, but this is equally special. The Gold Cup has always been the race in which the best horse wins - it is the championship race and I am absolutely thrilled to have finally won it. Kauto Star is a true champion. He has done it over all distances.”
DREAM COMES TRUE FOR SMITH
Owner Clive Smith, who planned “a party to remember” in Wentworth last night, described the success of Kauto Star as “a dream come true”.
Smith, who watched the race from the owners’ stand, said:”I have dreamed of winning this race since I first came to Cheltenham to watch Captain Christy in 1974, and I still can’t believe that the dream is reality.
“I always hoped that one day I might have a horse good enough to run in it, but to actually win it is beyond belief. We have 40 friends with us from the Wentworth area, and you can rest assured that we will have a huge celebration tonight.
“I could hardly look at the final fence, but, though he hit it, he kept sailing along. Paul (Nicholls) has always had tremendous faith in the horse, and he is such a fantastic trainer.
“I backed Kauto Star at 140-1, and, though it was only for £25, I have had a bit more on since, but the bet is immaterial.
“It is all down to the team at Ditcheat. Paul, Ruby, Clifford Baker and the rest - they are simply the best. Paul is a good chap and a real gentleman, and he deserves all the success that comes his way.
“Racing needed a superstar, and now they have one. Kauto Star has done everything we have asked of him this winter, and now I think he deserves his summer holiday. But we’ll be back next year.”
Smith had one last plea for the press. “I have spoken to the French and the pronunciation is ‘Corto’ not ‘Kato’. Please get it right.”
EXOTIC DANCER TEAM CHUFFED
After Exotic Dancer had finished second in the totesport Gold Cup, Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: “The pace probably wasn’t fast enough for us, and coming down the hill any one of six or seven horses could have won.
“It hasn’t gone absolutely right for us, but it’s always difficult with a hold-up horse. But we’ve turned an eight-lengths defeat in the King George VI Chase at Kempton [on Boxing Day] into a two-and-a-half-lengths defeat today, so we’re chuffed with that. And he’s only seven, so there’s plenty to look forward to.
“We’ve been beaten by a super horse. We’ve got a very good horse, but we’re not quite as good as the winner.”
Jonjo O’Neill, Exotic Dancer’s trainer, said: “I’m delighted because our horse has run a blinder. The best horse won and that’s probably the way we foresaw it, but our horse beat the rest.
“Kauto was always going well and I could see the only way we were going to beat him was if a mistake stopped him in his tracks. We just weren’t going to get past him - but I’ll take the second-best chaser in Britain any day.”
GREEN RUNS A CRACKER - MONKERHOSTIN COULD BE NATIONAL BOUND
Turpin Green belied his 40/1 odds to run a fine race in third in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, beaten five lengths behind the hugely-impressive winner Kauto Star.
His owner Trevor Hemmings said: “I was second last year with Hedgehunter and third again this year with Turpin Green - maybe I will win it next year!
“He just got impeded by Idle Talk (the loose horse) and that may have stopped him for 100 yards or so. He might have been a bit closer but for that, but what a horse the winner is.
“It was unfortunate that Idle Talk was out of the race so early - he just got bumped into by Beef Or Salmon and Jason Maguire was unseated.”
The 25/1 shot Monkerhostin, sixth 12 months ago, stayed on from off the pace to take fourth place, beaten 10 lengths in total, and his connections were delighted.
Sarah Hobbs, wife of trainer Philip Hobbs, said: “That was great.
“We have got him going right again at last, up until now he hadn’t been right all season.
“As he always does, he seemed to have a lull halfway through his races but then stayed on really well at the finish.”
Philip Hobbs is keen to take Monkerhostin to Aintree next month where he could either run in three-mile Betfair Bowl or go for the John Smith’s Grand National itself.
Hobbs said: “He will be go to Aintree next month.
“His two options there are either the three-mile conditions race (Betfair Bowl) or the Grand National itself.
“At the moment, I would say the Grand National is the favoured option.
“He will have a big weight in the Grand National (currently allotted 11st 6lb) but if he goes for the three-mile race he could run into a real good one. So, yes, I think we may well have a go at the Grand National.”
WILLIAMS HAILS A CHAMPION
Evan Williams was pleased with the performance of sixth-placed State Of Play in the totesport Cheltenham Gold and was quick to pay tribute to the winner Kauto Star.
The Welsh handler said: “I think I speak for everyone in our sport when I say how brilliant it is to see such a true champion like Kauto Star win today. He really is an absolute superstar.
“I’m delighted with the way State Of Play performed. He ran his heart out.
“It was a dream just to come here today with a runner in the Gold Cup. There are no excuses - we just weren’t good enough on the day.
“He could maybe go to Aintree - we will keep an eye on the Grand National. It could turn out that he has run a decent trial here today and the handicap could be interesting if Exotic Dancer were to run.
“He is also entered in the Betfred Gold Cup or I may just turn him out. We will take him home and decide where we go from there.”
Tom Taaffe, trainer of the fifth-placed Cane Brake, simply said: “He ran a cracker. I’m delighted.”
PAUL NICHOLLS
Paul Nicholls, the son of a policeman, was born in Alveston, Bristol, on April 17, 1962, and has been training at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset, since taking out a licence on November 1, 1991.
He started out as a jump jockey and twice rode the winner of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury (1986 on Broadheath and 1987 on Playschool). He partnered 130 winners between 1980 and 1989, and nominates the best horses he rode as Broadheath, Playschool and Seagram.
He was then assistant trainer to Devon-based David Barons, for whom he had ridden plenty of winners. The stable sent out Seagram to win the 1991 Grand National at Aintree while he was based there.
Having strongly challenged Martin Pipe for the jump trainers' championship in recent years, most notably when pushing his great rival right to the last day of the 2004/05 campaign, he claimed his first title last season when saddling 148 winners and collecting over £2.4 million in prize money.
Paul Nicholls pulled off the amazing feat of saddling seven winners and three seconds from his 10 runners on Saturday, November 7, 1998, and made history when he became the first trainer to saddle six winners on the same card, at Wincanton, his local track, on Saturday, January 21, 2006.
Another highpoint in his training career came at the 1999 Cheltenham Festival, as he captured the major chase on each of the three days - Flagship Uberalles scored in the Irish Independent Arkle Chase on Tuesday, Call Equiname won the Queen Mother Champion Chase the following day and, best of all, See More Business took the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Thursday.
Nicholls has trained 16 Festival winners in total, and was the most successful trainer at The Festival in 1999, 2004 and 2006, and looks like being the top handler again this year with Kauto Star's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup success being his third of the week. His 148 winners last season included three Festival successes - Noland in the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Star De Mohaison in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, and Desert Quest in the Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle.
He also captured two races at the 2006 John Smith's Grand National Meeting at Aintree, when successful with Star De Mohaison in the £80,000 John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase and Natal in the £55,000 Citroën C4 Mersey Novices' Hurdle.
His 1,000th British winner came when Noble Action won at Folkestone on November 15, 2004.
Paul Nicholls has sent out 101 winners so far this season (up to and including Friday, March 16), with stable star Kauto Star landing a brilliant Grade One four-timer in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, King George VI Chase, Tingle Creek Chase and Betfair Chase as well as victories in the Grade Two Old Roan Chase at Aintree and Newbury's Grade Two Aon Chase.
Further big-race winners this season include Silverburn (Anglo Irish Bank Tolworth Hurdle), Desert Quest (William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Ascot), Eurotrek (totesport.com Becher Chase), Gungadu (Reynoldstown Novices' Chase), Denman (Stan James Berkshire Novices' Chase), Taranis (totescoop6 Sandown Handicap Hurdle), My Will (Servo Computer Services Trophy), Ladalko (totesport.com Classic Chase), Cerium (Amlin 1965 Chase), Turko (totepool Rising Star Novices' Chase), New Little Bric (Scilly Isles Novices' Chase) and Neptune Collonges (wbx.com Rehearsal Chase).
PAUL NICHOLLS' 16 FESTIVAL SUCCESSES
Year Horse Age/Wgt Jockey Owner SP
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup
1999 See More Business 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Barber & John Keighley 16/1
2007 Kauto Star 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh Clive D Smith 5/4F
Queen Mother Champion Chase
1999 Call Equiname 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Mick Coburn, Paul Barber, Colin Lewis 7/2
2004 Azertyuiop 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh John Hales 15/8
Ryanair Chase
2005 Thisthatandtother 9-11-03 Ruby Walsh Graham Roach 9/2
2007 Taranis 6-11-00 Ruby Walsh Mrs A B Yeoman & C R Whittaker 9/2
Irish Independent Arkle Chase
1999 Flagship Uberalles 5-11-00 Joe Tizzard Elisabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak 11/1
2003 Azertyuiop 6-11-08 Ruby Walsh John Hales 5/4F
Royal & SunAlliance Chase
2006 Star De Mohaison 5-10-08 Barry Geraghty Sir Robert Ogden 14/1
2007 Denman 7-11-04 Ruby Walsh Harry Findlay & Paul Barber 6/5F
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
2004 Sporazene 5-10-13 Ruby Walsh Ged Mason & David Jackson 7/1J
2006 Desert Quest 4-10-10 ex4lb Ruby Walsh Margaret Findlay 4/1J
Cheltenham Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Handicap Chase)
2004 St Pirran 9-10-01 Ruby Walsh Graham Roach 4/1F
Christie's Foxhunter Chase
2004 Earthmover 13-12-00 Miss Rilly Goschen Roger Penny 14/1
2005 Sleeping Night 9-12-00 Mr Colman Sweeney D J & F A Jackson 7/2F
Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle
2006 Noland 5-11-07 Ruby Walsh John Hales 6/1
KAUTO STAR (FR)
7 b g Village Star (FR) - Kauto Relka (FR) (Port Etienne (FR))
Form: 211-1F2353-112-21F-111111
Owner: Clive Smith Breeder: Mme H Aubert
Kauto Star, a Grade Three winner over hurdles at Auteuil in France, has developed into a chaser of the highest class with six straight wins in the 2006/2007 season, including a stunning Grade One four-trick, culminating in today's impressive totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup victory.
He made his British debut at Newbury in December, 2004, in an extended two and a quarter mile novice chase, and produced a fine performance, gaining an emphatic nine-length victory over Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle winner Foreman.
Things did not go to plan next time in a three-runner race at Exeter in January, 2005, when he fell two out with the race at his mercy. After being remounted, he just failed to reel in the winner, but it came to light afterwards that the horse had injured his near-hind leg, and he was forced to miss the rest of the season.
Kauto Star reappeared in November, 2005, when he turned in an excellent comeback effort to chase home Monkerhostin in the Grade Two William Hill Gold Cup Chase at Exeter.
He improved on that run when landing the Grade One Tingle Creek Trophy Chase at Sandown over two miles the following month, staying on in fine style to score by a length and a half from Ashley Brook.
The Grade One Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival in March was Kauto Star's next port of call but, after tracking the leaders in the early stages, he took off too early at the third fence and hit the deck.
He returned at Aintree on October 22 over two and a half miles in the Grade Two Old Roan Chase and was the most impressive winner, romping home by 21 lengths from his stable companion Armaturk when conceding 9lb to the runner-up.
Kauto Star then defeated the best three-mile chasers around when easily taking the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 18 by 17 lengths from Beef Or Salmon before showing himself to be one of the most adaptable top-class chasers of recent times when cruising to a seven-length victory over Voy Por Ustedes in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown a fortnight later.
Clive Smith's gelding evoked memories of Desert Orchid as he went directly from that triumph to capture the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Ruby Walsh sat tight to survive a last fence blunder and the pair finished eight lengths clear of the chasing Exotic Dancer.
Another final fence error made life more difficult again for the pair in the Grade Two Aon Chase at Newbury on February 10, but Kauto Star rallied to hold the determined challenge of L'Ami by a neck.
Kauto Star collects the Betfair Million bonus for being successful in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup today. The £1-million incentive is offered by the betting exchange for winning the Betfair Chase, the Stan James King George VI Chase and the totesport Gold Cup.
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007
GOING NEWS AT 10.00AM
The going for the final day of The Festival 2007 is:
GOOD TO SOFT, GOOD IN PLACES (New Course)
Simon Claisse, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Cheltenham, said: “We had one millimetre of rain overnight and a heavy dew. The going remains good to soft, good in places.
“The forecast is for another sunny day and I don’t anticipate the going to change.
“Once again, the rails were moved after racing yesterday and we will be racing on fresh ground on both the chase and hurdle courses.”
Race 3 - 3.15pm totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup
15 Racing Demon (Vet’s Certificate)
Race 5 - 4.40pm Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup
23 Cossack Dancer (Vet’s Certificate)
BETTING NEWS AT NOON
The final day of The Festival 2007 gets underway with the JCB Triumph Hurdle (2.00pm) where Degas Art, who represents the same team responsible for yesterday’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle victor Inglis Drever, is into 8/1 (from 10/1) with Stan James, totesport and William Hill, as well as 8/1 from 9/1. Crack Irish filly Lounaos is now 4/1 (from 9/2) with Ladbrokes in the same contest while Cashmans have trimmed the Alan King-trained Katchit to 5/1 (from 6/1).
Sir Jimmy Shand has come in for support with totesport in race two, the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2.35pm) and is now 9/1 (from 11/1) while Flight Leader is 6/1 (from 7/1) with Cashmans.
In the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.15pm), favourite Kauto Star is out to 13/8 (from 6/4) with Paddy Power and 7/4 (from 13/8) with Stan James, but into 6/4 (from 7/4) with William Hill. State Of Play is into 7/1 (from 8/1) with Paddy Power and Stan James. A couple of outsiders for money are Idle Talk who is now 66/1 (from 100/1) with Stan James and William Hill, as well as 50/1 (from 100/1) with Ladbrokes, while totesport have trimmed Monkerhostin to 33/1 (from 40/1). Cashmans report money for Halcon Genelardais (33/1 from 40/1) and My Will (12/1 from 14/1).
Honourable Spider is now 11/1 (from 14/1) with Paddy Power and 10/1 (from 12/1) with Stan James in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (4.00pm). Patches has come in for support with Cashmans, where he is now 7/1 (from 8/1).
Hasty Prince is into 8/1 (from 10/1) with Paddy Power and Stan James in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (4.40pm), while Jacks Craic is into 16/1 (from 20/1) with Paddy Power, Stan James and William Hill, as well as 16/1 (from 22/1) with Coral. Outsider Borora is into 33/1 (from 50/1) with Stan James and William Hill with Ursis cut to 14/1 (from 20/1) with Stan James. Saintsaire is 7/2 (from 4/1) with Ladbrokes.
The Festival comes to a close with the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (5.20pm), where Ouninpohja is into 6/1 (from 7/1) with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes as well as 6/1 (from 13/2) with Stan James. Paddy Power and Sky Bet have cut Arcalis to 20/1 (from 25/1), while the Howard Johnson-trained grey is 20/1 (from 33/1) with Coral and 20/1 (from 28/1) with Ladbrokes.
FURTHER BETTING NEWS
Boylesports are another bookmaker to have cut Degas Art in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle (2.00pm) and the Irish firm now go 8/1 (from 9/1) about the Howard Johnson-trained gelding. Lightning Strike is now 25/1 (from 40/1) after attracting each-way support with the same company.
In the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2.35pm), favourite Wichita Lineman is now 11/8 (from 6/4) with Boylesports, who have also trimmed Sir Jimmy Shand to 9/1 (from 10/1).
Having drifted earlier today, Kauto Star is back into 6/4 (from 13/8) with Paddy Power for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.15pm), who are also reporting The Listener to be very weak in the market and have pushed out Robert Alner’s charge to 12/1 (from 9/1). Kauto Star is into 13/8 (from 7/4) with Boylesports, with the same firm cutting State Of Play to 7/1 (from 8/1).
In the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (4.00pm), Cobreces is now 25/1 (from 33/1) with Boylesports.
Jacks Craic continues to prove popular in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (4.40pm) and is now 14/1 (from 16/1) with Boylesports. Outsider Borora is also still attracting money and has come in 33/1 (from 66/1) with Boylesports and 33/1 (from 50/1) with Paddy Power. Hasty Prince, owned by the legendary Irish owner and gambler J P McManus, is also popular with Paddy Power, coming into 7/1 (from 8/1 and previously 10/1).
In the concluding Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (5.20pm), Pricewise selection Arcalis is down to 16/1 (from 40/1) with Boylesports and 16/1 (from 20/1 and previously 25/1) with Paddy Power. Leading fancy Ouninpohja is into 6/1 (from 13/2) with Boylesports.
GUINNESS IS GOOD FOR PADDY
Paddy Brennan’s pressure day ended in cheers when he won the Guinness Festival Award on day three of the meeting.
Brennan admitted to apprehension at the responsibility of riding highly-fancied Inglis Drever in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, but the Irishman produced the goods and later clinched the public vote in a three-way battle for the day’s Guinness honours.
Judges Tanya Stevenson, Alan Lee and David Ord nominated three contenders - Brennan, trainer Howard Johnson (who saddled Inglis Drever) and Ruby Walsh who moved to the top of the Racing Post’s leading rider table when scoring on Taranis in the Ryanair Chase. Brennan now joins the winners from the first two days, Alan King and Choc Thornton, on a short-list to become the meeting’s overall Guinness Festival Award winner.
The outcome will be decided by the panel on Channel 4's Morning Line tomorrow. Nicky Henderson was the winner in 2006.
Anyone who would like to vote for today’s Guinness Festival Award winner should listen out for the nominated contenders whose names will be announced over tannoys, on Festival Radio (87.7FM), on racecourse TV screens and on Cheltenham’s official microsite.
They should then text Festival, followed by A, B or C to 80818. Votes must be registered between 3.30pm and 4.30pm today.
Everyone texting a vote will be entered into a daily prize draw to win a trip to the Punchestown Festival, including return flights and an overnight stay at the luxurious Killashee House Hotel.
The Guinness Festival Awards have been a part of the meeting for 11 years and are designed to honour the person who makes the most outstanding contribution to the occasion in the first three races each day.
FROM EBAZIYAN TO OSCAR
The 2007 Cheltenham Festival is fast becoming unforgettable - even before the highlight of the totesport Gold Cup is played out before some 60,000 racegoers.
From Ebaziyan, winner of the opening race - Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - on day one, to Oscar Park, successful in the closing race - the Pertemps Final - yesterday, Cheltenham has staged jump racing at its absolute peak - even the sun has had its hat on for the occasion.
There have been winners, losers, and even winners AND losers. Those who are still in deficit include Tony McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald, great jockeys at the peak of their form, but still luckless in the final drive for the line. The falls yesterday of Black Jack Ketchum (Ladbrokes World Hurdle) and Crozan (Ryanair Chase) summed up the way things have gone for McCoy and Fitzgerald this week. Good luck today lads!
Also losing out yesterday were Irish trainers - they failed to train a winner throughout the afternoon for the first time since the final day of the 2004 Festival. Meanwhile the winners AND losers column include Irish-banker punters. They were flattened when Aran Concerto could finish only fifth in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle, but should have been in pocket because of Heads On The Ground (Sporting Index Chase) and may still be here thanks to the Weatherbys Bumper win by Cork All Star.
Winning-AND-losing trainers include Philip Hobbs and David Pipe. Hobbs was given a double whammy on Tuesday when Detroit City (Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle) and Fair Along (Irish Independent Arkle Trophy) were turned over, but Massini’s Maguire reinvigorated the Somerset trainer when taking the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle. Pipe suffered reverses for Well Chief (hot favourite when a faller in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase) and Our Vic (just failed to get up in the Ryanair Chase), but he will never forget his first Festival winner, Gaspara, in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.
Out-and-out winners there have been thousands - everyone who has turned up at Cheltenham this week has been in profit simply by being here - but if you’re near the top of the pile you will probably meet Denmania man Harry Findlay, trainer Alan King and his jockey, Choc Thornton, who have scooped two big prizes with My Way De Solzen (Irish Independent Arkle Trophy) and Voy Por Ustedes (Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase).
Also up there are Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls thanks to victories by Denman (Royal & SunAlliance Chase) and Taranis (Ryanair Chase), trainer John Carr, owner Bill Hennessy and jockey Philip Carberry, responsible for Sublimity (Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle), and Paddy Brennan, who vindicated his move north by riding Inglis Drever to victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
BUTLER’S CABIN FINE, SAYS STABLE
Butler’s Cabin, who collapsed after winning yesterday’s National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, was reported in good health by trainer Jonjo O’Neill today.
Alan Berry dismounted from the seven-year-old after they had beaten Character Building by three-quarters of a length and Butler’s Cabin was taken straight to the racecourse’s veterinary centre. He later travelled back to O’Neill’s stable.
O’Neill’s assistant, Guy Upton, said: “The horse was very dehydrated, but we’ve been getting plenty of electrolytes into him and he seems fine.
“It was a warm day, but I don’t think the distance of the race [four miles] was a factor. It could have happened after a race over a shorter distance.”
RUSSELL MISSES FINAL DAY
Jockey Davy Russell misses the final day of the 2007 Cheltenham Festival - his place on Duty in the opening contest, the JCB Triumph Hurdle has been taken by Niall Madden.
Russell took a heavy fall on Cloudy Bays in the closing race yesterday, the Pertemps Final.
THE FESTIVAL 2007 ROLL OF HONOUR
TUESDAY’S WINNERS
Race Winner Trainer Jockey SP
ANGLO IRISH BANK SUPREME NOV. HURDLE Ebaziyan Willie Mullins IRE Davy Condon 40/1
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE My Way De Solzen Alan King Robert Thornton 7/2
SMURFIT KAPPA CHAMPION HURDLE Sublimity John Carr IRE Philip Carberry 16/1
WILLIAM HILL TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE Joes Edge Ferdy Murphy Davy Russell 50/1
SPORTING INDEX HANDICAP CHASE Heads Onthe Ground Enda Bolger IRE Miss Nina Carberry 5/2 F
FRED WINTER JUVENILE H’CAP HURDLE Gaspara David Pipe Andrew Glassonbury 9/2JF
WEDNESDAY’S WINNERS
Race Winner Trainer Jockey SP
BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICE HURDLE Massini’s Maguire Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson 20/1
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE Denman Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh 6/5F
SEASONS HOLIDAYS Q. MOTHER CH. CHASE Voy Por Ustedes Alan King Robert Thornton 5/1
CORAL CUP Burntoakboy Dr Richard Newland Sam Jones 10/1
FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR H’CAP CHASE Cloudy Lane Donald McCain Jnr Mr Richard Burton 15/2F
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER Cork All Star Jessica Harrington IRE Barry Geraghty 11/2
THURSDAY’S WINNERS
Race Winner Trainer Jockey SP
JEWSON NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE L’Antartique Ferdy Murphy Graham Lee 20/1
RYANAIR CHASE Taranis Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh 9/2
LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE Inglis Drever Howard Johnson Paddy Brennan 5/1
RACING POST PLATE Idole First Venetia Williams Alan O’Keeffe 12/1
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP Butler’s Cabin Jonjo O’Neill Mr Alan Berry 33/1
PERTEMPS FINAL Oscar Park David Arbuthnot Tom Doyle 14/1
THE LISTENER RUNS
After walking the course this morning, trainer Robert Alner has confirmed The Listener as a definite runner in this afternoon’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“The horse is going to run,” said Alner. “I was probably walking the course for the third time in the last two days and the track is safe with some give. They have put it all back well after racing yesterday and the horse will take his chance.”
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THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
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FIRST RACE QUOTES
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
KATCH TOO QUICK FOR RIVALS
Trainer Alan King and jockey Robert Thornton had their third success of the 2007 Festival when Katchit ran away with the JCB Triumph Hurdle by nine lengths.
“We’d have settled for one winner at the start of this week,” admitted King. “Choc said on Monday morning, if one of these big four can win, we'll be very happy. For three of them to come in is just something else. And to do it so well - my God he was impressive! It doesn’t get any better - I may retire now!
“Choc said all season he would be a much better horse when the ground dries up. This is my lucky suit - and I first wore it on Tuesday! David Nicholson would have been so proud.
“Katchit was awfully impressive and straightforward, he can win round Market Rasen or wherever. He’s very adaptable. We had thought of going for the Adonis but instead came here in January then gave him a two-week break, it’s all gone like clockwork.
“He always travelled, jumped great and is better on this ground. Choc said he got there too early but still quickened away.
“We’ll look at Aintree and probably give him an entry for Punchestown and I had been worried about next season because of his size. But I’m not so worried now.”
Thornton - now the Festival’s leading rider - added: “What a star! He's shocked me again - I thought he might improve for better ground but he certainly has. I've got there a shade too soon and thought I may as well kick on. I was just thinking going to the last, where are they all? He's a little legend and loves his jumping."
HOBBS ACCEPTS RUNNER-UP ROLE
TO KING ONCE AGAIN
After Liberate beat all bar the Alan King-trained Katchit in the leading juvenile race of the season, Philip Hobbs said: “I’m very pleased with that - it’s always frustrating to be second, especially to Alan King yet again, but nevertheless our horse has run very well once more.
“He’s very genuine, tries very hard and jumps well. He’s a lovely horse and Richard [Johnson] feels he’ll improve when racing on even better ground. Obviously racecourses water very well these days so it’s going to be difficult, but I would think we’ll go to Aintree, and because he’s so tough we might go to Punchestown as well.
“That’s the first competitive race he’s had, so he might learn from that, but whether we can close the gap on the winner is another thing.”
LOUNAOS ANOTHER
DISAPPOINTING “JOLLY”
Only one filly - Snow Drop - has managed to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle in the last decade, and the race proved a bridge too far for the Irish-trained 7-2 favourite Lounaos, who trailed in only 10th.
Barry Geraghty, who rode Lounaos, the Irish Champion Hurdle fourth, said:”It is a tough race for a filly, and they went off very quick.
“She kept on battling, but she could not sustain that gallop all the way, and we were beaten before the straight.”
JOCKEYS GIVE REACTION TO GROUND
After the running of the first race on the final day of The Festival, the JCB Triumph Hurdle, the following jockeys gave their reaction to the state of the ground:
Jason Maguire, rider of Counting House, said: “A bit dead.”
James Davies, rider of Darusso, said: “On the dead side of good.”
Paddy Brennan, rider of Degas Art, said: “Perfect.”
Niall Madden, rider of Duty, said: “A bit quicker.”
Tony McCoy, rider of Mountain, said: “The same as yesterday.”
David Casey, rider of J’y Vole, said: “I’d say it’s good enough. A bit on the slow side.”
Noel Fehily, who rode third-placed Mobaasher, said: “It’s the same as yesterday. A bit slow, but perfect.”
Richard Johnson, rider of runner-up Liberate, said: “It’s good ground. There’s a slow patch coming down the hill, but I think that’s only on the hurdle course and the chase track should be perfect.”
Mick Fitzgerald, rider of fourth home, Punjabi: “It’s goodish, a little bit slow in places.”
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Race 2 - Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle Quotes
LINEMAN GETS McCOY OFF THE MARK
Tony McCoy finally secured his long-awaited first winner of The Festival this year when Wichita Lineman captured the second race on the final day, the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle.
The winner showed he was battler when prevailing by 12 lengths, having been off the bridle from a long way out, although his task was made easier with the final flight departure of Black Harry.
Winning trainer Jonjo O’Neill said: “Wichita Lineman is tough - a bit like his jockey!
“He is a lazy horse and thinks everything is just grand unless you tell him to do something.
“In all he’s races he always comes under pressure - that’s just the way he is.
“I see him as a chaser in the long-term although I don’t know when that will be.”
Sponsors Ladbrokes make Wichita Lineman a 10/1 shot for the World Hurdle at The Festival 2008, with his stable companion Black Jack Ketchum at 5/1. Jonjo O’Neill reported Black Jack Ketchum to be a “grand, just a little bit stiff” after his fall in yesterday’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
Tony McCoy added: "It's good to get a winner. Obviously things haven't gone good. I was really annoyed yesterday because I thought Black Jack Ketchum could have broken his neck, and if that would have happened it would have killed me, let alone him. I'm pleased he's okay, which is the most important thing.
"But if you're ever in trouble and not riding a winner, this horse has got the heart of a lion. You never know when he's had enough - he's a proper racehorse. He's raced like that the last couple of times. I was a bit worried today that if I got behind too many, I might not get him travelling.
"Myself and Jonjo thought a lot of him since he won his first hurdle race. He's got a great attitude and he's tough - real tough."
McMANUS ENJOYS THIRD CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
JP McManus had his third winner of the Festival when Wichita Lineman, left clear when Black Harry crashed out at the final flight, landed some massive bets to win the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle.
“Sorry lads,” said McManus as he walked past the bookmakers en route to greet Wichita Lineman, but the leading Irish owner declared:”I never had a bet - I can do without 11-8 chances, and I am just delighted he has won.”
Tony McCoy has told everyone at the Cheltenham previews that Wichita Lineman was his banker of the meeting, and McManus was relieved for his jockey that he had gained an overdue first success of the week.
McManus added:”Tony is a strong jockey, and I always felt that he had Black Harry covered. We were just starting to get on top when the other horse fell, and we knew that our fellow would tough it out.
“I suppose we could claim this as ‘a nearly Irish’ victory, and, while yesterday was a bit special with Alan Berry winning on his first Cheltenham ride, Butler’s Cabin, in the four-miler, this is equally satisfying, even though I never had a penny on.
“You always regret not backing your horses when they win, but we have a lot to look forward to with Wichita Lineman.”
The owner’s other winner was with Heads Onthe Ground in the Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase on the opening day.
AIR FORCE FLYING TO THE TOP
Trainer Charlie Mann has high hopes for Air Force One next season after the German-bred benefited from Black Harry’s last-fence fall to take second place in the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle.
“I’ve always thought the world of him and he’s a chaser in the making. I think he’ll be a Gold Cup horse in two years time,” said Mann. “He ran a great race in the German St Leger and we bought him for the Triumph last year but was a bit weak to run in it.
“He won’t run again this season and will come back over fences in the autumn. Noel (Fehily) said he ran a bit flat today so if he can run like that when he’s flat then he’s got to be a very good horse.”
Alan King can do little wrong this week and Itsa Legend defied his 100/1 odds to finish third.
“I’m not sure he should have been 100/1 as he always keeps battling away,” said King. “I thought he was pretty good three years but then he had to have a long time off. He’s been progressive all year and if he’s OK we’ll try and find a little race then go novice chasing in the autumn. He won’t go to Aintree.”
Colin Tizzard, trainer of fourth-placed Flight Leader, said: "The ground was a factor - on that ground he was flat out for the last two miles. Softer going would help. He could never hold a position, and they went so fast he didn't pull, which he has in his two previous runs. That's championship racing for you. We'll take him home and see how he is before making plans."
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THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
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FOURTH RACE QUOTES
CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE
DROMBEAG FOR JP AND JT IN HUNTERS’ RACE
An all-Irish team won Britain’s leading hunter chase, but the winner came from an English stable.
JT McNamara, wearing the colours of J P McManus on the Jonjo O’Neill-ridden Drombeag, put his horse’s head in front up the run-in and held off favourite Whyso Mayo by half a length. Ned Kelly was 15 lengths third and Oscar India took fourth.
The winner was making his seasonal debut, but O’Neill said: “He wants good ground - he’s been hunting and messing around, but there was no point running him in a bog. He’ll be going to Liverpool next.”
J T McNamara, point-to-pointing’s most successful rider with some 440 wins, said of Drombeag: “That’s grand. If he’d finished fifth or sixth it would have been a good run, but he jumped absolutely brilliant. I knew turning in we would nearly make it and he just stayed on.
“He had a bad fall at Aintree last year and seemed to lose his way after that. He ran poorly at Punchestown [behind Whyso Mayo] but he’s best fresh, so that was no problem today. I knew Whyso Mayo was alongside coming down the hill, and I just hoped I might out-jump him. He keeps galloping so I had no bother about whether he would get home.”
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THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
CHELTENHAM, FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007
FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP
ANDREAS CONTINUES GREAT WEEK FOR NICHOLLS AND THORNTON
Trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Robert Thornton - who had both individually enjoyed a great 2007 Festival - combined to take the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap with Andreas, giving them each a fourth winner.
“This was the icing on the cake,” said Nicholls. “To be fair this was the first time since last year that he had his ground. He was bought by Trevor Hemmings after he ran at Aintree last year and has always threated to win a big race. He’d been the forgotten horse.
"The horse has threatened to win a decent race and all winter he's been running on soft ground. The ground came right for him and it was a brilliant ride by Choc. Today he's picked up and galloped all the way to the line, which sometimes he doesn't do.
“We missed the second last and I always think he never finds much, but he's winged the last and stayed on well. I actually think he wants two and a half now and he suggested there he does.
"Saintsaire didn't jump well enough. Everybody told me he was well handicapped but perhaps he wasn't. I think a flat track will suit him better."
The winning owner Trevor Hemmings added: “Who knows what would have happened with Turpin Green in the Gold Cup if Idle Talk hadn't been under his feet!
“I'll take home the silver for this win - at least I've got something to take back. It's lovely. The weather's been great and the racing is terrific.
"I get the buzz at a point-to-point. It's all about finding something special. You go looking, and if you're lucky enough to find that special horse, you come here. That's why there's so many people here today. Cheltenham are excellent at entertaining. These four days have been superb."
Frank Berry, racing manager to J P McManus, owner of runner-up Hasty Prince, said: “He ran a blinder and jumped like a buck. There were no excuses, we were just beaten by a better horse.”
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SIXTH RACE QUOTES
VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HURDLE
PEDROBOB GIVES MULLINS FIRST FESTIVAL WINNER
The Cheltenham Festival 2007 began with a winner for the Mullins family when trainer Willie Mullins sent out Ebaziyan to land the Anglo Irish Bank Novices’ Hurdle and ended with a victory for his brother Tony, who trained Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle victor Pedrobob.
The nine-year-old, returned at 12/1, came with a tremendous run after the last to deny Ouninpohja by a length with Premier Dane a neck back in third.
A delighted Tony Mullins said: “I thought we were done for two out when he ran into the back of the horse in front of him - it was really nerve racking after that!
“We thought he had really improved this season. He must be the youngest nine-year-old around!
“He may go to Punchestown and I am really looking forward to going over fences with him.”
Mullins was also delighted to register his first Festival success. He continued: “I am delighted to get off the mark at The Festival. I was sick of being referred to as a Cheltenham virgin at all the preview evenings!
“I was so disappointed after Aranleigh got beat in the bumper on Wednesday but I still think he’s a very good horse. After that, I thought I might never get off the mark.”
OUNINPOHJA NOT BAD FOR A NOVICE
The late burst of Pedrobob proved too much for his rivals in the closing race at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival, but Paul Nicholls was more than happy with the effort of runner-up Ouninpojha.
Nicholls said: “Ruby was spitting blood there because he feels he got to the front too soon, but the horse galloped all the way to the line. People have said unkind things about him because he carries his head high, but he carries his head in that way walking around the roads.
“Ruby said he jumped brilliantly and that Aintree will be made for him. He’s a proper horse and he’s going the right way. That’s only his fourth run over jumps and he’s still a novice.”
The effort of third-placed Premier Dane belied his odds of 100-1. Trainer Nicky Richards said: “The secret to him is the ground - he must have good ground, but I don’t know whether the handicapper will ever let me win a race with him now. I’ve no great plan for him.”
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‘CHOC’ CELEBRATES TOP JOCKEY AWARD
Robert ‘Chocolate’ Thornton might have finished down the field on Trouble At Bay in the concluding Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle, but Alan King’s stable jockey still pipped Ruby Walsh for the Leading Rider Award, sponsored by The Racing Post.
Going into the finale 3-4 down, Walsh needed to win on Ouninpohja to beat Thornton on a count-back for places but, though Paul Nicholls’s horse struck the front after the last, he is an enigmatic character and he pulled himself up in the last 100 yards and was run out of it by Irish challenger Pedro Bay.
Thornton, who finished 22nd on Trouble To Bay, was all smiles afterwards. He said:”I was able to stand up in the stirrups on the run-in and watch the race on the big screen, and it was a relief when Philip Carberry reeled in Ruby.
“It is a brilliant feeling to be top jockey. I said at the start of the week that I had to ride with confidence in every race, and I think I have done that.
“It has been the best week of my life and mum and dad came down from Leicestershire and stayed with me all week. I have known Alan since I was 14, so it was really special to win three big ones for him on My Way de Solzen, Voy Pour de Ustedes and Katchit.”
Ironically, Thornton, who has been with King for five years, clinched the award on the Paul Nicholls-trained Andreas in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, Walsh having preferred to ride stablemate Saintsaire, who finished sixth, having made a couple of jumping errors.
Thornton added:“I always felt that we had some good chances, but you come to this meeting with the view that one winner is fantastic and anything else is a bonus.
“This place has been very good to me, and, though I have to ride at Uttoxeter tomorrow, I think I’ll find time for a couple of drinks tonight.”
NICHOLLS TAKES FINAL-DAYGUINNESS & RACING POST AWARDS
Paul Nicholls’ fabulous Friday at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival was given a refreshing additional delight when he won the Guinness Festival Award.
Racegoers voted by text for the Somerset trainer after he saddled totesport Gold Cup winner Kauto Star (as well as Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase winner Andreas) to clinch the closing-day honours, with a total of four successes.
He had been nominated by judges Tanya Stevenson, Alan Lee and David Ord.
Nicholls now goes into a four-way contest with the winners from the first three days - Alan King, Choc Thornton and Paddy Brennan - to decide the overall winner.
The panel on tomorrow’s Morning Line on Channel 4 will decide which one gets the prize. It was won last year by Nicky Henderson.
Everyone who took part in the competition and sent a text vote during the Festival has been entered into a daily prize draw to win a trip to the Punchestown Festival, including return flights and an overnight stay at the luxurious Killashee House Hotel.
The Guinness Festival Awards have been a part of the meeting for 11 years and are designed to honour the person who makes the most outstanding contribution to the occasion in the first three races each day.
Nicholls also finished top of the Racing Post trainers’ table at The Festival.
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JAPANESE CHALLENGE AT CHELTENHAM?
Leading Japanese trainer Tatsuo Fujiwara made his first visit to Cheltenham this year and may hopefully in a couple of years have a runner at The Festival.
Mr Fujiwara, who won the world’s richest chase, the Nakayama Grand Jump, with Blandices in 2004 said: “I have never felt anything like being at Cheltenham.
“I like it very much. It really was a big surprise.
“Blandices is now retired but I have a couple of young horses and I hope I can maybe bring a challenger to Cheltenham in a couple of years time.
“Cheltenham is a very different course to anything in Japan. It looks very tough!”
BOOKIES COUNT COST OF KAUTO
The success of favourite Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup was a much needed tonic for punters at The Festival and the bookies were left licking their wounds.
Ladbrokes claimed Kauto Star’s victory cost the bookies some €7 million (Euros).
Donal McCarthy of Ladbrokes said: “The punters have fought back and their revenge his been vicious. Once the smoke clears we’ll know who won the war but for now, Kauto is off our Christmas card list!”
Paddy Power estimated their losses on Kauto Star at £1 million, with £650k paid out on Kauto Star and £350k on the second Exotic Dancer, following the firm’s decision to pay out on any horse finishing second to the favourite at Cheltenham today.
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THE FESTIVAL, FINAL DAY
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FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (GRADE ONE)
2m 1f New Course, £120,000 guaranteed, Class 1, For 4yo Weights 11st Allowances fillies 7lb Entries 103 pay £125 First Forfeit 68 pay £250 confirmed 41 pay £125 Penalty value 1st £68,424; 2nd £25,668; 3rd £12,852; 4th £6,408; 5th £3,216; 6th £1,608
1 KATCHIT (IRE) (D S J P Syndicate) Alan King 4-11-00 Robert Thornton 11/2
2 LIBERATE (Mrs D Whateley) Philip Hobbs 4-11-00 Richard Johnson 12/1
3 MOBAASHER (USA) (Seasons Holidays) Charlie Mann 4-11-00 Noel Fehily 33/1
4 PUNJABI (Raymond Tooth) Nicky Henderson 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald 9/1
5 J'Y VOLE (FR) (Hammer & Trowel Syndicate) Willie Mullins 4-10-07 David Casey 33/1
6 POQUELIN (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Sam Thomas
7 CROOKHAVEN (James Kelly) John Murphy IRE 4-11-00 Andrew McNamara
8 FINANCIAL REWARD (IRE) (Mrs M Warde) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh
9 LIGHTNING STRIKE (GER) (John Nicholls (Trading) Ltd) Venetia Williams 4-11-00 Tom Scudamore
10 LOUNAOS (FR)(Martina Griffin) Eoin Griffin IRE 4-10-07 Barry Geraghty 7/2f
11 MY PETRA (Mrs P Wallace) Alan King 4-10-07 Wayne Hutchinson
12 DEGAS ART (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 4-11-00 Paddy Brennan
13 ALQAAB (USA) (Munnelly Support Services Ltd) Noel Meade IRE 4-11-00 Denis O'Regan
14 CONVINCING (John Murphy) John Murpy IRE 4-11-00 Eddie Power
15 FREEZE THE FLAME (GER) (Matthew Green & The Outlaws) Charles Egerton 4-11-00 Graham Lee
16 LORD ADONIS (IRE) (Brooklands Racing) Khalil Burke 4-11-00b1 Paddy Merrigan
17 DARUSSO (Tom & Evelyn Yates) Stan Moore 4-11-00 James Davies
18 COUNTING HOUSE (IRE) (Wally Sturt) Jim Old 4-11-00 Jason Maguire
19 PARRAIN (FR) (D Dormeuil) Francois Doumen FR 4-11-00 Arnaud Duchene
20 MOUNTAIN (IRE) (Gay Smith) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-00 Tony McCoy
21 DUTY (IRE) (Des Sharkey) Kevin O'Brien IRE 4-11-00 Niall Madden
F first KHACHATURIAN (IRE) (Brendan Richardson & John Glews) Donald McCain Jnr 4-11-00 Stephen Craine
P PAUILLAC (FR) (David Johnson) David Pipe 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy
Winning Trainer: ALAN KING Born: December 13, 1966 Based: Barbury Castle Stables, Wroughton, Wiltshire Cheltenham Festival Wins (7): William Hill National Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Arkle Challenge Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Aintree Festival Wins: Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2002 Spendid), John Smith’s HBLB TBA Mares’ Only NH (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Big Race Wins: Bula Hurdle (1999 Relkeel), Betfair Handicap Hurdle (2006 Halcon Genelardais), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Long Walk Hurdle (1999 Anzum, 2005 My Way De Solzen), Jim Ford Challenge Cup (2000 Spendid), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal d’Ainay), Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Coral Welsh National (2006 Halcon Genelardais) Horses in Training (2000-2006): 65; 51; 56; 74; 85; 123; 131 Number of Winners (1999/2000-2005/06): 27; 18; 34; 39; 47; 66; 63 Wins this Season: 75
Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Background: Joined David Nicholson as an amateur in 1995 and was crowned Champion Conditional in 1998. Wins (1995/96-2005/06): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73 Cheltenham Festival wins: (11) 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, 2007 Katchit), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Aintree Festival Wins: Martell Foxhunters’ Chase (Blue Cheek 1997), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (Shankar 1997), Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare); John Smith’s Mares Only Nh Flat Race (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragg & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit) Wins this Season: 84
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.35pm BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE TWO)
3m New Course, £80,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 116 pay £95 First Forfeit 77 pay £190 Confirmed 39 pay £95 Penalty Value 1st £45,616; 2nd £17,112; 3rd £8,568; 4th £4,272; 5th £2,144; 6th £1,072
1 WICHITA LINEMAN (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 Tony McCoy 11/8f
2 AIR FORCE ONE (GER) (Brian Walsh (Co Kildare)) Charlie Mann 5-11-07 Noel Fehily 25/1
3 ITSA LEGEND (The We’re A Legend Partnership) Alan King 8-11-07 Robert Thornton 100/1
4 FLIGHT LEADER (IRE) (John And Heather Snook) Colin Tizzard 7-11-07 Joe Tizzard 11/2
5 MAC FEDERAL (IRE) (H Morris) Sheena West 5-11-07 Jamie Goldstein
6 NEGUS DE BEAUMONT (FR) (Warren Roberts) Ferdy Murphy 6-11-07 Graham Lee
7 HERE'S JOHNNY (IRE) (The Big Boys Toys Partnership) Victor Dartnall 8-11-07 Matthew Batchelor
8 CHIEF DAN GEORGE (IRE) (Maurice Chapman) James Moffatt 7-11-07p Alan Dempsey
9 JOAACI (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 7-11-07tb Timmy Murphy
10 ORNAIS (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-07t Sam Thomas
11 HAIRY MOLLY (IRE) (F T B Syndicate) Joseph Crowley IRE 7-11-07 Barry Geraghty
12 SKIPPERS BRIG (IRE) (Ashleybank Investments Limited) Len Lungo 6-11-07 Keith Mercer
13 SECRET PLOY (A Carding) Hughie Morrison 7-11-07b1 Andrew Tinkler
14 LEADING RUN (IRE) (Moira McGrath) Noel Meade IRE 8-11-07 Niall Madden
15 HEAD HELD HIGH (IRE) (Howard Spooner) Jessica Harrington IRE 6-11-07 Robert Power
16 MR STRACHAN (IRE) (Susan Grange) Sue Smith 6-11-07 Michael O'Connell
17 SIR JIMMY SHAND (IRE) (Henry Ponsonby) Nicky Henderson 6-11-07 Mick Fitzgerald
F last BLACK HARRY (IRE) (Sean O’Driscoll) Willie Mullins 7-11-07 Ruby Walsh
P CELTIC MAJOR (IRE) (Walters Plant Hire Ltd) Helen Lewis 9-11-07 Andrew Glassonbury
P VINANDO (Exors of the Late Mrs Evelyn Hankinson) Charles Egerton 6-11-07tb Paddy Brennan
Winning Trainer: JONJO O’NEILL Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Career: former National Hunt jockey Cheltenham Festival Wins (13): Pertemps Final (1991 Danny Connors, 2003 Inching Closer, 2004 Creon); National Hunt Chase (1995 Front Line, 2002 Rith Dubh, 2003 Sudden Shock, 2004 Native Emperor, 2007 Butler’s Cabin); Vincent O’Brien County H’cap Hurdle (2000 Master Tern), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Black Jack Ketchum, 2007 Wichita Lineman) Other Big Race Wins: Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Rhinestone Cowboy), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Black Jack Ketchum), Challow Hurdle (2002 Coolnagorna, 2006 Wichita Lineman), Christmas Hurdle (2002 & 2003 Intersky Falcon), Cleeve Hurdle (2006 Fire Dragon), Emo Oil Champion Hurdle (2003 Quazar), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), Greatwood Hurdle (2005 Lingo), John James McManus Memorial Hurdle (2002 & 2003 Intersky Falcon), Kingwell Hurdle (2003 Rhinestone Cowboy), Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race (2005 Refinement), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2006 Exotic Dancer), Punchestown Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle (2002 Quazar), Reynoldstown Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1999 Legal Right), Totesport Becher Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Totesport Silver Cup (2000 Legal Right), Welsh National (2002 Mini Sensation) Horses in Training (1996-2006): 53; 59; 59; 78; 78, 75, 98, 90, 95; 94; 78 Number of Winners (1995/96-2005/06): 18; 17; 32; 38; 44; 58; 113; 114; 102; 96; 105 Wins this Season: 112
Winning Jockey: Anthony Peter McCoy Date of Birth: 04/05/74 First Winner: Thurles, 26/03/92 (First winner in Britain: 07/09/94, Exeter, Chickabiddy) Apprenticeship: Four years with Jim Bolger. Cheltenham Festival Wins: (19) Grand Annual Chase (1996 Kibreet, 1998 Edredon Bleu), Irish Independent Arkle Chase (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 2006 Brave Inca), Tote Gold Cup (1997 Mr Mulligan), Cathcart Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Hcap Chase (1999 Majadou), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2000 Edredon Bleu), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2006 Reveillez), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Black Jack Ketchum, 2007 Wichita Lineman) Leading Rider at The Festival: 1997 (3), 1998 (5). Other major wins: AIG Europe Champion Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Ballymore Properties “Classic” Nov Hdle (2007 Wichita Lineman), Cleeve Hurdle (2003 Classified), Challow Hurdle (2001 Classified, 2006 Wichita Lineman), December Festival Hurdle (2005 Brave Inca), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2005 Darkness), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2006 Straw Bear), Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Phar Bleu), First National Gold Cup H’cap Chase (2000 Upgrade, 2001 Wahiba Sands), Game Spirit Chase (2002 Lady Cricket), Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (1998 Dines), King George VI Chase (2002 Best Mate), Kingwell Hurdle (2007 Straw Bear), Letheby & Christopher Cotswold Chase (1999 Cyfor Malta, 2007 Exotic Dancer), Long Distance Hurdle (1999 Galant Moss, 2003 Deano’s Beano, 2004 Baracouda), Long Walk Hurdle (2002 Deano’s Beeno, 2004 Baracouda), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001Shooting Light, 2006 Exotic Dancer), Powers Gold Cup (2005 Like-A-Butterfly), Rendlesham Hurdle (2003 Deano’s Beano), Ritz Club Ascot Chase (2003 Tiutchev), Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (2000 Upgrade, 2003 Tarxien), Scottish Champion Hurdle (2005 Genghis), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Sunderlands Imperial Cup (2003 Korelo), Tripleprint Gold Cup Chase (1998 Northern Starlight), Tote Gold Trophy (2002 Copeland), Winners 1994/5-2005/06: 74,175, 189,253,186,245,191, 289, 257, 209, 199; 178 Wins this season: 169
THIRD RACE RESULT
3.15pm TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (GRADE ONE)
3m 2 1/2f New Course, £425,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130or more by the Senior BHB Jumps Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 9; horses which are not qualified a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered; such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 9 would merit a rating of 130; the decision of the Senior BHB Jumps Handicapper shall be final; Weights 5yo 11st; 6yo+ 11st 10lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 49 pay £475 First Forfeit 29 pay £950 Confirmed 24 pay £475 Penalty value 1st £242,335; 2nd £90,907.50; 3rd £45,517.50; 4th £22,695; 5th £11,390; 6th £5,695
1 KAUTO STAR (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10t Ruby Walsh 5/4f
2 EXOTIC DANCER (FR) (Sir Robert Ogden) Jonjo O'Neill 7-11-10p Tony McCoy 9/2
3 TURPIN GREEN (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Richards 8-11-10b1 Tony Dobbin 40/1
4 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) (Martin St Quinton) Philip Hobbs -11-10 Richard Johnson 25/1
5 CANE BRAKE (IRE) (Mount Temple Racing Syndicate) Tom Taaffe IRE 8-11-10p David Casey
6 STATE OF PLAY (Mr & Mrs William Rucker) Evan Williams 7-11-10 Paul Moloney
7 L'AMI (FR) (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR 8-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald
8 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 6-11-10 Liam Heard
9 KINGSCLIFF (IRE) (Arnie Sendell) Robert Alner 10-11-10 Robert Walford
10 FORGET THE PAST (Sean Mulryan) Michael O'Brien IRE 9-11-10t Barry Geraghty
11 THE LISTENER (IRE) (Old Moss Farm) Robert Alner 8-11-10 Daryl Jacob
12 MY WILL (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10 Sam Thomas
13 BEEF OR SALMON (IRE) (Joe Craig) Michael Hourigan IRE 11-11-10b Andrew McNamara
14 SYBELLIUS D'ARTAIX (FR) (Fergus Wilson) Richard Chotard FR 7-11-10t James Davies
F 17th MARBLE GARDEN (USA) (Fergus Wilson) Richard Chotard FR 6-11-10tb1 John Kington
U fifth IDLE TALK (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 8-11-10 Jason Maguire
P BOB BOB BOBBIN (Sarah Tizzard) Colin Tizzard 8-11-10 Joe Tizzard
P HALCON GENELARDAIS (FR) (Ian Payne And Kim Franklin) Alan King 7-11-10b1 Robert Thornton
18 ran
Non-runner: 15 Racing Demon
Distances: 2 1/2, 2 1/2, 5, 3/4, 1/2, 1 1/4, sh, 1 1/2, 2 1/2, 2 1/2, 8, 8, dist
Breeder: Mme H Aubert
Breeding: b g Village Star (FR) - Kauto Relka
Totes: Win: £2.30 Places: £1.70; £2.00; £7.80 Exacta:£7.80
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 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) Cheltenham Festival Wins (16): 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, 2007 Kauto Star), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 lagship Uberalles, 2005 Azertyuiop), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business, 2006 Kauto Star), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Pendil Novices’ Chase (2006 Napolitain, 2007 Natal), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2005/06): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148 Wins this Season: 101
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Cheltenham Festival Wins (14): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 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, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Monet’s Garden) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2004 (3), 2006 (3). Other Big Race Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter); Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2003 Ad Hoc); Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman); Stan James Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady); December Festival Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2005 My Will); Feltham Novices’ Chase (2003 Strong Flow); Game Spirit Chase (2004, 2005 Azertyuiop); Heineken Gold Cup (1999 Imperial Call, 2000 Commanche Court); Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow); Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (2003 Thisthatandtother); Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 Kauto Star); Old Roan Chase (2006 Kauto Star); Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough); Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (2007 New Little Bric); Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel); Tied Cottage Chase (2007 Nickname); Tingle Creek Trophy (2002 Cenkos, 2006 Kauto Star); Tolworth Hurdle (2006 Silverburn), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2005/06): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Wins in Britain This Season: 64
FOURTH RACE RESULT
4.00pm CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
3m 2 1/2f New Course, £40,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ which, since December 31, 2004, and before February 26, 2007, have been placed first or second on two occasions in a hunters’ chase in Great Britin or Ireland, or have won two open chases at point-to-point meetings (ie Gentlemens, Ladies or Mixed Open Races) in Great Britain or Ireland and have been placed first or second in a hunters’ chase Weights 5yo 11st 4lb; 6yo+ 12st Aallowances mares 7lb Entries 43 pay £60 Confirmed 36 pay £140 Penalty Value 1st £24,008; 2nd £7,500; 3rd £3,748; 4th £1,876; 5th £936; 6th £472
1 DROMBEAG (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-12-00p Mr J T McNamara 20/1
2 WHYSO MAYO (IRE) (Kathleen O’Driscoll) Raymond Hurley IRE 10-12-00 Mr Damian Murphy 2/1f
3 NED KELLY (IRE) (Sue Magnier) Edward O'Grady IRE 11-12-00 Mr Kevin Power 20/1
4 OSCAR INDIA (IRE) (Mrs Henry de Bromhead) Henry De Bromhead IRE 8-12-00 Mr Joe Burns
5 BICA (FR) (Robert Waley-Cohen) Robert Waley-Cohen -12-00 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
6 ARCTIC TIMES (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Eugene O'Sullivan IRE 11-12-00p Mr Richard McLernon
7 KNIFE EDGE (USA) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 12-12-00p Mr Alan Berry
8 COBRECES (Mr & Mrs D Borradaile) Lucia Borradaile 9-12-00 Mr Jamie Snowden
9 SONEVAFUSHI (FR) (Brian Dice) Venetia Williams 9-12-00 Mr Tom Greenall
10 CLIMATE CONTROL (IRE) (K Smith) John Paul Brennan IRE 11-12-00t Mr Colin Motherway
11 CARRYONHARRY (IRE) (Heather Silk) Emma Leppard 13-12-00b Miss Cynthia Haydon
12 BIG ZOOMO (IRE) (Sean McParlan) Sean McParlan IRE 13-12-00 Mr Noel McParlan
13 HONOURABLE SPIDER (E Roberts) Suzy Bull 8-12-00 Mr Peter Bull
14 FIRST DOWN JETS (IRE) (J B O’Mahoney) Liam Burke IRE 10-12-00 Mr Richard Harding
15 CONTROL MAN (IRE) (S Robinson) Gina Weare 9-12-00v Mr Stuart Robinson
F three out GONE TO LUNCH (IRE) (G Lever) Homer Scott 7-12-00 Mr Neil Harris
F first FOLY PLEASANT (FR) (Nick Shutts) Karen Waldron 13-12-00t Mr Felix De Giles
F third BEAUCHAMP ORACLE (E Everall) Steve Flook 10-12-00 Mr David Mansell
F tenth PATCHES (IRE)(Marianne G Barber) Richard Barber 8-12-00 Miss Rachael Green
P CHRISTY BEAMISH (IRE) (M Mann) Paul Jones 10-12-00 Mr William Hill
P LORD BEAU (IRE) (P Bateman) Aaron Bateman 11-12-00 Mr James Tudor
P WAKING NED (IRE) (Kirbys, Fawcett And Holian) Philip Kirby 8-12-00p Mr Richard Tierney
P MOONOKI (IRE) (R Kelvin-Hughes) Ben Tulloch 8-12-00 Mr Peter Mason
U sixth TELEMOSS (IRE) (Alix Stevenson) Nicky Richards 13-12-00 Miss Rose Davidson
24 ran
Distances: 1/2, 15, 1 1/2, nk, 5, 2, 11, nk, 6, 2, 1 1/4, 28, 5, 20
Breeder: Daniel O’Keeffe
Breeding: b g Presenting - Bula Beag (IRE)
Totes: Win: £35.60 Places: £9.80; £1.90; £5.60 Exacta: £167.40
Winning Trainer: JONJO O’NEILL Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Career: former National Hunt jockey Cheltenham Festival Wins (14): Pertemps Final (1991 Danny Connors, 2003 Inching Closer, 2004 Creon); National Hunt Chase (1995 Front Line, 2002 Rith Dubh, 2003 Sudden Shock, 2004 Native Emperor, 2007 Butler’s Cabin); Vincent O’Brien County H’cap Hurdle (2000 Master Tern), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Black Jack Ketchum, 2007 Wichita Lineman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2007 Drombeag) Aintree Festival wins: betfair.com Handicap Chase (2000 Radiation, 2002 Carbury Cross, 2003 Master Tern), John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2002 Sudden Shock, 2006 Refinement), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Quazar), John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), John Smith’s Topham Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Iris’s Gift, 2006 Black Jack Ketchum), John Smith’s Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race (2003 Classic Native), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), S&N Aintree Hurdle (2004 Rhinestone Cowboy) Other Big Race Wins: Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Rhinestone Cowboy), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Black Jack Ketchum), Challow Hurdle (2002 Coolnagorna, 2006 Wichita Lineman), Christmas Hurdle (2002 & 2003 Intersky Falcon), Cleeve Hurdle (2006 Fire Dragon), Edward Hanmer Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Emo Oil Champion Hurdle (2003 Quazar), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), Greatwood Hurdle (2005 Lingo), John James McManus Memorial Hurdle (2002 & 2003 Intersky Falcon), Kingwell Hurdle (2003 Rhinestone Cowboy), Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race (2005 Refinement), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2006 Exotic Dancer), Punchestown Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle (2002 Quazar), Reynoldstown Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Swinton Handicap Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), Tommy Whittle Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1999 Legal Right), Totesport Becher Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Totesport Silver Cup (2000 Legal Right), Totesport Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle (2002 Native Emperor), Welsh National (2002 Mini Sensation) Horses in Training (1996-2006): 53; 59; 59; 78; 78, 75, 98, 90, 95; 94; 78 Number of Winners (1995/96-2005/06): 18; 17; 32; 38; 44; 58; 113; 114; 102; 96; 105 Wins this Season: 113
Winning Jockey: John Thomas McNamara Born: April 8, 1975 Riding Weight: 10st 6lb Background: Leading Irish amateur and point-to-point rider. Rode Samuel Wilderspin to victory in Thomas Pink Amateur Chase at Cheltenham in November 2001. Nephew of Limerick trainer Andrew McNamara. First Winner: Quiet City (Clonmel, September 19, 1991, Tipperary INH Flat Race) Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): National Hunt Chase (2002 Rith Dubh), Sporting Index Chase (2005 Spot Thedifference), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2007 Drombeag) Other Big Race Wins Include: paddypower.com Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase (2006 Darby Wall); Tote Scoop 6 Lanzarote Hurdle (2003 Non So), Sporting Index Cross Country Chase (2004, 2005 & 2006 Spot Thedifference), Sporting Index Handicap Chase (2004 & 2006 Spot Thedifference), La Touche Cup (2004 Spot The difference, 2005 Good Step) Wins In Britain 2000/01-2004/05: 27; 34; 23; 39; 23; Wins in Britain This Season: 4
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.40pm JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHASE CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP)
2m 1/2f New Course, £85,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ Weights raised 5lb minimum weight 10st Penalties after Feb 25, a winner of a Class 3 Chase 3lb; of a Class 1 or 2 Chase 6lb (no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb) Sporazene’s Handicap Mark 158 Entries 57 pay £100 Confirmed 38 pay £300 Penalty Value 1st £48,467; 2nd £18,181.50; 3rd £9,103.50; 4th £4,539; 5th £2,278; 6th £1,139
1 ANDREAS (FR) (Trevor Hemmings) Paul Nicholls 7-10-11t Robert Thornton 12/1
2 HASTY PRINCE (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-10-05 Tony McCoy 8/1
3 GROUND BALL (IRE) (J P McManus) Charlie Swan IRE 10-10-05 David Casey 33/1
4 URSIS (FR) (P Martin) Steve Gollings 6-10-08 Barry Geraghty 14/1
5 BAMBI DE L'ORME (FR) (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) Ian Williams 8-10-00 Graham Lee 25/1
6 SAINTSAIRE (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 8-10-02 Ruby Walsh 5/2f
7 ZUM SEE (IRE) (Alex Syndicate) Noel Meade IRE 8-10-02b Niall Madden
8 TYSOU (FR) (Bill Brown) Nicky Henderson 10-10-10 Mick Fitzgerald
9 FIGARO DU ROCHER (FR) (Pipe Monkees) David Pipe 7-10-00t Rodi Greene
10 COAT OF HONOUR (USA) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-10-05 Paddy Brennan
11 GREENHOPE (IRE) (Lynn Wilson, Giles Wilson, Martin Landau) Nicky Henderson 9-10-09t Andrew Tinkler
12 MISTY DANCER (Pinks Gym & Leisure Wear Ltd) Venetia Williams 8-9-11 Liam Treadwell (3)
13 TANIKOS (FR) (Studwell Two Partnership) Nicky Henderson 8-10-00 Marcus Foley
14 CALATAGAN (IRE) (Mr & Mrs J Davenport) Malcolm Jefferson 8-10-07 Tom Dreaper (3)
15 JACKS CRAIC (IRE) (Bbb Computer Services) John Spearing 8-10-03 Tony Evans
16 PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) (Joe Moran) David Pipe 6-10-10 Tom Scudamore
17 BORORA (Mrs E Clarke) Richard Lee 8-10-00 Tom Doyle
18 CROIX DE GUERRE (IRE) (Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs 7-10-00b Tom O'Brien
19 KAHUNA (IRE) (Roisin Sheehy) Dusty Sheehy IRE 10-10-06 Mick Darcy
20 COMMONCHERO (IRE) (Kieran Grainger) Michael O'Brien IRE 10-10-01 Andrew Lynch (3)
F 12th CARTHALAWN (IRE) (Joe Soap Syndicate) Charles Byrnes IRE 6-9-09 Denis Hogan (5)
P DEMI BEAU (Cunninham Racing) Evan Williams 9-10-11 Paul Moloney
U fifth SPORAZENE (IRE) (Ged Mason) Paul Nicholls 8-11-12 Sam Thomas
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 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) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): 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, 2007 Kauto Star), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 lagship Uberalles, 2005 Azertyuiop), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business, 2006 Kauto Star), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2005/06): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148 Wins this Season: 102
Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Background: Joined David Nicholson as an amateur in 1995 and was crowned Champion Conditional in 1998. Wins (1995/96-2005/06): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73 Cheltenham Festival wins: (12) 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, 2007 Katchit), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2007Andreas) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragg & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit) Wins this Season: 85
SIXTH RACE RESULT
5.20pm VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE THREE)
2m 1f New Course, £70,000 guaranteed, For 5yo+ which, before Feb 11, have been placed first, second or third in a hurdle Minimum weight 10st Penalties after Feb 25, a winner of a hurdle 4lb (no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb) Desert Quest’s Handicap Mark 161 Entries 125 pay £80 Confirmed 71 pay £240 Penalty Value 1st £39,914; 2nd £14,973; 3rd £7,497; 4th £3,738; 5th £1,876; 6th £938
1 PEDROBOB (IRE) (Barry Connell) Tony Mullins IRE 9-10-00 Philip Carberry 12/1
2 OUNINPOHJA (IRE) (Margaret Findlay) Paul Nicholls 6-10-00 Ruby Walsh 11/2
3 PREMIER DANE (IRE) (Jim Ennis) Nicky Richards 5-10-00 Brian Harding 100/1
4 KAWAGINO (IRE) (K Pike) Seamus Mullins 7-10-00 Wayne Kavanagh (5) 20/1
5 ARCALIS (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-11-02 Paddy Brennan 16/1
6 CARACCIOLA (GER) (Piers Pottinger) Nicky Henderson 10-10-02 Andrew Tinkler
7 SWEET WAKE (GER) (High Street Ceathar Syndicate) Noel Meade IRE 6-10-02 Denis O'Regan
8 CROW WOOD (Marie Taylor) John Quinn 8-10-09 Graham Lee
9 CALLOW LAKE (IRE) (Coirle Ford) Jessica Harrington IRE 7-10-02b Andrew Leigh (5)
10 OSANA (FR) (Thomas Barr) David Pipe 5-10-09 Tony McCoy
11 TROMPETTE (USA) (Elite Racing Club) Nicky Henderson 5-10-00 Tom Doyle
12 BARON DE FEYPO (IRE) (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE 9-10-00 Niall Madden
13 GODS TOKEN (The Silver Cod Partnership) Venetia Williams 9-9-11 Liam Treadwell (3)
14 TARLAC (GER) (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 6-10-00 Marcus Foley
15 MARALAN (IRE) (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE 6-9-09b Robbie Molloy (5)
16 DESERT QUEST (IRE) (Margaret Findlay) Paul Nicholls 7-11-09b Liam Heard (3)
17 AMEEQ (USA) (C Stedman) Gary Moore 5-9-09 Sam Jones (5)
18 O'TOOLE (IRE) (Mrs L Lovell) Philip Hobbs 8-9-08 Darren O'Dwyer (7)
19 NEW FIELD (IRE) (J P McManus) Tom Mullins IRE 9-10-00 David Casey
20 MADE IN JAPAN (JPN) (Terry Evans) Aaron Bateman 7-9-11 Colin Bolger (3)
21 LORD HENRY (IRE) (Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs 8-10-00 Tom O'Brien
22 TROUBLE AT BAY (Nigel Bunter) Alan King 7-10-01b1 Robert Thornton
23 WHISPERED PROMISES (USA) (Sandra Brookhouse) Roger Brookhouse 6-10-07 Alan O'Keeffe
24 CADOGAN (FR) (Jarlath Conway) Jim Dreaper IRE 7-9-11 Andrew Lynch (3)
25 FAIR ALONG (GER) (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 5-10-07 Richard Johnson 3/1f
26 FLAME CREEK (IRE) (Estrella Partners) Eddie Creighton 11-10-10 Mark Grant
27 PAPINI (IRE) (Newbury Racehorse Owners Group) Nicky Henderson 6-10-05 Mick Fitzgerald
28 THE SPOONPLAYER (IRE) (Band Syndicate) Henry De Bromhead IRE 8-10-00 Davy Condon
Winning Trainer: ANTHONY MULLINS Based: Clover, Gowran, County Kilkenny, Ireland Background: son of legendary Irish trainer Paddy and brother of fellow Irish trainer Willie. Former stable jockey to father, he missed out on the winning ride on Dawn Run (Jonjo O’Neill rode) in the 1986 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup as the owner wanted a ‘more experienced’ rider. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2007 Pedrobob) Best Trained: Barrow Drive, The Posh Paddy Big Race Wins Include: Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (2001 Barrow Drive), Irish Field Novice Chase (2002 Barrow Drive), Red Mills Chase (2004 Barrow Drive) Wins in Britain (2003/04-2005/06): 1, 0, 0 Wins in Britain this season: 1
Winning Jockey: Philip Carberry Date of Birth: November 1, 1980 Background: Brother of Paul and Nina Carberry. Spent summer holidays working for Aidan O’Brien and Dermot Weld. First Winner: Native Status, Bellewstown, 01/07/1998 Cheltenham Festival Winners(2): Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2007 Sublimity), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2007 Pedrobob) Aintree Festival Wins: Cordon Bleu H’cap Hurdle (2000 Sharpaten) Other Big Race Wins: Irish Grand National (2006 Point Barrow), Kerry National (1999 Lanturn), Prix la Haye Jousselin (2006 Princesse d’Anjou), Grande Steeple Chase de Paris (2006 Princesse d’Anjou) Other Details: Has ridden in Australia as part of annual Irish Jump Jockeys Tour Wins in Britain this season: 2
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