THE TWELFTH 2007 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL INFORMATION PACK
FINAL FESTIVAL ENTRIES REVEALED
With under two weeks to go until The Festival gets underway, the final pieces in the jigsaw are revealed today with the publication of the entries for the three remaining contests - the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup and the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase.
First run in 1992, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper is one of the most intriguing contests at The Festival and this year has attracted 59 entries, including 21 from Ireland and one from France, Warwick winner Berings Express. The Irish have captured the Weatherbys Champion Bumper on no less than 11 occasions, with trainer Willie Mullins accounting for five of those victories. This year, Mullins has four to choose from - Mad Fish, who has attracted plenty of interest in the ante-post market, Cooldine, Fiveforthree and Glencove Marina. Other leading Irish contenders include the current market leader from the Jessica Harrington stable, Cork All Star, who is unbeaten in three starts, most recently in the Tiger Developments Open Bumper at Cheltenham on November 12 and the Tony Mullins-trained Aranleigh, who beat Mad Fish on his only start at Fairyhouse in January. Leading British-trained contenders include the Carl Llewellyn-trained quartet of Den Of Iniquity, Debauchery, Kid Charlemagne and Three Guesses. Malcolm Jefferson, who supplied the first British-trained winner of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with Dato Star in 1995, has entered the well-regarded Tot O’Whiskey, impressive in winning all his three starts to date, while the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Crocodiles Rock, who captured a Grade Two bumper at Newbury last month, is another leading contender.
The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup is the longest race of The Festival at four miles and a furlong and there are 58 entries for the 2007 renewal, including 22 trained in Ireland. Gungadu, trained by Paul Nicholls, looks sure to be a very warm order following three successes from four starts over fences, including the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot in February. Jonjo O’Neill boasts an enviable record in the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, having landed the contest for three consecutive years between 2002 and 2004. The master of Jackdaws Castle has half a dozen to choose from this year - Alright Now M’Lad, Butler’s Cabin, Drombeag, Garde Champetre, Ice Melted and Money Line.
Defending champion Whyso Mayo is one of 43 entries in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase, the Gold Cup for the best hunter chasers and point-to-pointers in Britain and Ireland. Trained by Ray Hurley, Whyso Mayo is one of 11 Irish challengers and is unbeaten in his three outings since his 2006 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase victory. The 2006 second and third, First Down Jets and Joe Blake, could both reoppose. Bica, trained by Robert Waley-Cohen and ridden by his son Sam, has landed two hunter chases this season and looks a leading contender along with Patches, whose trainer Richard Barber boasts four previous wins.
Andy Clifton, Cheltenham Racecourse’s Communications Manager, commented: “With the entry process now complete for all 24 races, the final countdown to The Festival has started.
“The Weatherbys Champion Bumper always attracts lots of interest in the build-up to The Festival, while the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup and the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase both play a big part in the traditions of The Festival.”
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 13 to 16, 2007
First Day - Tuesday, March 13 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 110y £120,000
* 2.35 The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1) 2m £170,000
* 3.15 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2m 110y £360,000
* 4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m 110y £85,000
4.40 Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase 3m 7f £45,000
5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m 110y £75,000
Second Day - Wednesday, March 14 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f £120,000
* 2.35 Royal & SunAlliance Chase (Grade 1) 3m 110y £170,000
* 3.15 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m £310,000
* 4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) 2m 5f £80,000
4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 3m 110y £55,000
5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) 2m 110y £50,000
Third Day - Thursday, March 15 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m 5f £80,000
* 2.35 Ryanair Chase (Grade 2) 2m 5f £175,000
* 3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m £250,000
* 4.00 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f £100,000
4.40 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 4m 1f £50,000
5.20 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed Race) 3m £70,000
Fourth Day – Friday, March 16 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f £120,000
* 2.35 Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m £80,000
* 3.15 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 2f 110y £425,000
* 4.00 Christie's Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2f 110y £40,000
4.40 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3) 2m 110y £85,000
5.20 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 1f £70,000
* Channel 4 Televised Races
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY IN 2007 OF £3,185,000
(An 11% increase on the 2006 figure of £2,870,000)
THE WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
Grade 1, Class A, Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, 5.20pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2007, total prize fund £50,000, two miles and half a furlong, for four, five and six-year-olds only which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except National Hunt Flat races or Irish National Hunt Flat races. Horses are not to have run in more than four National Hunt Flat races and, before February 26, 2007, must have been placed first, second, third or fourth in such a race. Weights: 4-y-o: 10st 11lb, 5-y-o and 6-y-o: 11st 5lb, fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed February 28 (59 entries), entries released Friday, March 2, six-day confirmation stage Thursday, March 8, final declaration stage 10.00am Tuesday, March 13. Form figures correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, February 28, 2007.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
6/-14 APPLEADAY (IRE) 6 D Allen Paul Webber
1 ARANLEIGH (IRE) 5 J P McManus Tony Mullins IRE
22 BALLYVERANE OSCAR (IRE) 6 Killian Lynch Eoghan O'Grady IRE
1 BERINGS EXPRESS (FR) 4 Wynatt Nicolas Clement FR
5021 BOOTLEGGER (IRE) 5 Pat O'Donovan Tom Mullins IRE
1 CAST IRON CASEY (IRE) 5 Alderclad Roofing Ltd Howard Johnson
33 CHASING CARS (IRE) 5 Howard Spooner Jessica Harrington IRE
1 CHOUMAKEUR (FR) 5 P A D Scouller David Pipe
10 CLAY HOLLISTER 4 Sue Magnier Nicky Henderson
1 COOLDINE (IRE) 5 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
111 CORK ALL STAR (IRE) 5 Cathal Ryan Jessica Harrington IRE
511 CROCODILES ROCK (IRE) 5 Russell McAllister Jonjo O'Neill
5311 DEBAUCHERY (IRE) 5 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
11 DEN OF INIQUITY 6 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
EDGEOVER 5 D Allen Paul Webber
0-1 ENQUIRING MIND (IRE) 5 Axminster Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
11 FIDDLING AGAIN 4 Bunny Roberts Nicky Henderson
10-2 FIRST AUTHOR (IRE) 6 Dr Eithne A Murphy Gerard O'Leary IRE
1 FIVEFORTHREE (IRE) 5 Olde Crowbars Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
310 FREDDIE THE THIRD (IRE) 5 S D Samuels Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies
11- GLENCOVE MARINA (IRE) 5 John Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
2 HARRISBURG 4 M E Thompson Emma Lavelle
16 HARROWMAN (IRE) 5 Trevor Hemmings Nigel Twiston-Davies
221 HELENS VISION 4 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Helen Lewis
1 ISN'T THAT LUCKY 4 Valda Burke Jonjo O'Neill
6443 JADANLI (IRE) 5 Eamonn Gilligan Paul Gilligan IRE
16- JEAN LE POISSON (FR) 5 The Fourth Pheasant Inn Partnership Nicky Henderson
11 JIM THE GENT (IRE) 5 Bartley Nolan Alistair Crow
1 JUDGE ROY BEAN (IRE) 4 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
22 JUST A THOUGHT (IRE) 4 Christina Dunlop Harry Dunlop
1 KAVATCHA (FR) 4 C I Grant David Pipe
11 KEALSHORE BOY 4 J Pickavance George Moore
11 KID CHARLEMAGNE (IRE) 4 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
11 LE BEAU BAI (FR) 4 The Arthur White Partnership David Pipe
11 LODGE LANE (IRE) 6 O C R & Mrs S J Wynne Victor Dartnall
2 MAD FISH (IRE) 5 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
1 ONE GULP 4 Bobby McAlpine Paul Webber
1 PETERS PRIDE 5 Miss L Davis & The Peaks Partnership Alan Swinbank
1 PROCAS DE THAIX (FR) 4 Richard Green Matthew Green Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson
151 RAVEN'S RUN (IRE) 5 M J Heaslip Michael Cunningham IRE
3R41 ROCK STREET (IRE) 6 C Wall Robert Tyner IRE
RUAIRI (IRE) 6 C J Bennett Suzy Smith
1 SERGHEYEV 4 David Johnson David Pipe
2-11 SHIRLEY CASPER (IRE) 6 J P Dunne Philip Fenton IRE
61 SIR HARRY ORMESHER 4 Bill Bromley Chris Down
13 SIZING AFRICA (IRE) 5 Alan Potts Henry de Bromhead IRE
51 SMART TOM (IRE) 6 Bellflower Racing Ltd Richard Phillips
126 SNAP TIE (IRE) 5 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
21 SOPHOCLES 4 Mrs A M Donnelly James Leavy IRE
13 STRADBROOK (IRE) 5 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
(1)-2 SWAYTHE (USA) 6 The Syndicators Paul Webber
1-51 THE PIOUS PRINCE (IRE) 6 Len Lungo Racing Limited Len Lungo
11 THEATRICAL MOMENT (USA) 4 Elsa Crankshaw & G Allan II Alan Swinbank
4-12 THREE GUESSES (IRE) 6 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
111 TOT O'WHISKEY 6 Boundary Garage (Bury) Limited Malcolm Jefferson
21 TRANQUIL SEA (IRE) 5 Nelius Hayes Edward O'Grady IRE
3-616 WEST RIDGE 6 Con Harrington Brendan Powell
4-321 WHATUTHINK (IRE) 5 Mrs C McKiernan Oliver McKiernan IRE
412- WOODBINE WILLIE (IRE) 6 J Gleeson Philip Fenton IRE
59 Entries, 21 Irish-trained, 1 French-trained
Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Analysis
A cracking 59-strong entry has been received for the £50,000 Weatherbys Champion Bumper, run over two miles, half a furlong at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 14, day two of The Festival 2007.
Irish-trained runners have taken the contest 11 times since it was first run in 1992, and Willie Mullins, responsible for five of those winners, has four of the 21 Irish entries this year - Fiveforthree, the impressive seven-length winner on his debut at Punchestown on February 21, Mad Fish, runner-up to Aranleigh at Fairyhouse on January 21, Cooldine, a winner at Fairyhouse on February 24 and Glencove Marina, who has not run since winning the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown on April 25.
Edward O’Grady landed the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with Mucklemeg (1994) and Pizarro (2002) and has three entries this year in Judge Roy Bean, the smooth seven-length victor at Punchestown on February 4, Tranquil Sea, successful at Leopardstown on February 10, and Enquiring Mind, who got the better of Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novice Hurdle fancy De Valira at Punchestown in November when trained by Eddie Hales.
Cork All Star, trained by Jessica Harrington, has won all three bumper starts, most recently when storming home by four lengths in the Tiger Developments Open Bumper at Prestbury Park on November 12.
The home defence is spearheaded by the Carl Llewellyn-trained Den Of Iniquity, who followed his easy debut success at Warwick in December with victory at the same track the following month, readily disposing of Edgbriar by six lengths.
Jonjo O’Neill has a live contender in the shape of Crocodiles Rock, who captured a Grade Two bumper at Newbury on February 10 at the expense of Just A Thought, while Tot O’Whiskey, unbeaten in three starts, represents shrewd Malton handler Malcolm Jefferson, who sent out Dato Star to take this prize in 1995.
Sergheyev, a son of King’s Best, made a winning debut for Eddie Hales at Leopardstown in January and was subsequently purchased by leading owner David Johnson. He is now in the care of David Pipe, who could also run dual winner Le Beau Bai, decisive Plumpton debut scorer Choumakeur and Kavatcha, who landed the odds narrowly first time out at Taunton in January.
Alan Swinbank does tremendously well with his bumper horses and looks to have a very smart sort on his hands in the shape of Theatrical Moment, yet to come out of second gear in two outings so far, most recently when outclassing nine rivals at Market Rasen on February 19, coasting home 18 lengths clear of the second.
Berings Express, the only French-trained entry, has already tasted glory on this side of the Channel, scoring at Warwick on his debut in November, and could represent Nicolas Clement.
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPE R PAST RESULTS
2006-WINNER-HAIRY MOLLY 6-11-05 Owner-F T B Syndicate; Trainer-Joe Crowley IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-33/1
2ND Pressgang 4-10-11 Owner-Mrs Anthony West; Trainer-Paul Webber; Jockey-Tom Doyle; 20/1
3RD Kicks For Free 5-11-05 Owner-Mark Tincknell; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-5/1
23 ran, Time-3m 46.70s Dist-hd, 1.75 5/2 Fav Equus Maximus (12th)
(Weatherbys Champion Bumper since 1997, Bi Group Festival Bumper 1996, Prestige Medical Festival Bumper 1995, Bromsgrove Industries Festival Bumper 1994, Guinness Festival Bumper 1993, Tote Festival Bumper 1992)
Year Winner Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP Ran
2006 Hairy Molly 6-11-05 F T B Syndicate Joe Crowley IRE Paul Carberry 33/1 23
2005 Missed That 6-11-05 Violet O’Leary Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh 7/2F 24
2004 Total Enjoyment 7-10-12 It Will Never Last Syndicate Tom Cooper IRE Jim Culloty 7/1 24
2003 Liberman 5-11-06 David Johnson Martin Pipe Tony McCoy 2/1F 25
2002 Pizarro 5-11-06 Edward Wallace Edward O’Grady IRE Jamie Spencer 14/1 23
2001 Race Cancelled - foot & mouth
2000 Joe Cullen 5-11-06 Jackie Mullins Willie Mullins IRE Charlie Swan 14/1 17
1999 Monsignor 5-11-06 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman Brendan Powell 50/1 25
1998 Alexander Banquet 5-11-06 M Swarbrick Willie Mullins IRE Mr Ruby Walsh 9/1 25
1997 Florida Pearl 5-11-06 Violet O’Leary Willie Mullins IRE Richard Dunwoody 6/1 25
1996 Wither Or Which 5-11-06 Robert Sinclair Willie Mullins IRE Mr Willie Mullins 11/4 24
1995 Dato Star 4-10-12 Kath Riley & Joe Donald Malcolm Jefferson Mark Dwyer 7/2 21
1994 Mucklemeg 6-11-05 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE Charlie Swan 7/2F 36
1993 Rhythm Section 4-10-11 Robert Sinclair Homer Scott IRE Paul Carberry; 16/1 24
1992 Montelado 5-11-13 Ollie Hannon Pat Flynn IRE Richard Dunwoody 8/1 23
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER FACTS & FIGURES
1. Other than the contests added to The Festival in 2005 when it went to four days, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, run for the first time in 1992, is the second-newest race at The Festival after the Coral Cup which was introduced the following year.
2. The first winner of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper was Montelado, who achieved what is thought to be the unique feat of winning two consecutive Festival races. The Bumper, now run on Wednesday, was originally the last race of the Festival. Montelado went on to win the opening race of the 1993 Festival, the Trafalgar House Supreme Novices' Hurdle, which is now sponsored by Anglo Irish Bank.
3. Irish-trained runners have a great record in the race, accounting for 11 of the 14 winners. Willie Mullins has incredibly saddled five of the last 10 winners. The three horses to have kept the trophy at home were Dato Star in 1995, Monsignor, who sprang a 50/1 surprise in 1999, and Liberman, who gave Martin Pipe his first and only win in the race in 2003.
THE 137TH YEAR OF THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
Class 2, £50,000 total prize fund. 4.40pm, Thursday, March 15, 2007. Four miles and one furlong. For novice five-year-olds & upwards. To be ridden by amateur riders. Weights: 5-y-o 10st 11lb; 6-y-o & upwards 11st 7lb; mares allowed 7lb. Penalties: a winner of a steeple chase prior to April 30, 2006, 4lb; a winner of a steeple chase after April 29, 2006, 4lb; of two such races 7lb. Entries closed February 28 (58 entries), entries revealed March 2, six-day confirmation stage March 9, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 14. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, February 28, 2007.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
6-22U1F ALEXANDER TAIPAN (IRE) 7 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
16-1431 ALRIGHT NOW M'LAD (IRE) 7 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
043223 BALLYTRIM (IRE) 6 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
P-04440 BELLA LIANA (IRE) 7 James Clements James Clements
50-2522 BENGO (IRE) 7 Willsford Racing Incorporated Ben De Haan
122141 BLUE SPLASH (FR) 7 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Peter Bowen
111440 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) 7 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
0-12200 CAMPTECT (IRE) 11 S McGrath Davy Fitzgerald IRE
03/-1122 CHAMOSS ROYALE (FR) 7 Kathy Stuart Paul Nicholls
41-2141 CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) 7 Mrs E Wright John Quinn
0F4114 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
010P00 CITY OF SAILS (IRE) 8 Henry Lappin Andrew McNamara IRE
3/4/5/FFP- CLOUDLAND (IRE) 10 Noel Glynn Noel Glynn IRE
COOLCAPPAGH (IRE) 7 T W C Edwards Bill Gould
53-P50P COUNTESS TRIFALDI (IRE) 7 C Wilkinson Michael Phillips IRE
51 DON'T BE DAFT (IRE) 7 George Ross John Murphy IRE
5PP5-P0 DRAT 8 Robin Mathew Robin Mathew
3//110F0- DROMBEAG (IRE) 9 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
30P-1F1 FAIR QUESTION (IRE) 9 The MerseyClyde Partnership Venetia Williams
223110 FLINTOFF (USA) 6 Andrew Flintoff & Paul Beck Venetia Williams
50-1222 GARDE CHAMPETRE (FR) 8 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
0-0P0F04 GLEN TULLOCH (IRE) 8 Seamus Carroll Tony Martin IRE
20-1211 GUNGADU 7 Maggie Findlay & Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
132011 HELTORNIC (IRE) 7 Stephen Molloy Michael Scudamore
320P-03 HIGH COTTON (IRE) 12 Richard Burridge, H Burridge, J H W Lloyd Keith Reveley
0000104 HORDAGO (IRE) 7 Seamus Braddish Eric McNamara IRE
60002-P I'M ON THE LINE (IRE) 11 Dot Love Dot Love IRE
012122 ICE MELTED (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
611665 ILOVETURTLE (IRE) 7 J E Reed Michael Chapman
1-42320 IN ACCORD 8 T F F Nixon Henry Daly
U21201 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) 8 Caroline Beresford-Wylie Nigel Twiston-Davies
34111P KILBEGGAN BLADE 8 K Doocey & Mrs A Doocey Tom George
0-56P53 LAGO D'ORO 7 Lady Maria Coventry Dr Philip Pritchard
04P121 LUCKY NELLERIE (FR) 8 The DPRP Nellerie Partnership Ferdy Murphy
3-22103 MAC THREE (IRE) 8 Moira McGrath Noel Meade IRE
5P0344 MAJOR BLUE 12 Pete Smith Car Sales John O'Shea
11-134P MATTOCK RANGER (IRE) 7 Banouche Stud Ireland Ltd Noel Meade IRE
235-1P2 MIKO DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 7 Andrew Wiles Robert Alner
00F2-0P MILLANYMARE (IRE) 8 V Walsh Tony Martin IRE
4U2011 MONEY LINE (IRE) 8 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
523422 NINE DE SIVOLA (FR) 6 The DPRP Sivola Partnership Ferdy Murphy
20662-1 NOT LEFT YET (IRE) 6 David Johnson David Pipe
603-123 NOTANOTHERDONKEY (IRE) 7 Andrew Brush Michael Scudamore
5-4F00F OLAY OLAY (IRE) 7 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
20-2122 OMMEGA (FR) 5 Peter Hans Vogt Francois Doumen FR
66-4504 PETERTHEKNOT (IRE) 9 Valerie Courtney Thomas Cooper IRE
3000/-01 PETITE MARGOT 8 Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies
211211 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 7 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
0-F1605 SOME LEGEND (IRE) 7 Tir Conaill Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
5252S5 SPANCHIL HILL 7 Luke Dace Luke Dace
41 SWIFT THYNE (IRE) 7 Thoroughbred Ladies Tom George
2-6252 THATLLDOYA 9 P Grindrod Jo Foster
0-21324 THE REVEREND (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
443154 TOBAR ISAUN (IRE) 8 Falco Super Team Syndicate Paul Roche IRE
TOBY JUG 6 Laura Hourigan Michael Hourigan IRE
P TOO MUCH TALK (IRE) 7 Gerard Nock Ian Ferguson IRE
00000P TURN THE CORNER (IRE) 8 Grange and Yellow Ford Syndicate James Clements
F0301 WOODSTOCK LASS (IRE) 8 Noelle Lavery Frances Slevin IRE
58 entries
22 Irish-trained
1 French-trained
National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup - Analysis
The £50,000 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, the longest race of The Festival, run over four miles, one furlong at Cheltenham on Thursday, March 15, has attracted 58 entries, including 22 from Ireland.
Jonjo O’Neill has the best recent record of any trainer in this amateur riders novices’ chase - the oldest race run at The Festival - scoring three times in the last five years with Native Emperor (2004), Sudden Shock (2003) and Rith Dubh (2002), having also sent out Front Line to land the spoils in 1995.
The Jackdaws Castle handler has six to choose from this year, including Butler’s Cabin, a fine fourth to Exotic Dancer in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, and Garde Champetre, runner-up on his last three starts but yet to show the level of form that prompted owner J P McManus to pay 530,000 guineas for him at Doncaster’s 2004 May Sale.
Ferdy Murphy, who hit the bullseye in this race last year with Hot Weld, has entered Lucky Nellerie, a decisive 16-length winner over three and a half miles at Kelso on January 28, and Nine De Sivola, who proved his stamina for extreme distances when an excellent second to Nil Desperandum in the Eider Chase at Newcastle on February 24.
Gungadu, trained by Paul Nicholls, has landed three of his four starts over fences and stayed on strongly to take the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot on February 17, while the Michael Scudamore-trained Heltornic relished the testing conditions when battling to a brave victory in the Grade Three Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock on February 17.
John Quinn’s Character Building warmed up for the National Hunt Chase with a three and a half length success over Ice Melted at Market Rasen on February 19. Fair Question, trained by Venetia Williams, upset favourite Chamoss Royale in a three-runner race at Plumpton on February 12.
The strong Irish entry features Noel Meade’s pair Mac Three, a 15-length winner at Cork in November, and Mattock Ranger, successful on his chasing debut at Punchestown in October but pulled up on his latest outing behind the Tom Mullins-trained Chelsea Harbour in the Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase at Naas on January 20.
The Willie Mullins-trained Snowy Morning has looked progressive over fences this term, notching a Grade Two success on his latest outing in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan on February 18, and stable companion Alexander Taipan was in with every chance when falling at the final fence in the Grade One Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown on February 10.
The one French entry is the Francois Doumen-trained Ommega, a winner over fences at Fontainebleau in December.
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE FACTS & FIGURES
1. The National Hunt Chase has been run more times than any other race at The Festival, and is in its 137th year in 2007. Until the 1930s only the Grand National was more important than the National Hunt Chase in the jump calendar. The race had been run at a number of venues until it became a part of the new two-day National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham in 1911. It had also been run at Cheltenham in 1904 and 1905.
2. The four-mile and one furlong National Hunt Chase is the longest race run at The Festival.
3. The race is usually one of the best supported at The Festival, with very competitive fields each year. The largest post-war field size is 37 (1948) and the smallest 13 (1993). There is now a safety limit of 20 runners.
4. Flimsy Truth, a 33/1 chance, set a record post-war time of 8 mins 11.09 secs in 1998 but that was beaten by Relaxation in 2000, who scored in 8 mins 0.60s.
5. Flimsy Truth is not the longest-priced post-war winner - that honour goes to Topsham Bay, successful in 1990, and 2005 winner Another Rum, who were both returned at 40/1. Castledermot, 6/4 favourite in 1949, is the shortest-priced victor.
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP PAST RESULTS
2006-WINNER-HOT WELD 7-11-11 Owner-S Hubbard Rodwell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Mr Richard Harding; SP-33/1
2 Beantown 8-11-07 Owner-Eoin Barry; Trainer-Sean Aherne IR; Jockey-Mr Paul Tobin; SP-40/1
3 Far From Trouble 7-11-11 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Mr J T McNamara; SP-7/2 Fav
22 ran, Time-8m 33.20s; Dist-nk, 1
2005-WINNER-ANOTHER RUM 7-11-07 Owner-Ronald Lilley; Trainer-Ian Duncan IRE; Jockey-Mr Mark O’Hare; SP-40/1
2ND Caislean Ui Cuain 9-11-11 Owner-Seamus O’Farrell; Trainer-Jim Lambe IRE; Jockey-Mr J P O’Farrell; SP-150/1
3RD Control Man 7-12-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Mr Gordon Elliott; SP-11/1
20 ran, Time-8m 49.90s; Dist-7, .5 100/30 Fav Point Barrow (5th)
2004-WINNER-NATIVE EMPEROR 8-11-11 Owner-J C, J R & S R Hitchins; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Mr Robert Widger; SP-5/1 Jt Fav
2ND Celestial Gold 6-11-11 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Mr Ashley Farrant; SP-33/1
3RD Drombeag 6-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Mr J T McNamara; SP-8/1
22 ran, Time-8m 12.10s; Dist-1.75, 6 5/1 Jt Fav Silver Birch (5th)
2000-WINNER-RELAXATION 8-12-00 Owner-Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey and Mrs Vicky Wiggin; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Mr Mark Bradburne; SP-8/1
2ND-Inch Rose 6-11-13 Owner-E Hunston, P White and Mrs V Griffiths; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Mr Tom Doyle; SP-9/1
3RD-Mister One 9-12-07 Owner-Colin Tizzard; Trainer-Colin Tizzard; Jockey-Mr J D Moore; SP-11/2
21 ran, Time-8m 0.60s, Dist-6, 5 4/1 Fav Fandango De Chassy (PU)
1999-WINNER-DEEJAYDEE 7-12-00 Owner- Mrs M Devine; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Mr Tony Martin; SP-13/2
2ND-Riot Leader 9-12-07 Owner-Mrs & Mrs D A Gamble; Trainer-Tom George; Jockey-Mr Alan Dempsey; SP-10/1
3RD-Spot Thedifference 6-12-04 Owner-Mrs S Bolger; Trainer-Enda Bolger IRE; Jockey-Mr Paul Moloney; SP-13/2
21 ran, Time-8m 33.7s, Dist-nk, 6 6/1 Fav Derrymore Mist (4th)
1998-WINNER-WANDERING LIGHT 9-12-7 Owner- Anne Duchess of Westminster; Trainer-Tim Forster; Jockey-Mr Rupert Wakley; SP-10/1
2ND-Thatswhatithought 6-12-0 Owner-Joy Valentine; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Mr Ruby Walsh; SP-20/1
3RD-Torduff Express 7-12-7 Owner-Two Plus Two; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mr Joe Tizzard; SP-7/1
24 ran, Time-8m 21.1s, Dist-16, 7 100/30 Fav Farfadet V (BD)
1997-WINNER-FLIMSY TRUTH 11-12-07 Owner-Martin Weston; Trainer-Martin Weston; Jockey-Mr Mike Harris; SP-33/1
2ND-Vol Par Nuit 6-12-04 Owner-D O McIntyre; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Mr Thierry Doumen;SP-13/2
3RD-Robsand 8-12-00 Owner-Sir Brian McGrath; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Mr Andrew Balding; SP-9/1
23 ran, Time-8m 11.09s, Dist-1.25, 27 6/1 Fav Random Harvest (PU)
1996-WINNER-LOVING AROUND 8-11-13 Owner-Lord Tavistock; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Mr Philip Fenton; SP-10/1
2ND-Fellow Countryman 9-12-07 Owner-A D Wardall; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Mr Marcus Armytage; SP-10/1
3RD-Class of Ninetytwo 7-12-07 Owner-Lord Cadogan; Trainer-Tim Forster; Jockey-Mr Jim Culloty; SP-3/1 Fav
22 ran, Time-8m 34.7s, Dist-13, 6
1995-WINNER-FRONT LINE 8-12-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Mr John Berry; SP-7/1
2ND-Keano 6-12-00 Owner-Midavon Partnership; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Mr Sean Mulcaire; SP-8/1
3RD-Lacken Cross 7-12-04 Owner-John J Howlett; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Mr Henry Cleary; SP-7/1
25 ran, Time-8m 55.5s, Dist-dist, 7 13/2 Fav Extra Special (PU)
1994-WINNER-CHRISTMAS GORSE 8-12-04 Owner-David Stoddart; Trainer-Nick Gaselee; Jockey-Mr Marcus Armytage; SP-14/1
2ND-Extra Special 9-12-00 Owner-Robert Ogden; Trainer-Gordon Richards; Jockey-Capt Adam Ogden; SP-25/1
3RD-Nearly Splendid 9-12-04 Owner & Trainer-Roy Stevens; Jockey-Mr Tom Greed; SP-14/1
19 ran Time-8m 36.8s, Dist-3.5, 4 11/4 Fav Front Line (PU)
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP (AMATEUR RIDERS) ROLL OF HONOUR
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2006 Hot Weld 7-11-11 Mr Richard Harding Ferdy Murphy S Hubbard Rodwell 33/1 22
2005 Another Rum 7-11-07 Mr Mark O’Hare Ian Duncan IRE Ronald Lilley 40/1 20
2004 Native Emperor 8-11-11 Mr Robert Widger Jonjo O’Neill J C, J R & S R Hitchins 5/1JF 22
2003 Sudden Shock 8-11-07 Mr Denis Cullen Jonjo O’Neill Darren Mercer 25/1 24
2002 Rith Dubh 10-11-11 Mr J T McNamara Jonjo O’Neill J P McManus 10/1 26
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Relaxation 8-12-00 Mr Mark Bradburne Henry Daly Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey/Vicky Wiggin 8/1 21
1999 Deejaydee 7-12-00 Mr Tony Martin Michael Hourigan IRE Mrs M Devine 13/2 21
1998 Wandering Light 9-12-07 Mr Rupert Wakley Tim Forster Anne Duchess of Westminster 10/1 24
1997 Flimsy Truth 11-12-07 Mr Micky Harris Martin Weston Martin Weston 33/1 23
1996 Loving Around 5-11-06 Mr Philip Fenton Edward O’Grady IRE Lord Tavistock 10/1 22
1995 Front Line 8-12-07 Mr John Berry Jonjo O'Neill J P McManus 7/1 25
1994 Christmas Gorse 8-12-04 Mr Marcus Armytage Nick Gaselee David Stoddart 14/1 19
1993 Ushers Island 7-12-04 Mr Noel Wilson Howard Johnson Bob Bowden 15/2 13
1992 Keep Talking 7-12-07 Mr Marcus Armytage Tim Thomson Jones Jim Joel 5/2F 24
1991 Smooth Escort 7-12-00 Mr Tony Martin Di Haine A F Budge (Equine) Ltd 7/1 18
1990 Topsham Bay 7-12-00 Mr Paul Hacking David Barons Michael Marsh 40/1 25
1989 Boraceva 6-12-07 Mr Seamus Mullins Toby Balding Duke of Atholl 4/1F 21
1988 Over The Road 7-12-04 Mr Tom Costello Terry Casey John Upson 10/1 28
1987 Mighty Mark 8-12-07 Mr Jimmy Walton Frank Walton Frank Walton 8/1 30
1986 Omerta 6-12-07 Mr Lorcan Wyer Homer Scott IRE Mrs J McMorrow 9/4F 22
1985 Northern Bay 9-12-04 Mr Tony Fowler Tom Bill Twycross Frozen Food Centre Ltd 12/1 20
1984 Macks Friendly 7-12-07 Mr Willie Mullins Paddy Mullins IRE John Mulhern 11/4 18
1983 Bit Of A Skite 7-12-00 Mr Frank Codd Edward O'Grady IRE J P McManus 5/1F 29
1982 Hazy Dawn 7-12-07 Mr Willie Mullins Paddy Mullins IRE R Daniels 8/1 26
1981 Lucky Vane 6-12-07 Mr Stephen Bush Toby Balding Bridget Swire 13/1 21
1980 Waggoners Walk 11-12-04 Mr Tony Fowler Caroline Mason George Mason 10/1 23
1979 Artic Ale 8-12-00 Mr John Fowler Dan Moore IRE Anthony Robinson 20/1 25
1978 Gay Tie 5-11-09 Mr John Fowler Mick O'Toole IRE Dr P Morrissey 10/1 17
1977 Alpenstock 10-12-04 Mr Dick Saunders Stan Mellor Harron Thompson 14/1 21
1976 Sage Merlin 8-12-07 Mr Peter Greenall Jack Hardy John Bingham 5/2F 22
1975 Abandoned (course waterlogged)
1974 Mr Midland 7-12-04 Mr Mouse Morris Edward O’Grady IRE B Naughton 7/2 17
1973 Foreman 7-12-01 Mr Bill Shand Kydd Tom Jones R Dean 11/2F 25
1972 Charley Winking 7-12-00 Mr Derrick Scott Leslie Scott Leslie Scott 20/1 23
1971 Deblin’s Green 8-11-07 Mr Derek Edmunds George Yardley George Yardley 9/2F 20
1970 Domason 7-12-01 Mr Robert Alner Harry Dufosee Harry Dufosee 10/1 18
1969 Lizzy The Lizard 10-12-00 Mr Grant Cann Tony Hartnoll Tony Hartnoll 10/1 35
1968 Fascinating Forties 9-11-07 Mr Michael Dickinson George Owen Lord Leverhulme 9/1 22
1967 Master Tammy 9-11-07 Mr Brian Fanshawe George Guilding George Guilding 100/7 24
1966 Polaris Missile 7-11-09 Mr John Thorne John Thorne John Thorne 100/6 29
1965 Red Vale 11-12-00 Mr George Small Albert Piper Mrs C Smith 100/8 26
1964 Dorimont 10-12-01 Mr Charles Vaughan Tom Taaffe IRE M A Walshe 4/1 30
1963 Time 8-12-00 Mr Ian Balding Willie Stephenson John Cheatle 8/1 35
1962 Go Slow 7-12-07 Mr George Small Albert Piper Mrs I R Millar 10/1 26
1961 Superfine 8-12-04 Sir William Pigott-Brown Frank Cundell I Kerwood 10/1 33
1960 Proud Socks 8-12-00 Mr H Thompson Vivian Bishop Vivian Bishop 100/6 22
1959 Sabaria 8-12-00 Mr John Lawrence Bob Turnell Bob Turnell 5/2F 17
1958 Spud Tamson 7-12-04 Mr Geordie Dun Tommy Dun Mrs T D C Dun 13/2 28
1957 Kari Sou 8-12-00 Mr Alan Lillingston Archie Thomlinson Archie Thomlinson 100/6 24
1956 Rosana III 7-12-00 Mr G Everitt G Everitt G Everitt 9/1 22
1955 Reverend Prince 9-12-00 Mr C Pocock P Dufosee P Dufosee 33/1 26
1954 Quare Times 8-12-04 Mr Bunny Cox Vincent O’Brien IRE Mrs R Smyth 5/2F 26
1953 Pontage 7-12-04 Mr Bunny Cox Dan Moore IRE Lady Honor Svejdar 9/4F 22
1952 Frosty Knight 6-12-00 Mr Charles Straker Ian Straker Ian Straker 15/2 19
1951 Cushendun 6-12-04 Mr Peter Chisman Bobby Renton Lurline Brotherton 10/1 18
1950 Ellesmere 7-12-07 Mr Atty Corbett Ken Cundell Lord Bicester 100/30F 26
1949 Castledermot 7-12-07 Lord Mildmay Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 6/4F 17
1948 Bruno II 8-12-03 Major Guy Cunard William Anstruther-Gray William Anstruther-Gray 20/1 37
1947 Maltese Wanderer 8-12-03 Major Dermot Daly Tom Yates G J Wells 6/1 20
1946 Prattler 11-12-03 Major Dermot Daly Tom Yates E Manner 33/1 20
THE CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
Class 2, Total Prize Fund £40,000. 4.00pm, Friday, March 16, 2007, three miles and two and a half furlongs. For five-year-olds & upwards which since December 31, 2004, & before February 26, 2007, have been placed first or second on two occasions in a hunters’ steeple chase in Great Britain or Ireland or have won two Open steeple chases at Point-to-Point Meetings (i.e. Gentlemens, Ladies or Mixed Open Races) in Great Britain or Ireland or have won one Open steeple chase at a Point-to-Point Meeting in Great Britain or Ireland and have been placed first or second in a hunters’ steeple chase. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 4lb; 6-y-o & up 12st; mares allowed 7lb. Entries closed February 28 (43 entries), entries revealed March 2, six-day confirmations March 10, final declaration 10.00am Thursday, March 15, 2007. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Does not include point-to-point form.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
36012- ABRAM'S BRIDGE (IRE) 8 J P McManus Enda Bolger IRE
P205-33 ARCTIC TIMES (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Eugene O'Sullivan IRE
3P01-11 BEAUCHAMP ORACLE 10 E C Everall Steve Flook
1/16/3-11 BICA (FR) 7 Robert Waley-Cohen Robert Waley-Cohen
0241/1-2 BIG ZOOMO (IRE) 13 Sean McParlan Sean McParlan IRE
P/1- BIRKWOOD 8 R S Brown Ian Stark
322 BORDER FUSION 8 G Crawford Gary Hanmer
6/2///1-3 CANNON BRIDGE (IRE) 9 K Pritchard Paul Davies
000P/-11 CARRYONHARRY (IRE) 13 Heather Silk Emma Leppard
4/122-F CHRISTY BEAMISH (IRE) 10 M Mann Paul Jones
P//11F-5 CLIMATE CONTROL (IRE) 11 Kevin Smith John Paul Brennan IRE
P104-31 COBRECES 9 Mr & Mrs D Borradaile Lucia Borradaile
P/30U30- CONTROL MAN (IRE) 9 S C Robinson Gina Weare
00/1/3-41 DECKIE (IRE) 12 Fleur Hawes David Kemp
3//110F0- DROMBEAG (IRE) 9 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
3263-U3 FIRST DOWN JETS (IRE) 10 J O'Mahoney Liam Burke IRE
2F/310-P FOLY PLEASANT (FR) 13 Nick Shutts Karen Waldron
GONE TO LUNCH (IRE) 7 G T Lever Jeremy Scott
11 HONOURABLE SPIDER 8 E M G Roberts Suzy Bull
0433/-22 HOPESARISING 8 P Johnson Patrick Johnson
P4/14/33- JOE BLAKE (IRE) 12 Ronnie Bartlett Ian Ferguson IRE
F/241/1- JOHNS LEGACY 12 Brian Robinson Sarah Robinson
151-113 KNIFE EDGE (USA) 12 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
21/1- LORD BEAU (IRE) 11 P R Bateman Aaron Bateman
P653P-U MARTIN OSSIE 10 D Smith (Saul) Dick Baimbridge
540P//35- MIGHTY MONTEFALCO 11 Mrs A De Lisle Wells Alison De Lisle Wells
1/1P5-1P MISTER FRIDAY (IRE) 10 Aaron Rea,Jim Beresford & Mrs C Mulhall Clive Mulhall
U2/-2 MOONOKI (IRE) 8 R Kelvin-Hughes Ben Tulloch
P6/2-43U MOSCOW COURT (IRE) 9 Celia Plunkett Celia Plunkett
P//52-12 NATIAIN 8 June Brown Alistair Brown
103/534- NED KELLY (IRE) 11 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
34/5/05-0 NO DISCOUNT (IRE) 13 Edward Cawley Edward Cawley IRE
0-21362 NO RETREAT (NZ) 14 Mark Harris Lisa Willis
35/-2 OLD SCEW BALD (IRE) 7 Denis Paul Murphy Denis Paul Murphy IRE
1-232 OSCAR INDIA (IRE) 8 Mrs H De Bromhead Henry de Bromhead IRE
5/1115/0- PATCHES (IRE) 8 Marianne Barber Richard Barber
PP0-512 SONEVAFUSHI (FR) 9 Brian Dice Venetia Williams
5/P126-3 TELEMOSS (IRE) 13 Alix Stevenson Nicky Richards
PP///P-2 THE GREY BARON 10 A Coveney Andrew Coveney
F20-126 VINNIE BOY (IRE) 10 J H Burbidge Ollie Bush
55010-1 WAKING NED (IRE) 8 Kirbys, Fawcett and Holian Philip Kirby
4U11-11 WHYSO MAYO (IRE) 10 Kathleen O'Driscoll Ray Hurley IRE
4PPP-PP WISE MAN (IRE) 12 Nick Alexander Nick Alexander
43 Entries
11 Irish-trained
Christie’s Foxhunter Chase - Analysis
A 43-strong entry has been received for the most prestigious hunter chase in the jumping calendar, the £40,000 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup, run over the Gold Cup distance of three miles, two and a half furlongs at Cheltenham on Friday, March 16, the final day of The Festival 2007.
Having supplied the first five horses home in last year’s renewal, the Irish again look to hold a strong hand this year with 11 entries, headed by 2006 victor Whyso Mayo.
Ray Hurley’s charge saw off First Down Jets and Joe Blake that day and has looked at the top of his game in winning both starts this season, readily accounting for Old Scew Bald by 11 lengths at Leopardstown on February 10, having easily disposed of Oscar India and Arctic Times the time before at Thurles in January.
Climate Control, trained by John Brennan, has plenty of ability - he beat Whyso Mayo into fourth in a hunter chase at Thurles in January, 2006 - and should come on for a fifth at Fairyhouse on February 24, when Big Zoomo finished three places in front of him.
Enda Bolger, who landed this prize back in 1996 with Elegant Lord, has entered Abram’s Bridge, fifth behind No Discount in a point-to-point at Nenagh, North Tipperary, on January 28, while the Edward O’Grady-trained Ned Kelly, who took the 2002 AIG Europe Champion Hurdle in his prime, has scored on his last two outings in point-to-point company.
The home-based contenders include the progressive Honourable Spider, trained by Suzy Bull, who got the better of useful chasers Sonevafushi and Knife Edge at Folkestone on February 13, and Robert Waley-Cohen’s ex-French performer Bica, who has made a good impression in landing his last two starts.
The ex-Paul Nicholls-trained Patches is now in the care of Richard Barber, successful in this contest with Earthmover (1998), Fantus (1995 & 1997) and Rushing Wild (1992), and scored a comfortable victory in a ladies’ open at Milborne St Andrew on February 18, while Waking Ned showed decent hurdles form in Ireland for Donal Hassett and was a wide-margin scorer for new handler Philip Kirby in a novices’ hunter chase at Sedgefield on February 20.
Cobreces could only finish 12th in this event a year ago but looked on good terms with himself when an eight-length winner at Haydock on February 22, while Drombeag managed ninth last year but has not been seen since running behind Whyso Mayo at the Punchestown Festival in April.
Other interesting entries include Telemoss, a high-class sort in his youth and sixth in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase last year, Beauchamp Oracle, who has a course victory to his name at Cheltenham having taken the Colin Nash Memorial United Hunts’ Challenge Cup in May, 2006, and Christy Beamish, who finished an excellent second to Katarino at Aintree over the Grand National fences in April last year and has plenty of raw talent.
CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE FACTS & FIGURES
1. The Christie’s Foxhunter Chase is one of the oldest races at the Festival. The first running in 1904 was won by the 6/4 favourite Palmy Boy, owned and ridden by Mr J Widger. It is now the richest and most prestigious hunter chase of the season, worth a total of £40,000.
2. In 2007, Christie’s, the international auctioneers and valuation experts, will be sponsoring the race for the 29th year (including the 2001 cancelled contest).
3. Since 1946 six horses have won the Foxhunter Chase twice although no horse has won it three times. The Callant won in 1956 and 1957, Whinstone Hill in 1958 and 1960, Colledge Master in 1961 and 1962, Double Silk in 1993 and 1994, Fantus in 1995 and 1997 and Earthmover in 1998 and 2004.
4. Caroline Beasley became the first female jockey to win a race at The Festival when successful on Eliogarty in the 1983 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase. Since then the race has been won four times by women - Katie Rimell on Three Counties in 1989, Polly Curling on Fantus in 1995 , Fiona Needham in 2002 on Last Option and Rilly Goschen on Earthmover in 2004.
5. Three of the five 13-year-olds to have been successful at The Festival since 1946 have come in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase - Earthmover in 2004, Merry, who dead-heated in 1953 and Greenwood in 1950. The other two 13-year-olds to have won were Approval in the 1959 Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle and Willie Wumpkins in the 1981 Pertemps Final. They are the oldest horses to have succeeded at The Festival in this period.
Previous Results
CHRISTIES FOXHUNTER CHASE
2006-WINNER-WHYSO MAYO 9-12-00 Owner-Kathleen O’Driscoll; Trainer-Ray Hurley IRE; Jockey-Mr Damien Murphy; SP-20/1
2ND First Down Jets 9-12-00 Owner-J B O’Mahoney’ Trainer-Liam Burke; Jockey-Mr Colman Sweeney; SP-66/1
3RD Joe Blake 11-12-00 Owner-Ronnie Bartlett; Trainer-Ian Ferguson IRE; Jockey-Mr Mark O’Hare; SP-14/1
24 ran, Time-6m 42.70s, Dist-1, 1.25 11/4 Fav Harbour Pilot (PU)
2005-WINNER-SLEEPING NIGHT 9-12-00 Owner-David & F A Jackson; Trainer-Paul Nicholls: Jockey-Mr Colman Sweeney; SP-7/2 Fav
2ND Foly Pleasant 11-12-00 Owner-Nick Shutts; Trainer-Nick Shutts; Jockey-Mr Richard Burton: SP-20/1
3RD Placid Man 11-12-00 Owner-Tim Jones and Partners; Trainer-Alex Embiricos; Jockey-Alex Embiricos; SP-14/1 24 ran, Time-6m 50.3s, Dist-.75, 11
2004-WINNER-EARTHMOVER 13-12-00 Owner-Roger Penny; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Miss Rilly Goschen; SP-14/1
2ND Never Compromise 9-12-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Mr Alan Crowe; SP-9/2
3RD County Derry 11-12-00 Owner-G T Lever; Trainer-Jeremy Scott; Jockey-Mr Neil Harris; SP-16/1
24 ran, Time-6m 57.10s, Dist-4, 12 3/1 Fav Lord Atterbury (PU)
1997-WINNER-FANTUS 10-12-00 Owner-John Keighley; Trainer-Richard Barber; Jockey-Mr Tim Mitchell; SP-10/1
2ND-Cab On Target 11-12-00 Owner-N Hurst; Trainer-Mary Reveley; Jockey-Mr Stephen Swiers; SP-4/1 Fav
3RD-What A Hand 9-12-00 Owner-F A Bonsal; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Mr Philip Fenton; SP- 6/1
18 ran, Time-6m 44.5s, Dist-1.75, 11
1996-WINNER-ELEGANT LORD 8-12-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Enda Bolger IRE; Jockey-Mr Enda Bolger;
SP-3/1 Fav
2ND-Cool Dawn 8-12-00 Owner-Dido Harding; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Miss Dido Harding; SP-9/2
3RD-Kerry Orchid 8-12-00 Owner-Peter Curling; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Mr Philip Fenton; SP- 12/1
17 ran, Time-6m 51.0s, Dist-6,7
1995-WINNER-FANTUS 8-12-00 Owner-John Keighley; Trainer-Richard Barber; Jockey-Miss Polly Curling; SP-8/1
2ND-Holland House 9-12-00 Owner-Edward Knight; Trainer-Patrick Chamings; Jockey-Mr Charlie Vigors; SP- 50/1
3RD-Elegant Lord 7-12-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Enda Bolger IRE; Jockey-Mr Tony Martin; SP-13/8 Fav
13 ran, Time-7m 7.7s, Dist-20, 8
CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE ROLL OF HONOUR
(Christie’s Foxhunter Chase 1979 onwards, 1978-1974 no sponsor, 1973-72 “Sun Alliance and London” Foxhunter Challenge Cup)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2006 Whyso Mayo 9-12-00 Mr Damien Murphy Ray Hurley IRE Kathleen O’Driscoll 20/1 24
2005 Sleeping Night 9-12-00 Mr Colman Sweeney Paul Nicholls David & FA Jackson 7/2 F 24
2004 Earthmover 13-12-00 Miss Rilly Goschen Paul Nicholls Roger Penny 14/1 24
2003 Kingscliff 6-12-00 Mr Richard Young Sally Alner Arnie Sendell 11/4F 24
2002 Last Option 10-12-00 Mrs Fiona Needham Robin Tate Robin Tate 20/1 20
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Cavalero 11-12-00 Mr Alex Charles-Jones John Manners John Manners 16/1 24
1999 Castle Mane 7-12-00 Mr Ben Pollock Caroline Bailey Charles Dixey 9/2 24
1998 Earthmover 7-12-00 Mr Joe Tizzard Richard Barber Roger Penny 3/1 11
1997 Fantus 10-12-00 Mr Tim Mitchell Richard Barber John Keighley 10/1 18
1996 Elegant Lord 8-12-00 Mr Enda Bolger Enda Bolger J P McManus 3/1F 17
1995 Fantus 8-12-00 Miss Polly Curling Richard Barber John Keighley 8/1 13
1994 Double Silk 10-12-00 Mr Ron Treloggen Reg Wilkins Reg Wilkins 2/5F 5
1993 Double Silk 9-12-00 Mr Ron Treloggen Reg Wilkins Reg Wilkins 12/1 18
1992 Rushing Wild 7-12-00 Mr Justin Farthing Richard Barber John Keighley 9/1 24
1991 Lovely Citizen 8-12-00 Mr Willie O’Sullivan Eugene M O’Sullivan IRE Eugene J O’Sullivan 14/1 18
1990 Call Collect 9-12-00 Mr Ray Martin John Parkes James Clements 7/4F 15
1989 Three Counties 12-12-00 Miss Katie Rimell Mercy Rimell Katie Rimell 6/1 16
1988 Certain Light 10-12-00 Mr Paul Hacking Jean Campbell Jean Campbell 10/1 9
1987 Observe 11-12-00 Mr Charlie Brooks Fred Winter R Bott (Wigmore St) Ltd 14/1 14
1986 Attitude Adjuster 6-12-00 Mr Ted Walsh Mouse Morris IRE Sue Magnier 10/1 14
1985 Elmboy 7-12-00 Mr Alan Hill Norman Mawle Norman Mawle 10/1 17
1984 Venture To Cognac 11-12-00 Mr Oliver Sherwood Fred Winter Nat Sherwood 7/1 21
1983 Eliogarty 8-12-00 Miss Caroline Beasley Barry Kelly IRE Caroline Beasley 3/1F 16
1982 The Drunken Duck 9-12-00 Mr Brod Munro-Wilson Brod Munro-Wilson Brod Munro-Wilson 12/1 19
1981 Grittar 8-12-00 Mr Dick Saunders Frank Gilman Frank Gilman 12/1 17
1980 Rolls Rambler 9-12-00 Mr Oliver Sherwood Fred Winter B Braziel 9/4 7
1979 Spartan Missile 7-12-00 Mr John Thorne John Thorne John Thorne 9/4F 10
1978 Timmie’s Battle 7-12-00 Mr Peter Greenall Arthur Stephenson G Deverell 7/2 17
1977 Long Lane 9-11-11 Mr Richard Shepherd Richard Shepherd Richard Shepherd 9/4F 16
1976 False Note 10-11-09 Mr Bryan Smart John Horton John Horton 11/4F 16
1975 Real Rascal 12-11-10 Mr George Hyatt Barbara Surman Barbara Surman 8/1 16
1974 Corrie Burn 8-12-00 Mr Ian Williams George Fairbairn Joanna Fairbairn 20/1 16
1973 Bullocks Horn 10-12-00 Lord Oaksey Bob Turnell Mrs E Barker 5/1 20
1972 Credit Call 8-12-00 Mr Chris Collins Arthur Stephenson Chris Collins 7/4F 9
1971 Hope Again 9-11-07 Mr Richard Smith Denis Windell Denis Windell 16/1 18
1970 Highworth 11-11-07 Mr R H Woodhouse R H Woodhouse R H Woodhouse 15/2 13
1969 Queens Guide 8-11-07 Mr G Wade Willie Wade Willie Wade 10/1 10
1968 Bright Beach 8-11-11 Mr Charlie Macmillan Geordie Dun Geordie Dun 5/1 12
1967 Mulbarton 11-12-00 Mr Nick Gaselee I H Pattullo I H Pattullo EvsF 13
1966 Straight Lady 10-11-07 Mr Richard Shepherd William Shepherd William Shepherd 100/8 21
1965 Woodside Terrace 12-11-07 Mr R Woodhouse R Woodhouse R Woodhouse 33/1 19
1964 Freddie 7-11-07 Mr Alan Mactaggart Reg Tweedie Reg Tweedie 1/3F 10
1963 Grand Morn II 9-12-00 Mr R Bloomfield G Shepheard G Shepheard 15/2 20
1962 Colledge Master12-12-00 Mr Laurie Morgan Laurie Morgan Laurie Morgan 9/2 17
1961 Colledge Master11-12-00 Mr Laurie Morgan Laurie Morgan Laurie Morgan 7/2 17
1960 Whinstone Hill 11-12-00 Mr Bobby Brewis Bobby Brewis Bobby Brewis 11/8F 15
1959 Some Baby 10-12-00 Mr John Thorne Tim Rootes Tim Rootes 100/8 15
1958 Whinstone Hill 9-12-00 Mr Bobby Brewis Bobby Brewis Bobby Brewis 7/1 16
1957 The Callant 9-12-00 Mr John Scott-Aiton Stewart Wight C D Scott 10/11F 9
1956 The Callant 8-12-00 Mr John Scott-Aiton Stewart Wight C D Scott 11/8F 17
1955 Abandoned (snow)
1954 Happymint 9-12-00 Mr Danny Moralee Stewart Wight Danny Moralee 7/1 21
1953 DH Dunboy II 9-12-00 Mr Charlie Scott P Bruce Miss P Bruce 3/1F 22
1953 DH Merry 13-12-00 Mr Gay Kindersley Alec Kerr John Baillie 100/7 22
1952 Parasol II 7-12-00 Mr Ivor Kerwood A Walton A Walton 8/1 19
1951 Halloween 6-12-00 Mr Dickie Smalley Bill Wightman Captain Dick Smalley 11/8F 26
1950 Greenwood 13-12-00 Mr John Stuart-Evans J T Evans J T Evans 100/7 25
1949 Abandoned (frost)
1948 State Control 8-12-00 Mr Harry Llewellyn Harry Llewellyn Harry Llewellyn 7/2F 38
1947 Lucky Purchase 9-12-00 Mr John Nichols Sidney Banks Sidney Banks 7/1 26
1946 Iloilo 9-12-00 Mr Harry Freeman-Jackson Harry Freeman-Jackson Mrs Harry Freeman-Jackson 6/1 16
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