THE FESTIVAL, CHELTENHAM
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SECOND DAY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
CROWD UP
Today’s attendance on the second day of The Festival came to 50,504, up from 47,135 in 2009. This was an increase of 3,369 or 7.1 per cent.
TOTE TURNOVER UP
Today’s on-course Tote cash turnover was £2.4 million, up 12 per cent on last year’s figure of £2.14 million.
WATERING AFTER RACING TODAY
The action switches to the New Course tomorrow and watering will commence after racing today.
Simon Claisse, director of racing and clerk of the course at Cheltenham, said this afternoon: “No rain is forecast until mid-afternoon tomorrow and on that basis we will be watering the New Course selectively to maintain good ground, putting on between three and five millimetres tonight.
“It will mostly go on down the hill, on the home straight and on the turn away from the stands - that is the quickest part of the course. Down the back straight, it is still hanging on to good to soft.
“We are forecast three to four millimetres of rain during the afternoon tomorrow, probably starting about 2.30pm.
“It is forecast to be dry for us on Friday though there is rain coming but we are expecting it after racing.”
The official going at the moment on the New Course is Good, good to soft in places.
KAUTO STAR & DENMAN HEAD 11 DECLARATIONS FOR totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
One of the most eagerly anticipated races in Jump racing history is now just 48 hours away after 11 horses stood their ground at the final declaration stage for the £475,000 Grade One totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, the highlight of The Festival on Friday, March 19.
Having become the first horse to regain chasing’s championship chase last year, Kauto Star will bid to further his reputation as the outstanding chaser of modern times when going for a third victory in the extended three and a quarter mile contest, emulating Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate.
The Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old has looked better than ever this season and goes into Friday’s race on the back of an outstandibng fourth win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day - his 13th Grade One success. Clive Smith’s gelding is currently the red-hot 4/6 favourite with the sponsor to add to his totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2007 and 12 months ago.
Kauto Star’s biggest threat is stable companion and 2008 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Denman, who was seven lengths behind his great rival at The Festival last year.
The 10-year-old, who lives in the very next stable to Kauto Star at Nicholls’ Somerset stables, recorded a stunning victory under top-weight in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November but will be looking to bounce back after unseating AP McCoy in the Grade Two AON Chase at the same course on February 13. He is a 4/1 chance with totesport.
It will be the third time that the two horses, who know each other so well, go head to head in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup
Nicholls has also left in leading John Smith’s Grand National contender Tricky Trickster, who took advantage of Denman’s uncharacteristic jumping errors to triumph at Newbury, as well as last year’s fifth My Will. Barry Geraghty rides the former with Nick Scholfield on the latter.
The champion trainer is bidding to become the first handler since Basil Briscoe (1932-35 with Golden Miller) to land the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup for a fourth consecutive year.
Imperial Commander has won on four of his five starts over Cheltenham’s fences including a two-length verdict over Voy Por Ustedes in the Grade One Ryanair Chase at The Festival last year. Trained locally by Nigel Twiston-Davies, the nine-year-old went down by a nose to Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November prior to taking fifth behind the same horse in the King George VI Chase.
Cooldine romped to a 16-length victory in the Grade One RSA Chase at last year’s Festival and the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old was beaten a neck in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup on his latest start.
Carruthers, fourth behind Cooldine 12 months ago, will be bidding to give trainer Mark Bradstock and owner/breeder Lord Oaksey a fairytale success, while Best Mate’s handler Henrietta Knight aims for a fourth win in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with Calgary Bay.
Venetia Williams is represented by last season’s Grand National winner Mon Mome and the potential field is completed by the Paul Murphy-trained pair of rank outsiders Cerium and Mr Pointment.
Latest totesport prices: 4/6 Kauto Star, 4/1 Denman, 8/1 Cooldine, 8/1 Imperial Commander, 14/1 Tricky Trickster, 50/1 Carruthers, 66/1 Calgary Bay, 100/1 Mon Mome, 100/1 My Will, 250/1 Cerium, 250/1 Mr Pointment
DECLARATIONS FOR THE
2010 totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Class 1, Grade 1, £475,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.20pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 19, 2010. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 12 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR 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 12 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final), three miles, two and a half furlongs. Weights: 5yo 11st 9lb, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 12, entries revealed January 13 (27 entries), scratchings deadline February 16 (19 remained), £23,750 supplementary entry stage & six-day confirmation stage March 13 (12 remained). Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 17 (11 declarations). Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, March 16.
Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer/Jockey
1) 204-P01 CALGARY BAY (IRE) 7-11-10 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight/Graham Lee
2) 2114-512 CARRUTHERS 7-11-10 The Oaksey Partnership Mark Bradstock/Mattie Batchelor
3) 50PP/05- CERIUM (FR) 9-11-10 Judith Wilson Paul Murphy/Davy Russell
4) 1311-4P2 COOLDINE (IRE) 8-11-10 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE/Paul Townend
5) 11/22F-1U DENMAN (IRE) 10-11-10 Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay Paul Nicholls/Tony McCoy
6) 161-P25 IMPERIAL COMMANDER (IRE) 9-11-10 Our Friends in the North Nigel Twiston-Davies/Paddy Brennan
7) 1U11-11 KAUTO STAR (FR) 10-11-10t Clive Smith Paul Nicholls/Ruby Walsh
8) 2001-P346 MON MOME (FR) 10-11-10 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman
9) 6P/6220- MR POINTMENT (IRE) 11-11-10 Judith Wilson Paul Murphy/Ken Whelan
10) 553-205 MY WILL (FR) 10-11-10 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls/Nick Scholfield
11) 422121-21 TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) 7-11-10 Chris Giles Paul Nicholls/Barry Geraghty
11 declarations
1 Irish-trained
GUINNESS FESTIVAL AWARDS FINALISTS TODAY
The three Guinness Festival Awards finalists for today are a) Katie Walsh b) Colm Murphy and c) Jason Maguire. Voting is open until 7pm.
TONY McCOY WINS GUINNESS FESTIVAL AWARD FOR THE OPENING DAY
The Guinness Festival Award for the opening day of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival went to the 14-time champion jockey Tony McCoy for his ride on the J P McManus-owned Binocular in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.
It was McCoy’s third Champion Hurdle win, following his successes on Make A Stand (1997) and Brave Inca (2006). The reigning champion described his emotions after driving Binocular home: “I think, at long last, the real Binocular turned up. This was the best feeling I have ever had on a horse.”
Richard Johnson, who rode Menorah to victory in the Spinal Research Novices’ Hurdle, and Henry de Bromhead, who trained Sizing Europe, winner of The Irish Independent Arkle Chase, were also on the shortlist of three drawn up by a panel of journalists. The public vote then determined that the prize went to McCoy.
The Guinness Festival Awards, which honour the individual who has done most to bring The Festival to life for fans, continues through the Festival. Each day after the fourth race, the shortlist will be announced over the public address system, on racecourse TV screens, on Festival Radio and the racecourse website www.cheltenham.co.uk.
Racegoers can vote by texting ‘Festival’ with the selection ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’ to 80818. There is no limit to the number of texts that can be sent*.
Superb trophies, donated by Waterford Crystal, will be presented to the award winners in the paddock the following day - with Friday’s winner receiving their trophy after the sixth race that day. On Saturday, March 20, Channel 4's Morning Line team will select the overall 2010 Guinness Festival Award winner.
Everyone texting a vote will be entered into a daily prize draw to win a fabulous trip to Punchestown for the second day of Festival, April 21, to watch the Guinness Gold Cup. The prize includes return flights for two to Dublin, overnight accommodation and reserved enclosure badges to the racecourse. For more information on the Punchestown Festival visit www.punchestown.com .
* Texts cost £1 plus the normal carrier tariff. Entrants must be over 18.
THOMAS PINK LEADING RIDER AWARD
SECOND DAY STANDINGS
Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Ruby Walsh 2 1 -
Barry Geraghty 2 - 2
Tony McCoy 1 3 -
Paddy Aspell 1 - -
Adrian Heskin 1 - -
Richard Johnson 1 - -
Andrew Lynch 1 - -
Jason Maguire 1 - -
Davy Russell 1 - -
Joe Tizzard 1 - -
Katie Walsh 1 - -
Daryl Jacob - 1 1
Andrew Tinkler - 1 1
Paddy Brennan - 1 -
Nina Carberry - 1 -
Johnny Farrelly - 1 -
Mr J T McNamara - 1 -
Timmy Murphy - 1 -
Robert Thornton - 1 -
Liam Treadwell - 1 -
Davy Condon - - 1
Rhys Flint - - 1
Graham Lee - - 1
Jimmy McCarthy - - 1
Andrew McNamara - - 1
Robbie McNamara - - 1
Brian O’Connell - - 1
Michael O’Connor - - 1
Mr Sam Waley-Cohen - - 1
Latest totesport betting on the Thomas Pink Leading Rider Award:
1/3 Ruby Walsh, 3/1 Barry Geraghty, 10/1 Tony McCoy, 25/1 bar
THOMAS PINK LEADING TRAINER AWARD
SECOND DAY STANDINGS
Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Nicky Henderson 2 2 2
Philip Hobbs 1 - 1
Henry de Bromhead IRE 1 - -
Charles Byrnes IRE 1 - -
Michael Hourigan IRE 1 - -
Donald McCain jnr 1 - -
Jimmy Moffatt 1 - -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 - -
Colm Murphy IRE 1 - -
Paul Nicholls 1 1 -
Ferdy Murphy 1 - 1
Colin Tizzard 1 - -
David Pipe - 2 -
Tom Cooper IRE - 1 1
Nick Williams - 1 1
Enda Bolger IRE - 1 -
Nick Gifford - 1 -
Noel Glynn - 1 -
Henrietta Knight - 1 -
Jonjo O’Neill - 1 -
Nigel Twiston-Davies - 1 -
Philip Fenton IRE - - 1
John Kiely IRE - - 1
Colm Murphy IRE - - 1
Edward O’Grady IRE - - 1
Renee Robeson - - 1
Michael Smith - - 1
Dermot Weld IRE - - 1
2010 FESTIVAL WINNERS SO FAR
MONDAY
1.30pm Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)
MENORAH (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 5-11-07 Richard Johnson 12/1
2.05pm Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy (Grade One)
SIZING EUROPE (Ann & Alan Potts Partnership) Henry de Bromhead IRE 8-11-07 Andrew Lynch 6/1
2.40pm William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade Three)
CHIEF DAN GEORGE (Maurice Chapman) James Moffatt 10-10-10 Paddy Aspell 33/1
3.20pm Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (Grade One)
BINOCULAR (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 6-11-10 Tony McCoy 9/1
4.00pm Glenfarclas Handicap Cross-Country Steeple Chase
A NEW STORY (Storey’s Over Syndicate) Michael Hourigan 12-9-07 Adrian Heskin (7) 25/1
4.40pm David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (Grade Two)
QUEVEGA (Hammer & Trowel Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-5 Ruby Walsh 6/4f
TUESDAY
1.30pm 140th Year Of The National Hunt Chase
POKER DE SIVOLA (David Johnson) Ferdy Murphy 7-11-06 Ms Katie Walsh 14/1
2.05pm Neptune Investment Management Novice
PEDDLERS CROSS (Tim Leslie) Donald McCain Jnr 5-11-7 Jason Maguire 7/1
2.40pm RSA Chase (Grade One)
WEAPON'S AMNESTY (Gigginstown House Stud) Charles Byrnes IRE 7-11-4 Davy Russell 10/1
3.20pm Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One)
BIG ZEB (Patrick Redmond) Colm Murphy IRE 9-11-10 Barry Geraghty 10/1
4.00pm Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade Three)
SPIRIT RIVER (Michael Buckley) Nicky Henderson 5-11-2 Barry Geraghty 14/1
4.40pm Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)
SANCTUAIRE (Jared Sullivan) Paul Nicholls 4-11-2 Ruby Walsh 4/1F
5.15pm Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade One)
CUE CARD (Jean Bishop) Colin Tizzard 4-10-12 Joe Tizzard 40/1
PUNTERS ON BACK FOOT AS BOOKIES DOMINATE SECOND DAY OF CHELTENHAM
The bookies are firmly in control after the second day of the Cheltenham Festival after a string of well-backed horses failed to provide punters with some respite after yesterday's results.
Master Minded was well beaten at odds-on in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, while the big guns from Nicky Henderson's stable also failed to give their running in the RSA Chase.
“The Cheltenham Festival has been a feast for the layers so far,” said totesport spokesman George Primarolo. “However, yesterday's results were merely a snack compared to today's main course - it's been a bloodbath for punters.”
A field of 11 have been declared for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with the market dominated by the big two from Paul Nicholls' stable in the shape of Kauto Star and Denman. Friday's big race has been billed as 'The Decider' with Kauto Star the red-hot favourite at 4/6 with the sponsors to claim his third Gold Cup.
“The stage is set for one of Cheltenham's biggest-ever showdowns,” said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.
“Kauto Star is in the driving seat as far at the market is concerned but Denman defeated his stablemate back in 2008 when the underdog and his supporters will be pinning their hopes on a similar kind of performance on Friday.”
Looking ahead to next year's Festival, Big Zeb is the 3/1 favourite with totesport to take back-to-back Champion Chases after running away with this year's renewal. Weapons Amnesty lowered the colours of both Long Run and Punchestowns in taking the RSA Chase and has earned a quote of 8/1 with the sponsors for next year's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Cheltenham - Friday 19th March
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup – sponsors bet: 4/6 Kauto Star, 4 Denman, 8 Cooldine, Imperial Commander, 14 Tricky Trickster, 50 Carruthers, 66 Calgary Bay, 100 Mon Mome, My Will, 250 Cerium, Mr Pointment. ¼ 1-2-3
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup without Kauto Star and Denman – sponsors bet: 7/4 Cooldine, 15/8 Imperial Commander, 10/3 Tricky Trickster, 10 Carruthers, 14 Calgary Bay, 25 Mon Mome, My Will, 66 Cerium, Mr Pointment. 1/5 1-2-3
McGOLDRICK RUNS AT SIXTH FESTIVAL
The 13-year-old Mister McGoldrick will run at his sixth Cheltenham Festival when lining up in tomorrow’s Byrne Group Plate.
Sue Smith’s charge, who has career earnings of £341,745, won the 2m 5f handicap chase two years ago and has appeared at all the Festivals since 2004 bar the 2005 Festival.
His complete record is
2009 7th Ryanair Chase
2008 WON Byrne Group Plate
2007 6th Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase
2006 3rd Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase
2004 UR The Irish Independent Arkle Chase
LEPRECHAUNS, SHAMROCK, GUINNESS AND GIVE AWAYS - IT’S ST PADDY’S DAY AT CHELTENHAM
St Patrick’s Day was the theme that greeted racegoers when the gates opened on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
Shamrock sellers touted their wares, musicians dressed as leprechauns played pipes and fiddles, free trips to Irish race meetings were offered and green balloons rose alongside inflation in bookmakers’ satchels.
Yet you did not need to be Irish to show affinity with St Patrick - Rhys Thorrington from Bristol was celebrating his 18th birthday, and by 11am had just lined up his first pint of Guinness. Surrounded by friends in leprechaun hats, Rhys said: “Coming to the Festival on St Patrick’s day seemed a great way to mark my 18th. We came by limo, drank champagne on the way, and now it only seems right to drink Ireland’s national pint.”
Master Minded was Rhys’ nap of the day, while Kalahari King was suggested by Daniel O’Sullivan from County Kerry. Sporting a shamrock in his lapel, Daniel said: “The shamrock brings us luck, and we needed it on the first day, but Binocular got us out of trouble.”
He was joined by his son, Daniel Jr (a Long Run fan) and Donal Griffin (Rite Of Passage), who all wore matching shirts and ties - that’s not a custom of St Patrick’s Day, but they looked very smart.
Also wearing matching garb was Balloonatic workers Pixie and Puxie, who described themselves as “English-born leprechauns”. Their Festival speciality was balloon tying, which they claim to have learned at “balloonaversity”.
Pixie said: “We’re giving away hand-tied balloons as a symbol of Irish luck. Ireland is emerald and pretty and the Giant’s Causeway is crazy.” That’s a trinity of reasons to visit.
Micky Finn, who lives just beyond Finnigan’s Rainbow, was giving away shamrock-shaped balloons. “I arrived this morning, via the rainbow,” said Micky, who was promoting Ireland as a tourist destination. “It’s the most beautiful place, with history and wonderful landscapes,” he said.
A joint-promotion backed by Cheltenham, Horse Racing Ireland, goracing.ie and the Irish Tourist Board, gives racegoers at the Festival the opportunity to visit an Irish race meeting for free during 2010. Further details at the HRI stand in the shopping village.
Christopher Dabney from Gloucestershire, whose wife, Margaret, hails from County Leitrim, is a firm fan of Ireland. His wife arrived in Britain more than 50 years ago, but her blood still runs emerald green. “I’ve been to the Festival about ten times,” said Margaret. “It’s lovely to be here on St Patrick’s Day.”
Her husband said: “I love visiting Ireland for it’s peacefulness, the people and because the air seems cleaner.”
St Patrick would be proud - meanwhile Irish-trained horses look set for another good day at the Festival. Bookie Paddy Power offers 5-4 that Ireland has three or more winners today, 6-4 two winners, 100-30 one winner and 20-1 a blank.
RUSSELL MCCRIRICK CONTROVERSY
Davy Russell, rider of the winner of the RSA Chase, Weapon’s Amnesty, used his post-race interview with Channel 4's Derek Thompson to hit out at Channel 4 pundit John McCririck.
The 30-year-old jockey said: “Weapon’s Amnesty is game as a pebble.
“I’m sorry Derek but I was very disappointed with John McCririck this morning and the comments he made about Brian O’Connell in a cowardly fashion. I would like a public apology from him.
“Brian is only a chap trying to make his way in the game and that is all I have to say about it.”
O’Connell finished third in the opening race of The Festival yesterday, the Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, on the 4/5 favourite Dunguib.
FIRST RACE WINNING QUOTES
140TH YEAR OF THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
TEARFUL WALSH ADDS TO FAMILY’S CHELTENHAM RECORD
Her brother Ruby has ridden 25 Festival winners and her father Ted had four Festival wins as a jockey and this afternoon Katie Walsh added to the family’s record when winning the opening National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup on Poker De Sivola.
It was a 1-2 for female riders in the amateurs’ contest as Walsh beat Nina Carberry on Becauseicouldntsee to win.
“Nina’s a great friend and knows how much it means to me,” said a tearful Walsh. “Winning at Cheltenham is something that everyone wants to do and I’m fortunate that it’s my turn this year.
“Ruby said well done to me but he didn’t really need to say anything, the look in his eyes said it all. He knows what it means.
“I’m lost for words. I don’t want to sound soft but this is definitely the best day of my life. My father is the person I go whenever I need something. I know how much this means to him but it means very much to me as well.
“I couldn’t believe it turning in that Nina was coming - I thought Jesus, of all people, not Nina! But I put my head down and it’s just lucky that it paid off. He stayed on well and jumped great. It’s brilliant."
“He’s not the biggest of horses and travels well. I probably got to the front too early but had to go with him when he wanted and just put my head down.”
Trainer Ferdy Murphy added: “I go a long way back with the Walsh family and Ruby and Katie’s grandfather, who was also called Ruby, was like a father figure to me and many people. He was a very shrewd man that you always listened to. I’m so delighted for her family.
“Nina rode this horse last year but unfortunately for her she was already booked for the other horse and I was delighted to get Katie.
“With a circuit to go she switched to the inside and got a few fantastic leaps out of him. I thought they’d got to the front too soon but not at all.
“It was an unbelievable ride, fantastic. He was a bit unlucky in the Kim Muir last year - he was favourite and got pushed a but wide - and then we ran him in a four-miler at Kelso on very heavy ground, and he made a bit of noise. Graham (Lee) rode him then and he said put a cross nose-band on him at that seems to have helped.
“I entered him this morning in the Irish National but I think he’s probably more likely to go to the Scottish National.”
WALSH FAMILY OVER THE MOON
There was a tremendous reaction to Katie Walsh’s first victory at The Festival in the 140th Year Of The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup.
Her father, Ted Walsh - an ace amateur rider in his day, trainer and television pundit - said: “Poker De Sivola was running a bit lazy - she just keeps hunting him along and he keeps finding a bit.
“I thought at the second last that second was as good as Katie was going to be. But Nina’s (Carberry) mount ran up and down a bit in the one place and this old fellow, who has been here before, kept finding a bit.
“What a great ride Katie got off him. It is great for her. Nina’s a big part of our family too. This a great day for me, Helen, Katie and all of us. Katie will remember this for the rest of her life.”
Her mother Helen commented: “It was brilliant - absolutely great for Katie. It would have been lovely to have been second and to win is just wonderful for her. Words cannot describe it.
“She is a great girl. We have been very lucky. Cheltenham means so much to everybody - the Olympics - the pinnacle.”
Ruby Walsh, her brother and record-breaking jump jockey, declared: “It is brilliant for Katie - she works so hard. I am delighted for her.”
KATIE AND NINA BANNED
The stewards banned the riders of the first and second in the opener, Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry, for four and five days respectively.
The stewards found that Katie had used her whip on Poker De Sivola with excessive frequency, while they ruled that Nina had used her whip with excessive frequency and without giving Becauseicouldntsee time respond.
NOTHING HUMBLE IN COOPER BROTHERS’ PRUDENT HONOUR
Trainer Tom Cooper is set for a big day at Cheltenham - he saddles Forpadydeplasterer in the Season’s Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase - and he got off to a promising start when Prudent Honour ran a fine race to be third in the opening National Hunt Chase.
The Mikey O’Connor-ridden gelding started at 40-1, but belied those odds, and was hampered when Carla’s Dream fell. Prudent Honour won over two miles three furlongs over hurdles, but this four-mile trip did not worry Cooper, who said: “I couldn’t believe the price because his form in Ireland in novices’ chases is very good.
“He wasn’t right the last time when unplaced at Leopardstown, but he’s been gaining experience in novices’ handicaps and I didn’t think the distance would be a problem on this ground. Two-and-a-half-mile horses do get four miles plus.
“He was nearly brought down at the ditch and stayed on like a lion. They said I had no chance coming here. He’s still a novice, so maybe we’ll keep him a novice for the rest of this season.”
Prudent Honour is owned by the Humble Syndicate, headed by Cooper’s brother Joe. He said: “We’re four very humble, down to earth people. Tom bought the horse for us from Noel Collins, who sold Total Enjoyment to Tom. Mikey is a great rider and loves the horse.
“I backed Prudent Honour at 66-1 so we’ll be having a party tonight, particularly if Forpadydeplasterer runs well.”
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE RUNS GREAT RACE WITH ONLY THREE SHOES
INTERFERENCE COST MOBAASHER SAYS CHALLONER
Owner-trainer Noel Glynn was left wondering what might have been after his Becauseicouldntsee ran a game race to take second place in the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, two and a quarter lengths behind Poker De Sivola. The performance was all the more remarkable in that the seven-year-old ran with only three shoes, having spread a plate at the start.
Glynn said of the 13/2 chance: “Simon Christian (former trainer) who watched the race with me said he has never seen a horse win a race with three shoes over five furlongs, not alone four miles.
“So you would have to say he was very unlucky today. He would have been feeling it the whole way round.”
Harry Challoner, who rode the 6/1 favourite Mobaasher, felt that the fall of Tinakellylad, which interfered with his mount, could have been very costly: "I think he was just creeping into it when Tinakellylad came down. My one was very clever to stay on his feet, but he was a bit uncertain at the next couple of fences. The way he finished up the hill [Mobaasher placed fifth] I think it could have cost us the race," he said.
GOING AFTER THE FIRST
Miss Nina Carberry, rider of the 2 1/4 length second Becauseicouldntsee, said: “ It is nice good ground.”
Mr Oliver Greenall, partner of Presenting Forever, said: ”It is just slightly on the slow side of good, and a bit tacky in places.”
Mr David Maxwell, rider of Noakarad De Verzee, said: “Perfect jumping ground.”
Mr Colman Sweeney, partner of Cast Cada, said: “Nice ground.”
Mr Ryan Mahon, partner of Massasoit, described the ground as “Good.”
Mr Sam Twiston-Davies, jockey of Pettifour, said: ”Good.”
Mr Shane Byrne, jockey of Carlas Dream, said: ”Good to soft.”
Mr Roger Quinlan, on Tinakellylad, said: ”Good.”
Mr Colin Motherway, rider of Youngstown, said: ”Good.”
Race 2 - The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle
PEDDLERS LOOKS THE REAL DEAL
Peddlers Cross looks a horse with a massive future after a comprehensive length and a half victory over Reve De Sivola in the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.
The five-year-old was purchased for £100,000 at the Brightwells April Sale held at Cheltenham racecourse last year after winning a point-to-point in Ireland and is now unbeaten in four starts under rules.
Winning trainer Donald McCain sai: “We talked and talked and talked about what we were going to do with this horse and a massive amount of work has gone into his preparation.
“He is a machine. When he did his final piece of work at Bangor, it was so good it scared me and when Jason (Maguire, jockey) told me he was the best horse he had ridden after the first hurdle win - I had to ring him back to make sure I had heard right!
“Today was the first time he has come off the bridle and he ran with the choke out for the first mile. He is a real enthusiast and has loads of speed. Jason is our stable jockey and I could tell from his body language how well we were going.
“I would have to say he is the best horse I have trained. Whiteoak was quick, but this horse has speed to burn. I saw his point-to-point win in Ireland and liked it, and then when I actually saw him I liked him even more. I also like his sire (Oscar).
“Tim (Leslie, owner) has been great to us and has put a lot of investment into the game. He is a great man and just lets us get on with it. We had thought of maybe going chasing with him next season but Jason said why go chasing when he has so much speed?
“We thought that two and a half miles around Aintree would be ideal for him but we will get him home and see how he is. We don’t have to do anything now and he is going to be a better horse next year. We are in no hurry.”
Jason Maguire added: “He put his head out and galloped - that’s the sign of a real horse. I was confident all the way round. I was briefly concerned before the second last but then he has picked up again.
“It’s just brilliant for the whole team. He looks like he will be an Arkle and maybe a Gold Cup horse one day.
“We walked the course this morning and fair play to Donald with his decision to go for the two miles and five furlongs. We thought that the horse showed plenty of gears over two miles on soft ground. People were saying that this would be too far for him but he is a tool.
“The horse running out made no difference. In hindsight, if I had have been beaten, I would have probably said that I had waited a bit long because I was happy for Daryl to go on and give me a lead turning in. He is just some horse.
“We said that we would ride him as if he stays the trip - if he didn’t stay than we didn’t want to blame the way we rode him - so we rode him normally. He just travels so well and once he straightened up, he quickened up well, winged the last and stayed on well.”
NOT QUITE THE DREAM FOR SIVOLA
A cracking finish to the Neptune Investment Management saw Reve de Sivola just out-gunned by the strong-staying Peddlers Cross, with the favourite Rite Of Passage in third place. The Nick Williams-trained Reve de Sivola, a 15/2 shot, finished one and a half lengths behind the winner.
The horse is owned by the Paul Duffy Diamond partnership and with trainer Nick Williams saddling Diamond Harry, the partnership’s horse in the next race, Duffy fielded questions on Reve de Sivola’s performance.
“We thought he was going to win. At the top of the hill and coming down, he was travelling so easily that he looked like the winner. But Peddlers Cross is a very good horse so we must be pleased with the run.
“I don’t think the quicker going made any difference, the horse has got pace, he’s got real quality, so it wouldn’t have inconvenienced him.
“He’s a chaser in the making and we’re very pleased. We won’t go to Aintree, that would come too quickly, but we might now take him Punchestown.
“Hopefully this will be the first part of a double, as we’ve got Diamond Harry in the next race,” said Duffy.
PASSAGE COULD HEAD TO AUSTRALIA AFTER FINE THIRD
Rite Of Passage, 7-2 favourite for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, had to settle for third, but trainer Dermot Weld was not disappointed.
Last year Rite Of Passage was third in the Champion Bumper, and subsequently won twice on the Flat - a return to that sphere and a possible tilt at the Melbourne Cup is now on the six-year-old’s agenda.
Weld said: “We’re very pleased because the horse has run well on only his third start over hurdles. You always love to win but the horse has run well and Robbie [amateur rider Robbie McNamara] has given him a good ride.
“I’ve no excuses on account of the ground - it’s perfect. My one worry was inexperience, and he lost a good position at a vital stage and had to use up a little energy to get back into contention. He wasn’t good enough on the day but the first two are high-class.
“He’s more likely to go for a Flat campaign now - it was a bonus to bring him here - he’s a dual-purpose horse and we’ll have to consider taking him down under [for Australia’s Melbourne Cup which Weld has won twice with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle]. The way he won the Leopardstown November Handicap a galloping track will suit him well.”
Third race
RSA Chase
WEAPONS AMNESTY MAKES NO CONCESSIONS TO RSA RIVALS
Weapons Amnesty trounced a high-class field to win the RSA Chase for owner Michael O’Leary, trainer Charles Byrnes and jockey Davy Russell.
O’Leary’s horse won last year’s Albert Bartlett Hurdle to complement victory in the 2006 totesport Gold Cup by War Of Attrition, who is also owned by the head of Ryanair.
O’Leary said: “Weapons Amnesty won the Albert Bartlett last year, but they don’t always come back the following year. This is compensation for Charles Byrnes after Solwhit’s disappointing run yesterday [in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle] and I’m looking forward to War Of Attrition in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle tomorrow. I never thought I’d have two Cheltenham Festival winners, let alone three. Well done Charles, well done Davy.”
Byrnes said: “It was an unbelievable round of jumping, but we had by far the most experienced horse coming here. He has already contested two competitive Grade Ones so you could almost call him a handicapper against novices.
“Davy was brilliant and switched him off completely and it’s a great team to have a winner for. I believe in horses for courses and this horse likes Cheltenham. I’m shocked by the ease of his win, but I knew he’d put in an improved performance compared to his last two runs at Leopardstown, simply because he’s a course winner and also the better ground. He would have won his previous race over another half mile.
“Nicky Henderson said Long Run and Punchestowns may be the best two chasers he’s trained, so I had to respect that, but I was sure my horse would run well. He has to go left-handed so I doubt you will see him again this season - I don’t think the owner will want him to go to Aintree.”
Next year’s totesport Gold Cup is now on Weapons Amnesty’s agenda, and he was quoted at 8-1 by Ladbrokes and 10-1 by William Hill for the 2011 running.
Davy Russell said: “It’s fantastic and very, very important for his owners, who put so much into the National Hunt game. I’m not surprised because I have huge respect for this horse - he keeps his best for this course on a big day and on nice ground.”
HENDERSON PHILOSOPHICAL AFTER RSA
It was 9/1 chance Burton Port, the outsider of trainer Nicky Henderson’s three RSA Chase runners, who finished best in the contest when coming second to Weapon’s Amnesty.
Burton Port just pipped stablemate Long Run (11/4), who finished third, while the 2/1 favourite Punchestowns could finish only fifth.
“They’ve all run good races but we got beat and they’ll be back next year, a year stronger,” said Henderson.
“We didn’t expect Burton Port to finish first of the three but he ran and a storming race and if we hadn’t had the other two we’d have fancied our chances,” said Henderson.
“It almost looked with Long Run that he didn’t stay. He jumped OK but just nudged a couple and we’ll have to iron those kinks out. He’s only five so we’re in no rush with him now.
“Punchestowns cannot have been quite right. He lost a shoe from the foot that was giving him a problem at some point in the race and Barry (Geraghty) wasn’t sure when.
“One horse lost a show on the first bend and he said that he was praying it was not us.”
Knockara Beau was narrowly pipped for third place by Long Run but his trainer George Charlton was delighted by the performance of the fourth.
“It was a fantastic run, he was unlucky when he made a mistake at the third last and he went from third position to last but was running on at the finish. He didn’t half quicken,” said Charlton.
“He just needs to get his jumping together and when he does that he’s going to be top-class.
“There had been a lot of talk about Long Run but we’re just a bunch of farmers from Northumberland and we almost beat him.
“We’ll let the horse tell us if he wants to run again this year, he’s had a few runs to get him here and we’ll also see what the weather does, he wouldn’t want the ground too fast.”
ROBERT WALEY-COHEN QUESTIONS LONG RUN’S STAMINA
Robert Waley-Cohen, owner of third-placed Long Run, felt that the five-year-old may have struggled to last out the three miles and half a furlong of the RSA Chase.
“I thought he didn’t quite stay the trip, he just didn’t really come up the hill very well. He didn’t come up the hill like he stayed. Working out his trip is quite tricky; two and a half at Cheltenham would be ideal, but there isn’t one. I think Kempton over three miles would be perfect, roll on December 26th,” he said.
The owner also used the occasion to highlight the discrepancy between allowances in Britain and Ireland.
“Because the weights’ allowance for five-year-olds has been cut and it’s now only one pound - as a matter of interest, if he was running in the Grade One in Ireland, at Punchestown, he would be receiving nine pounds. I don’t know which is the right one, but they can’t both be right,” he said.
His son, Sam Waley-Cohen, who rode the French-bred said: “I just felt that to get him jumping I was just going to have to ask him into one. Just to give him the confidence to keep going. And that’s the trouble with this course, you have to have the versatility to settle or ask.
“Ultimately, he’s a five-year-old and he’s got to grow up a bit, but he’s got one hell of an engine and I think he’ll come on enormously for that. Obviously, we’re disappointed.”
HARRY DISAPPOINTS
Diamond Harry, the 5/1 third favourite, disappointed trainer Nick Williams when pulled up in the Grade One RSA Chase.
The seven-year-old was never travelling with any fluency and could not get into the race.
Williams said: “He was just very disappointing today. I don’t know why, but we haven’t seen the real Diamond Harry today.
“We will take him home and see how he is, but he won’t run again this season. He has a good season overall and we will wait and bring him back next year.”
Williams fared better in the previous race, the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, in which his Reve De Sivola finished the length and a half runner-up behind Peddlers Cross.
Williams continued: “I was very happy with Reve De Sivola’s performance although I am obviously also disappointed as I deeply wanted to win.
CITIZEN VIC
Citizen Vic unfortunately was fatally injured when he fell at the second last in the RSA Chase.
FOURTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
ZEB SO GOOD
Big Zeb put in a superb performance to lead home a St Patrick’s Day 1-2 for Ireland in today’s feature Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase when storming home six lengths clear of Forpadydeplasterer, winner of last season’s The Irish Independent Arkle Chase.
It was another top level success for trainer Colm Murphy, who landed the 2006 Smurfit
Kappa Champion Hurdle with Brave Inca, and he admitted the victory was not a total surprise.
“It’s has been plain to see that he has had his bad days - he has done stupid mistakes - but everything kind of went well this year. We got a little bit of greedy fingers and went to Sandown when we probably shouldn’t have but it’s turned out fine. Everyday we are learning something about him,” said Murphy.
“It was the manner that he did it that was so great today, the way that he just tracked down the hill.
“Everything went right for him today and he jumped very well. We’ve been learning all year about him but he’s a proper horse now. It was always going to be difficult last year as a second-season novice taking on older horses but I think coming here last year helped him grow up.
“In all fairness to Barry (Geraghty), he was very bullish about beating Master Minded at Punhestown last year, and I thought he was a little bit mad. He was dead right and he has struck up a really good relationship with the horse. He takes a bit of knowing but Barry knows him now.
“Everyday you are living with the horse, it’s like bread and butter, and it’s unbelievable to have him from day one and do this.
“We bought him as a three-year-old at the Goffs Land Rover Sale and he was a hell of a big horse who was always going to take his time but fortunately his owner was patient.”
“After Brave Inca, it’s just great to be able to come back here with a fellow like this to win another championship race.”
Jockey Barry Geraghty added: “It was great performance. He has jumped well all year - he ran no race at Sandown but other than that he has been very good. He didn’t jump well that day but then he didn’t travel then.
“I always knew I had enough horse under me and I that it was going to take a very good one to get by. He had a good look around after the last and I thought that he was going to pull himself up but he found plenty when he needed it.
“I knew that Master Minded was coming because I had a peek and saw the sheepskin but I had a lot of horse and kicked for home.
“I wouldn’t say he’s as good a horse as Moscow Flyer but today was certainly as good a performance as Moscow put in.
“I was always pretty happy I was on the right horse before the race and I know Master Minded was good when he won at Newbury, but he beat Mahogany Blaze, who was a 100/1 shot today. He really should have beaten him by a furlong.”
Owner Patrick Redmond added: “We always thought that he could do it, that he had a big day in him. He was unlucky here last year but definitely today was his day and we were 100 per cent behind him all the way.
“We think that he had a little problem with his leg at Sandown and he was treated for it. There was definitely a problem because he came great at Punchestown after that run.”
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM COLM MURPHY & PATRICK REDMOND -
THE TRAINER & OWNER OF BIG ZEB
Colm Murphy: “It’s hard to be confident, but we knew he was as well as we had ever had him. Everything went right in the build-up and having got so close to Master Minded at Punchestown last year we knew he was beatable.
“Barry (Geraghty) was always going to ride him unless he got claimed by Nicky Henderson. It was nice to have him on board as he knows the horse so well.
“Big Zeb had lots of schooling early in the season and we have done lots of work on his jumping. He was a very immature horse in his younger days and was a real headbanger when he used to go to the races, but he has matured a lot and has grown into a man.
“We will take him home and see how he is but today will have left its mark on him and there will be no hasty decisions about where we go next with him. This year we have learned a lot about him and he is definitely better when he is fresh. We maybe got carried away when he won at Navan and then went to Sandown for the Tingle Creek the following month, but hindsight is a great thing.”
Patrick Redmond: “My name is Patrick and today is St Patrick’s day so that must have been an omen!
“Big Zeb was the first horse I owned - I bought him with Colm as a three-year-old at Goffs. My business is in the construction and hotel business so with the way things are at the moment this fills the gap!
“I was quietly confident today. Having Barry Geraghty on board was a huge bonus as he is very important to the horse.
“He had run so well at Punchestown last season and today he jumped well. We knew he had pace.
“He has been unlucky in the past, but has always had class since his first run in a bumper. As I said I was quietly confident and it has come to pass today.
“I have a few more horses now, including some three-year-olds so hopefully there is lots to look forward to.
“Today was a just a dream come true - unbelievable.”
PLASTERER PRODUCES ANOTHER FINE FESTIVAL EFFORT
Forpadydeplasterer, winner of last year’s Irish Independent Arkle Chase, stepped up to senior level and ran a fine race to finish runner-up in this two-mile championship.
Ridden by Tony McCoy who wore the colours of The Goat Syndicate, a Dublin-based group of friends, Forpadydeplasterer is trained by Tom Cooper, who said: “It’s strange, but I’m happy to win and sad to be beaten. He had a very mixed preparation for this but it had nothing to do with today’s defeat.
“I would have liked a stronger gallop - I think it made the difference between winning and losing - but the ground was ideal for him. Tony said the faster horse beat us on the day. We wanted a lead and hoped Twist Magic would do that job, but it didn’t work out like that.
“He’ll be out again this season, either at Punchestown or Aintree.”
Goat Syndicate member Brian Gleeson said: “To finish in the first three was a dream and we’ve done that. We’re a bunch of lads who all drink together and we’ve had a wonderful time with this horse. We’ve beaten the hot favourite of the day [Master Minded, who was fourth] and hopefully we’ll be back next year to go one place better.”
Goat Syndicate colleague Henry Cleary said: “We’ve been a syndicate for about three and a half years and some of us also own Son Amix, a French-bred who runs in the Fred Winter later today. Most of us are here for the week - Tom’s had a third and a second today, now we’re hoping for a first. We’ve had this horse backed for the past three or four weeks and got the best price out of it.”
KALAHARI KING DELIGHTS CONNECTIONS
Kalahari King has become a regular in the winner’s enclosure at The Festival. By finishing third behind surpise winner Big Zeb, the Ferdy Murphy-trained horse made his third visit in three years to the enclosure.
With red-hot favourite Master Minded not looking like the winner some way out, connections could have been excused for wishing better than third - Kalahari King was the clear second favourite at 9/2 - but there were no such feelings.
“He jumped right which he’s never done before which is a little problem, but it was a great race. I think he ran his race. The ground was fine, there were no excuses at all really. We’ll take him home and see how is and take it from there,” said Murphy.
The owners, Neil and Julie Morgan, enthused about their horse’s performance.
“How can we be disappointed with a horse that’s just come third in the Champion Chase? If we’d have been offered that at the beginning of the season, we would have taken it. We are absolutely delighted with him, he’s a proper Grade One horse.
“You can’t be worrying about what others are doing, when the race is on you’re watching your own horse,” said Neil Morgan.
WE WERE BEATEN FAIR AND SQUARE - NICHOLLS ON MASTER MINDED
Master Minded failed in his attempt to become only the second three-time winner of the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase with the 4/5 favourite faring no better than fourth.
His trainer Paul Nicholls said: “We were beaten fair and square.
“I was concerned with the drying ground over the past couple of days and Ruby (Walsh, jockey) said he didn’t let himself down. I could see that too after a couple of fences. He didn’t perform at his best today.
“He is a big, heavy horse and on ground like this something just stops him letting himself down. He is a hard horse to train, unlike Kauto Star.
“As Ruby said, the horse has won two Champion Chases and today we have a new champion - that’s what racing is all about.”
Fifth race
Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)
BUCKLEY, HENDERSON AND GERAGHTY IN WINNING SPIRIT
Jockey Barry Geraghty went to the top of the Festival’s jockeys’ table when Spirit River won the Coral Cup for owner Michael Buckley and trainer Nicky Henderson.
Buckley said: “He’s a young horse who will be chasing next year, so it’s a bonus to win a race like this. I’m an idiot, so I always fancy my horses - it’s my downfall. It’s years since I’ve had a winner at the Festival in my colours - Thumbs Up in the [1993 Vincent O’Brien] County Hurdle was the last one and that year I’d had a terrible Festival and didn’t have a shilling on him.
“Barry’s a great guy and a great jockey, and it’s wonderful for Nicky. Small beer after Binocular [winner of yesterday’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle], but nice nonetheless and thrilling for me.”
Spirit River had finished unplaced in the totesport Trophy at Newbury on his previous outing, but a blunder there was a factor in defeat said Henderson, who added: “He did look as though he was going very well at Newbury, but a mistake at the third-last turned him sideways and that was game over.
“It always looked as though another half mile would suit him, and as far as going chasing next season is concerned I think he’s going to build up into a staying chaser. The handicapper will have a good look at him now, and I don’t think there’s really anything left for him this season so we’ll look after him.”
Henderson reported that Punchestowns, unplaced in the RSA Chase, was “quite sore” and lame behind. He also added that Binocular, “is happy in his box and getting lots of treats”.
GERAGHTY PRAISES HORSE & TRAINER
Barry Geraghty, after riding his second winner of the day on Spirit River in the Coral Cup, said: “It’s been a good day. They didn’t go that quick so I worked out a nice position on the way in and he jumped brilliantly for a five-year-old.
“I had a fair idea that Spirit River would stay but he is only five so it was a good performance and he kept on really well.
“Nicky (Henderson - the trainer) is the best man to ride for, especially here. He is such a gent and it makes my job easier - I know that I am not going to have a stewards’ enquiry from him when I come in.”
Race 5: Coral Cup - Placed Quotes
TULLAMORE DEW AND THE GLUE SHOES
Nick Gifford acknowledged that he was as surprised as anyone at The Festival when Tullamore Dew, at a withering 80/1, chased home Spirit River in the Coral Cup. The horse was second by four and a half lengths.
“I’m a little bit stunned really. It is very, very difficult to keep this horse sound. That’s why he hasn’t run for such a long time. It wasn’t a major plan or a coup, he’s just been a bugger to keep sound.
“He’s got terrible feet, joints everything and it’s a big thank you to the team at home. Carol rides him out every day, his feet get poulticed every night, he’s got glue-on shoes, the physio does him every week, the chiropractor does him... the list is as long as my arm.
“But it just fell right for him today. It was either this or the Pertemps and I thought, ‘Is he an out and out stayer?’. I mean he’s not slow.
“But it just fell right today. The trip, the ground, and Liam (Treadwell) gave him a peach of a ride. Right round the inner and he’s such an electric jumper that I always knew he’d hold his position round there. He gave him a breather at the right time and we were only beaten by a very good horse.
“We haven’t had a winner for a while and everybody was a bit down. But this will change things.
“One of the owners passed away just over a year ago, Tommie Keogh, and he had horses with dad [Josh] for twenty years - his sister and ex-wife are here today - and never had one good enough for Cheltenham so he’ll be smiling up there,” said Gifford.
Race 6: Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle - Winners Quotes
SANCTUAIRE SIMPLY STUNNING
The Paul Nicholls-trained Santuaire will surely be the easiest winner of a handicap at this year’s Festival. The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle was claimed with absolute ease by the French-bred four-year-old in only his second race in Britain.
Starting 4/1 favourite, he won by nine lengths, to give Nicholls his first winner of the week and his 26th overall. The most significant statistic, though, was for jockey Ruby Walsh, whose Cheltenham total of winning rides is now 26, surpassing Pat Taaffe’s tally of 25.
Of the stunning performance by Sanctuaire, Nicholls said:
“The first time I ran him, he won at Taunton in the mud and won nicely, but none of us knew how good he was, I mean it was a Taunton novice hurdle. We were guessing and he hadn’t shown enough really.
“When we bought him from France, I had a whole lot of problems with him. He wouldn’t go on the gallop, wouldn’t do anything, and Dan, my assistant [Skelton], went on him and then all of a sudden the penny dropped.
“But there’s still plenty of improvement in him mentally. He’s got a huge engine, but it’s up to him now to believe in himself.
“I had no idea [of his ability]. Ruby was very keen on him at Taunton and it took him half a mile to pull him up after the race. I was pleased he won there and he wouldn’t have come here otherwise. He’s never done any fast work, so you wouldn’t know what you’ve got really.
“He won’t go into a handicap again now, I should think he’ll go to the juvenile at Aintree, or Punchestown perhaps. Whatever he does, he’s going to make some chaser. He’s could be anything,” he said.
“Never look back in this game, always look forward,” he added, referring to the earlier disappointment of Master Minded in the Champion Chase, in which the hot favourite was only fourth.
RUBY WALSH SETS NEW FESTIVAL RECORD
Ruby Walsh set a record for winners by a jockey at the Cheltenham Festival when Sanctuaire, winner of the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, took him to a mark of 26 successes.
Walsh, 30, the son of former amateur rider and now trainer and television pundit Ted Walsh, acknowledged former record holder Pat Taaffe, but said he may not hold the position for long given the presence of Tony McCoy (22 wins) and Barry Geraghty (18).
Walsh said: “It’s a nice record to break, but I don’t know I’ll hold onto it for long given that AP is only four behind. It’s not something I set out to do because it’s not something you think will happen, but it’s a nice one to have.
“Pat Taaffe was born in the same parish as me - he lived on one side of the motorway and we lived on the other. I remember going racing with my grandfather and picking up Pat’s horses to take to the races.
“Anyone in racing would talk about Arkle and that meant they talked about Pat Taaffe. He also won four Grand Nationals. He was very lucky to ride for Tom Dreaper and I’ve been very lucky to ride for Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls - that’s what wins records for you; big teams.
“His record has stood for so long and it’s nice to do it, but as I said I doubt I’ll hold it as long because AP is only four behind and Barry isn’t far behind that.”
Walsh had endured a torrid day before Sanctuaire’s victory, with two falls in earlier races and Master Minded running poorly in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. On a brighter note his sister, Katie, won the National Hunt Chase.
Walsh, who rides hot favourite Big Buck’s in tomorrow’s feature event, the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, said of Master Minded: “Your first instincts are usually right, and I was beaten so far out that something has to be wrong with the horse. All his best form is on slower ground and that’s the first time he’s faced genuine good ground and didn’t handle it. But animals are not machines - you cannot switch them on and off. That’s racing, you get up you keep going.”
Race 6 - The Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle - Placed Quotes
PIPE HAPPY WITH NOTUS DE LA TOUR
Trainer David Pipe was very satisfied with the performance of Notus De La Tour, the nine-length runner-up behind easy winner Sanctuaire in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Pipe said of the 13/2 chance: “He has run a blinder and finished closest to the winner from the horses that had more weight. The winner was a very well handicapped horse.
“There are no plans as to where he goes next - we will take him home and see how he is before making any plans.”
Earlier in the afternoon the veteran Well Chief finished last of the seven finishers in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase for the trainer.
Pipe continued: “Well Chief couldn’t go the pace today and Timmy Murphy just let him come home in his own time. There are no plans for him at the moment - we will have a chat with everyone after The Festival is over.”
Race 6 - The Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle - Placed Quotes
PIPE HAPPY WITH NOTUS DE LA TOUR
Trainer David Pipe was very satisfied with the performance of Notus De La Tour, the nine-length runner-up behind easy winner Sanctuaire in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Pipe said of the 13/2 chance: “He has run a blinder and finished closest to the winner from the horses that had more weight. The winner was a very well handicapped horse.
“There are no plans as to where he goes next - we will take him home and see how he is before making any plans.”
Earlier in the afternoon the veteran Well Chief finished last of the seven finishers in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase for the trainer.
Pipe continued: “Well Chief couldn’t go the pace today and Timmy Murphy just let him come home in his own time. There are no plans for him at the moment - we will have a chat with everyone after The Festival is over.”
ORSIPPUS DELIGHTS SMITH
Northumberland trainer Michael Smith was delighted with the run of his first Cheltenham Festival runner, Orsippus, who finished third at 33/1 in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
“My first runner as a trainer, Texas Hold Em, won by 25 lengths and now my first Cheltenham runner has run a blinder here,” said Smith, who trains just seven horses.
“He’s really classy and just stayed up the hill. Davy (Condon) said he got cut up on the corner and that he would have been closer to the winner without that. He said he would have definitely been been second and gone close to winning.
“I bought him out of a seller for £4,500 from Mick Channon’s stable for a bit of fun in the summer but we lost time when we gelded him and decided to give him a go over the winter.
“He’s just got better and better and we’re not there yet. He’ll go on holiday when the National Hunt season ends and we’ll think about Aintree.”
Race 7 - The Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Winning Quotes
CUE CARD TAKES THE BUMPER FOR THE BRITISH
Cue Card became only the fourth British-trained winner of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper when belying his 40/1 odds to come home the comfortable eight-length winner for father/son combination of trainer Colin and jockey Joe Tizzard. Unlike the previous three British-trained winners, Cue Card was also bred in Britain by Roland Crellin.
The winner travelled supremely well throughout and had the race wrapped up from the home bend, when he overhauled the leader Al Ferof.
Colin Tizzard said: “If anybody saw his win first time out at Fontwell, they would have seen that he absolutely bolted up and Joe had to go up and down the hill before he could pull him up.
“He looked like a four-year-old in the pre-parade ring - I thought that he was a bit smaller than the rest - but I always get negative before a race. He has always done everything so easily at home and he is such an easy horse to train. I said to the owner that we wouldn’t talk about him the past fortnight because nothing has gone wrong since the day we broke him in and it has been easy - I suppose the good ones are.
“I said in my local paper that I am sure that this horse would have been third or fourth favourite if he was trained by Willie Mullins. He absolutely sluiced up first time out and he has done the same today.
“We kept him busy for three weeks after his Fontwell win (January 25) and then just kept him fresh for today. We were going to give him another run, but then thought why should we run the risk and came straight to Cheltenham instead.
“He wore a grackle noseband today and I thought at one point that he was doing too much, but he got there easily in the end.
“I thought we had some half-decent chances this week, but I never thought he would win like he has today.”
Joe Tizzard added: "We absolutely love the horse, but all the stats say four-year-olds can't do it. But he won well at Fontwell and the second came out and won and the fourth came out and won.
“He travelled particularly well and I was able to follow AP through round the top bend and down the hill. I could see he was starting to struggle so then I followed Ruby - the plan was not to hit the front as soon as I did but he still had plenty left. He is a lovely horse and he proved what we have always thought about him. That was only his second time at a racecourse and he is very exciting.
“It has been a long time since I had a Festival winner and I am so involved at home that I don’t really take outside rides that much. I just wanted to get one on the board for home because they are hard to come by.”
AL FEROF AND FRAWLEY ARE RIGHT ON CUE
Cue Card, trained by Colin Tizzard, won the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, but the second and third pleased trainers Paul Nicholls and John Kiely.
Nicholls, trainer of second-placed Al Ferof, said: “It was a great run and I should think they are two very good horses. He won’t run again this season, he’ll be going hurdling in the autumn and is an exciting prospect, he’s already won a point-to-point.”
Irish-trained horses have tended to dominate this race, but they could do no better than third. Frawley took that position under Barry Geraghty, and Kiely said: “I thought he’d put up a decent run. He’s a nice horse and I’m delighted. He’s got the size and scope to jump hurdles and is one to look forward to.”
Frawley had won just once before crossing to Cheltenham, but Kiely said: “He was unlucky on a couple of occasions, he was sick for a while and he got pocketed the day he was third to Elegant Concorde [12th in today’s race] so there were reasons.”
Reflecting on his previous Festival visits, Kiely said: “I had one ride here and was fourth in the 1960s in the Gloucestershire Hurdle - Terry Biddlecombe won the race - and I’ve had a couple of places as a trainer, including Take Five who was second in the Coral Hurdle.”
CORAL CUP LATEST
Simon Clare, the director of communications at Coral, talks about today’s Coral Cup which is run at 4pm: “We are going five places in the Coral Cup and it looks like it’s going to be a hugely competitive race.
“We have big ante-post liabilities of Quantitativeeasing and the one for money this morning has been Silk Affair - the 18/1 is very tight.
“We have also seen plenty of support for Gold Award. Pricewise had two great winners yesterday and the Queen’s horse is down to 25/1 from 40/1 with us.
“It’s a very, very good betting race and there is money around for many horses. The front two (Quantitativeeasing and Deutschland) look really strong and I think that Quantitativeeasing could be a gamble in JP McManus’ colours and with Tony McCoy having such a great day yesterday. He could be a real steamer and we are keeping him onside.”
“We want to try and get Long Run in the RSA Chase and I think that he is vulnerable. He is a very classy chaser, but does he jump well enough round Cheltenham? We don’t know yet and we were going 9/4 but are now 5/2 - the best price in the world.”
GOING NEWS AT 10AM
The going ahead of The Festival’s second day is:
Old Course chase and hurdle (used today):
Good, Good to Soft in places.
(GoingStick: 7.0)
New Course chase and hurdle (used on Thursday and Friday):
Good, Good to Soft in places.
(GoingStick: 7.0)
Simon Claisse, Cheltenham’s Director of Racing, said: “The course dried out yesterday and when I walked the track after the fourth race we changed the official going to Good, Good to Soft in places (having been Good to Soft, Good in places).
“I’ve kept it at that this morning and we are forecast a dry day today with a little cloud. We are now forecast four to five millimetres of rain after lunch tomorrow but then no rain until after racing finishes on Friday.
“We don’t have to take a decision about watering the New Course tonight until after 6pm but my hunch is that we’ll put on a bit of water.”
BETTING NEWS - 1
Mobaasher has raced three times at the Festival, including a third in the JCB Triumph Hurdle three years ago and a fourth in the 2008 Pertemps Final. In the National Hunt Chase (1:30pm), which opens today’s card, the Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old is fancied to record his first Festival victory, backed in from 12/1 to 9/1 with Stan James, and from 12/1 to 10/1 with Ladbrokes.
Becauseicouldntsee, who carries the mantle of being a Pricewise selection in the Racing Post, has been supported with totesport and William Hill, from 10/1 to 8/1 with both companies.
However, Quel Esprit, anti-post favourite on many books, has eased slightly with Skybet, 100/30 to 7/2, perhaps because of trainer Willie Mullins’ concerns about the ground being too fast.
Alan King, who was unfortunate when Bensalem came down two out in the William Hill Trophy Handicap on the opening day, has the consistent Manyriverstocross in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2:05pm) and clearly plenty of punters feel that the five-year-old, backed from 20/1 to 14/1 with totesport, could spark King’s Festival campaign into life.
There’s a tussle at the top of the market in the RSA Chase (2:40pm) with trainer Nicky Henderson - who recorded his 35th Festival win with Binocular on the opening day - competing against himself.
William Hill have the Henderson-trained Long Run as short as 2/1 at the head of the market, but Ladbrokes have taken him on, easing the French-bred from 9/4 to join his stable companion Punchestowns at 5/2.
Punchestowns has been generally well supported: 11/4 to 9/4 with totesport; 3/1 to 5/2 with Paddy Power; and 11/4 to 5/2 with Skybet.
BETTING NEWS - 2
Master Minded inevitably dominates the market for the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (3:20pm) and William Hill report one investor was confident enough this morning to take the 10/11 on offer to the tune of £22,000.
For those punters who don’t have 22K to hand, the each-way market is more appealing and Well Chief, who Ladbrokes have on offer at 40/1, has been popular. Well Chief is approaching veteran status and this will be the David Pipe-trained horse’s fourth run in the Champion Chase, having twice placed second.
There are easier races to unpick at this year’s Festival than the Coral Cup (4:00pm), but obviously some punters think they have. Willie Mullins seems to be the stable to focus on with Ladbrokes having Deutschland at just 9/1, when three days ago 25/1 was available.
On jockey bookings, Hampshire Express, with Paul Townend up, should be the stable second string (Ruby Walsh rides Deutschland), but that hasn’t stopped the money arriving. Hampshire Express has been supported with both Paddy Power, 25/1 to 16/1, and Stan James, 22/1 to 16/1.
Aside from the Mullins pair, Wishfull Thinking, from Philip Hobbs’ stable has been supported with Skybet, 12/1 to 10/1, and totesport, 14/1 to 10/1, while Gold Award, trained by Nicky Henderson for The Queen, has shortened considerably on Coral’s book, 40/1 to 25/1, and with Stan James, 33/1 to 20/1. Both Hobbs and Henderson are already looking for their second Festival winner of the week.
The Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle (4:40pm) is another challenging race for punters. Cross Appeal is arguably the best backed horse, down from 20/1 to 14/1 with Coral. Stan James have seen support for another Irish raider Loch Long, 28/1 to 20/1.
Willie Mullins has a fine record in the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper (5:15pm), but the Irish horses that are being supported are not his. Shot From The Hip, from the Edward O’Grady stable, has shortened with Paddy Power, 15/2 to 7/1, and is vying with Elegant Concorde, trained by Dermot Weld, for favouritism. Elegant Concorde has moved from 8/1 to 7/1 with William Hill.
1.30pm 140th YEAR OF THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP (AMATEUR RIDERS' NOVICES' CHASE)
£75,000 guaranteed, 4m. For 5yo+. Weights: 5yo 11st 5lb; 6yo+ 11st 6lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries: 80 pay £90. Confirmed: 27 pay £90. Penalty value: 1st £45,015, 2nd £14,062, 3rd £7,027, 4th £3,517, 5th £1,755, 6th £885.
1 POKER DE SIVOLA (FR) (David Johnson) Ferdy Murphy 7-11-6 Ms Katie Walsh 14/1
2 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) (Noel Glynn) Noel Glynn 7-11-6 Miss Nina Carberry 13/2
3 PRUDENT HONOUR (IRE) (Humble Syndicate) Tom Cooper IRE 8-11-6 Mr Michael O'Connor 40/1
4 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) (Cash Is King) Martin Keighley 7-11-6 Mr Derek O'Connor
5 MOBAASHER (USA) (Seasons Holidays) Venetia Williams 7-11-6 Mr Harry Challoner 6/1F
6 FABALU (IRE) (Tim Leslie) Donald McCain Jnr 8-11-6 Mr Richard Harding
7 FAR MORE SERIOUS (IRE) (Neysauteur Partnership) Charlie Longsdon 10-11-6 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
8 PRESENTING FOREVER (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 6-11-6 Mr Oliver Greenall
9 NOAKARAD DE VERZEE (FR) (David Maxwell) Grant Smyly 9-11-6 Mr David Maxwell
10 MASSASOIT (IRE) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 8-11-6 Mr Ryan Mahon
11 PENNEK (FR) (H Read) Alan King 7-11-6 Mr Joshua Moore
F CARLAS DREAM (IRE) (John Place) Denis Murphy IRE 8-10-13 Mr Shane Byrne
F GENTLE RANGER (IRE) (S Clifford) David Pipe 8-11-6 Mr Josh Guerriero
F TINAKELLYLAD (IRE) (Mrs B Twomey) Mouse Morris IRE 6-11-6 Mr Roger Quinlan
PU ABBEYBRANEY (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-11-6 Mr Robbie McNamara
PU YOUNGSTOWN (IRE) (Jon Glews & Peter Knight) Donald McCain Jnr 7-11-6 Mr Colin Motherway
PU CAST CADA (IRE) (Jared Sullivan & Edwyn Good) Charlie Mann 7-11-6 Mr Colman Sweeney
PU PETTIFOUR (IRE) (Julian Pettifer) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-11-6 Mr Sam Twiston-Davies
Non-runners: 8 Kildonnan (vet certificate), 17 Synchronised (ground)
18 ran
Distances: 2 1/4, 2 1/4, hd, 17, 10, 3, 2 3/4, 5, 5, 1 1/2
Breeder: Gilles Trapenard
Breeding: b g Discover D’Auteuil (FR) - Legal Union
Totes: Win: £18.60 Places: £4.90, £2.40, £15.60 Exacta: £97.90
Winning Trainer: FERDY MURPHY Trains at West Witton, Leyburn, North Yorkshire Riding career: Professional 1966-82; rode about 100 winners Date of first Trainer’s Licence: 1990 Cheltenham Festival Wins (9): Coral Cup (2008 Naiad Du Misselot), Walwyn Muir (1996 Stop The Waller, 2006 You’re Special), Elite Triumph Hurdle (1996 Paddy’s Return), Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (1998 French Holly), National Hunt Chase (2006 Hot Weld, 2010 Poker De Sivola), William Hill Trophy (2007 Joe’s Edge), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2007 L’Antartique) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2009 Kalahari King, 2001 Ballinclay King), John Smith’s Novices’ Handicap Chase (2005 Joes Edge), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2007 Aces Four) Other major wins: Bet365 Gold Cup (2007 Hot Weld), Christmas Hurdle (1998 French Holly), Eider Chase (2001 Narrow Water), Hennessy Gold Cup (1992 Sibton Abbey), Irish Grand National (2004 Granit d'Estruval), Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle (1997 Paddy's Return, 2005 Carlys Quest), Letheby & Christopher Cotswold Chase (1993 Sibton Abbey), Lightning Novices' Chase (2007Another Promise), Long Walk Hurdle (1997 Paddy's Return), Mildmay Novices' Chase (2007 Aces Four), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2007 L'Antartique), Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2003 Truckers Tavern), Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (2004 Truckers Tavern, 2006 Leading Man), Scottish Grand National (2000ParisPike, 2005 Joes Edge, 2007 Hot Weld), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2007 Another Promise), Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (1998 French Holly) Number of Winners (1997/98-2008/09): 27; 40; 34; 41; 68; 43; 31; 55; 45; 61; 44; 45; Wins this Season: 35
Winning Jockey: Ms Katie Walsh Born: December 18, 1984 Background: Daughter of trainer and broadcaster Ted Walsh and sister of Ruby. Honed her riding skills three-day eventing First Winner: Hannon, Gowran Park, October 10, 2003. Rides principally for Willie Mullins. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): 140th Year Of The National Hunt Chase (2010 Poker De Sivola) Wins In Britain (2004/05-2008/09): 0; 0; 0; 1; 0 Wins This Season In Britain: 1
2.05pm NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES' HURDLE (BARING BINGHAM NOVICES' HURDLE) (GRADE ONE)
£100,000 guaranteed, 2m 5f. For 4yo+. Weights: 4yo 10st 13lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies and mares 7lb. Entries: 112 pay £125. Confirmed: 34 pay £125. Penalty value: 1st £57,010, 2nd £21,390, 3rd £10,710, 4th £5,340, 5th £2,680, 6th £1,340.
1 PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) (Tim Leslie) Donald McCain Jnr 5-11-7 Jason Maguire 7/1
2 REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) (Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership) Nick Williams 5-11-7 Daryl Jacob 15/2
3 RITE OF PASSAGE (Dr Ronan Lambe) Dermot Weld IRE 6-11-7 Mr Robbie McNamara 7/2F
4 SUMMIT MEETING (Howard Spooner) Jessica Harrington IRE 5-11-7 Robbie Power
5 FINIAN'S RAINBOW (IRE) (Michael Buckley) Nicky Henderson 7-11-7 Barry Geraghty
6 THE GIANT BOLSTER (Simon Hunt) David Bridgwater 5-11-7 Rodi Greene
7 MANYRIVERSTOCROSS (IRE) (Mrs M Sweeney) Alan King 5-11-7 Robert Thornton
8 SOME PRESENT (IRE) (Frances Duffin/F Doyle) Tom Mullins IRE 7-11-7 Davy Russell
9 BAILY ROCK (IRE) (Adam Scott & Michael O’Flynn) Mouse Morris IRE 7-11-7 Martin Ferris
10 QUARTANO (GER) (Malcolm Denmark) Warren Greatrex 7-11-7 Wayne Hutchinson
11 GUS MACRAE (IRE) (Quicksilver Racing Partnership) Rebecca Curtis 6-11-7 Tom Scudamore
12 GHIZAO (GER) (The Johnson & Stewart Families) Paul Nicholls 6-11-7 Timmy Murphy
13 THE KNOXS (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-11-7 Denis O'Regan
14 CONSULATE (IRE) (Gordon Edwards) Gordon Edwards 6-11-7 Mr Darren Edwards
15 HOLLO LADIES (IRE) (Richard Heaney) Noel Meade IRE 5-11-7 Paul Carberry
F 2nd QUEL ESPRIT (FR) (Red Barn Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-7 Ruby Walsh
Ran Out SLEEPY HOLLOW (Lady Blyth) Hughie Morrison 5-11-7 Dougie Costello
17 ran Distances: 1 1/2, 3 3/4, 3/4, 3/4, nk, 8, 11, 12, 1 1/4, 13, 8, 8, 23, 7
Breeding: b g Oscar (IRE) - Patscilla Breeder: Mrs A Delaney
Totes: Win: £8.20 Places: £2.90, £2.90, £2.00 Exacta: £51.30
Winning Trainer: DONALD MCCAIN JNR Born: March 13, 1970 Based: Bankhouse, Cholmondley, Cheshire Background: Donald McCain Jnr is the son of Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Red Rum, the only horse to win the John Smith’s Grand National three times (1973, 1974 and 1977) and also Amberleigh House, the 2004 victor. Donald learnt to ride on his sister Joanne’s pony Gambol and rode in his first race on the Flat aged 15 (his father told a few white lies so he could ride) at Haydock Park. He subsequently became a jump jockey, firstly as an amateur and then a professional, riding around 40 winners under Rules. He rode several times over the Grand National fences, finishing fifth aboard Harley in the 1992 Fox Hunters’ Chase and 17th on Sure Metal in the 1996 Grand National. He also spent time working in the stables of Luca Cumani, Sir Michael Stoute and Oliver Sherwood. Donald subsequently became assistant trainer to his father at Bankhouse Stables at Cholmondeley in Cheshire and played a significant role in Amberleigh House’s Grand National victory in 2004. He was expected to take over the licence from his father at the start of the 2006/7 jump season, but had to wait until June, 2006, before he was able to train in his own name as he needed to complete the appropriate British Horseracing Authority courses. Donald is assisted by Ginger McCain, while his wife Sian trains point-to-pointers Date of First Trainer’s Licence: June 2006 First Winner as a Licenced Trainer: Bearaway, Newton Abbot, June 8, 2006 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross), David Nicholson Mares Hurdle (2008 Whiteoak), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Handicap Chase (2007 Cloudy Lane) Big Race Wins: Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2006 Ebony Light, 2009Cloudy Lane), Altcar Novices' Chase (2009 Will Be Done), Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross), Prestige Novices' Hurdle (2010 Wymott) Wins (2006/07-2008/09): 40; 58; 62; Wins This Season: 68
Winning Jockey: Jason Maguire Born: April 13, 1980 Background: Jason is the nephew of former top-jockey-turned-trainer Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and partnered his first British winner, the Tony Martin-trained Search For Peace, at Cheltenham on November 12, 1999. He began riding for Gloucestershire trainer Tom George shortly after coming to Britain and enjoyed a seven-year partnership that yielded a Cheltenham Festival victory in 2002 when Galileo took the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle. Maguire's working relationship with George, which was never contractually formalised, ended in January, 2007, and he is now attached to Donald McCain’s Cheshire stable. He took the valuable Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton in 2003 on Non So and captured the 2007 John Smith's Midlands Grand National on Baron Windrush. Now attached to the Donald McCain yard, for whom he enjoyed more Cheltenham Festival success in 2008 on Whiteoak in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle Race. First Winner at Cheltenham: Search For Peace, Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, November 12, 1999 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross); David Nicholson Mares Hurdle Race (2008 Whiteoak), Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Galileo) Other Big Race Wins: John Smith’s Midlands Grand National (2007 Baron Windrush), Coolfun Ltd Grimthorpe Chase (2008 Cloudy Lane), Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2009 Cloudy Lane), Blue Square Novicesì Chase (2009 Will be Done), Rising Stars Novices' Chase (2009 Red Admiral), Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross) Number of Wins (1999/2000-2008/09): 8; 9; 23; 25; 47; 36; 42; 38; 44; 70 Wins This Season: 85
2.40pm RSA CHASE (GRADE ONE)
£150,000 guaranteed, 3m 110y. For 5yo+. Weights: 5yo 11st 3lb; 6yo+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries: 71 pay £370. Confirmed: 17. Penalty value: 1st £85,515, 2nd £32,085, 3rd £16,065, 4th £8,010, 5th £4,020, 6th £2,010.
1 WEAPON'S AMNESTY (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Charles Byrnes IRE 7-11-4 Davy Russell 10/1
2 BURTON PORT (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 6-11-4 Tony McCoy 9/1
3 LONG RUN (FR) (Robert Waley-Cohen) Nicky Henderson 5-11-3 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen 11/4
4 KNOCKARA BEAU (IRE) (W Trueman) George Charlton 7-11-4 Jan Faltejsek
5 PUNCHESTOWNS (FR) (Judy Wilson) Nicky Henderson 7-11-4 Barry Geraghty 2/1F
6 LITTLE JOSH (IRE) (Tony Bloom) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-11-4 Paddy Brennan
7 CHASING CARS (IRE) (Howard Spooner) Jessica Harrington IRE 8-11-4 Robbie Power
F CITIZEN VIC (IRE) (Donal O’Connor) Willie Mullins IRE 7-11-4 Ruby Walsh
PU DIAMOND HARRY (Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership) Nick Williams 7-11-4 Timmy Murphy
Non-runner: 5 Flight Leader (self certificate)
10 ran
Distances: 7, sh, 1/2, 16, 15, 5
Breeder: Aaron Metcalfe Breeding: ch g Presenting - Victoria Theatre
Totes: Win: £12.20 Places: £3.00, £2.20, £14.00 Exacta: £102.00
Winning Trainer: CHARLES BYRNES Based: Ballingarry, Co Limerick Aintree Festival Wins (1): John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle (2009 Solwhit) Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): RSA Chase (2010 Weapon’s Amnesty), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2009 Weapon’s Amnesty) Big Race Wins Include: Kinloch Brae Chase (2009 Cailin Alainn), Knight Frank Novice Chase (2006 Cailin Alainn), Monksfield Novice Hurdle (2005 Powerstation), Morgiana Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (2006 Mounthenry), Paddy Fitzpatrick Novice Chase (2009 Merchant Paddy), Pierse Hurdle (2004 Dromlease Express), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Red Mills Trial Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), December Festival Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Irish Champion Hurdle (2010 Solwhit), Spring Juvenile Hurdle (2010 Pittoni) Wins in Britain (2006/07-2008/09): 1; 3; 2; Wins in Britain This Season: 2
Winning Jockey: Davy Russell Born: June 27, 1979 Background: David Niall Russell hails - like fellow National jockey Denis O’Regan - from Youghal in Co. Cork and progressed from pony racing to become one of Ireland’s leading point-to-point riders in recent years winning the championship in 2001 and 2002, when sharing the title with J T McNamara. The retirement of another one-time Irish point-to-point star, Adrian Maguire, saw him travel over to Britain in 2002 as stable jockey to Ferdy Murphy and he turned professional on November 12. He enjoyed his first big success when Truckers Tavern won the 2003 Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock and went on to be second to Best Mate in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. Russell lost his job after 14 months as number one jockey to Murphy in January, 2004, as he also wanted to continue riding in Ireland at weekends. He returned to Ireland and had a first Cheltenham Festival success in 2006 when Native Jack won the BGC Handicap Chase and won the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase at the 2007 Festival on 50/1 chance Joes Edge. Davy finished second to Ruby Walsh in the Irish jockeys’ championship in both the 2006/07 and 2007/08 season. He has continued to have big race success on both sides of the Irish Sea, including a brace of winners at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, Naiad Du Misselot in the Coral Cup and Tiger Cry in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase. Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Martell Champion Standard N.H. Flat Race (2000 Quadco) (First Winner in Britain); John Smith’s Topham Trophy (2005 Cregg House) Cheltenham Festival Wins (6):RSA Chase (2010 Weapon’s Amnesty), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2009 Weapon’s Amnesty), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2008 Tiger Cry), Coral Cup (2008 Naiad Du Misselot), BGC Handicap Chase (2006 Native Jack), William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2007 Joe’s Edge) First Cheltenham Festival Ride: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir, Toni’s Tip (6th), March 14, 2000 Other Big Race Wins: Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup (2008 Thyne Again), Bobbyjo Chase (2004 Takagi), Boylesports.com International Hurdle (2004 Back In Front), Boyne Hurdle (2007 Sweet Kiln), Clonmel Oil Chase (2007 Mossbank), December Festival Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Deloitte Novice Hurdle (2008 Forpadydeplasterer), Dobbins & Madigans at Punchestown Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (2006 The Railway Man), Drinmore Novice Chase (2006 Cailin Alainn), Flyingbolt Novice Chase (2009 Made In Taipan), Galmoy Hurdle (2009 Alpha Ridge), Galway Hurdle (2007 Farmer Brown), Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeplechase (2008 Dix Villez Kerrygold Champion Chase (2007 Mansony), Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (2009 Oscar Dan Dan), Irish Champion Hurdle (2010 Solwhit), Knight Frank Novice Chase (2006 Cailin Alainn), Monksfield Novice Hurdle (2005 Powerstation), Morgiana Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Normans Grove Chase (2009 Mansony), Paddy Fitzpatrick Novice Chase (2003 Ten Poundsworth, 2007 Hear The Echo, 2009 Merchant Paddy), Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (2007 Mansony), Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2003 Truckers Tavern), Punchestown Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (2008 Won In The Dark), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Red Mills Trial Hurdle (2009 Solwhit), Spring Juvenile Hurdle (2010 Pittoni), Ten Up Novice Chase (2009 Siegemaster), Thurles Chase (2006 Public Reaction, 2008 War Of Attrition), Tied Cottage Chase (2009 Mansony), Tipperary Hurdle (2008 Megans Joy), Wilf Dooly Chase (2007 Cloudy Bays), Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase (2007 Chelsea Harbour) Wins in Britain (2002/3-2008/09): 22; 28; 2; 2; 2; 4; 3 Wins in Britain This Season: 2
3.20pm SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
(GRADE ONE)
£320,000 guaranteed, 2m. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 10th; 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 10th would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final) Weights: 11st 10lb. Allowances mares 7lb Entries 24 pay £380 Confirmed 14 pay £380 Penalty value: 1st £182,432, 2nd £68,448, 3rd £34,272, 4th £17,088, 5th £8,576, 6th £4,288.
1 BIG ZEB (IRE) (Patrick Redmond) Colm Murphy IRE 9-11-10 Barry Geraghty 10/1
2 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) (Goat Racing Syndicate) Tom Cooper IRE 8-11-10 Tony McCoy 10/1
3 KALAHARI KING (FR) (Mrs J Morgan) Ferdy Murphy 9-11-10 Graham Lee 9/2
4 MASTER MINDED (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh 4/5F
5 OH CRICK (FR) (David Sewell) Alan King 7-11-10 Wayne Hutchinson
6 GOLDEN SILVER (FR) (Violet O’Leary) Willie Mullins IRE 8-11-10 Paul Townend
7 WELL CHIEF (GER) (David Johnson) David Pipe 11-11-10 Timmy Murphy
F MAHOGANY BLAZE (FR) (Lorna Berryman) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-11-10 Paddy Brennan
PU TWIST MAGIC (FR) (Barry Fulton, Tony Hayward, Michael Lynch) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Robert Thornton
9 ran
Distances: 6, 3 1/4, 1/2, 2 3/4, 22, 3/4
Breeder: Lyle Buttimer
Breeding: b g Oscar (IRE) - Our Siveen
Totes: Win: £12.30 Places: £2.80, £2.30, £1.70 Exacta: £57.70
Winning Trainer: COLM MURPHY Based: Ballinadrummin, Killena, Gorey, Co Wexford Other Details: Former amateur rider, has a degree in accountancy. His father Pat was a farmer who also trained point-to-pointers and Colm took over the yard in 2000, having previously spent six years with Aidan O’Brien (at both Piltown and Ballydoyle) Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2010 Big Zeb), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Brave Inca), Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca) Other major wins include: Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady), December Festival Hurdle (2005 & 2006 Brave Inca), Deloitte Novice Hurdle (2004 Brave Inca), Fortria Chase (2009 Big Zeb), Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Irish Champion Hurdle (2006 & 2009 Brave Inca, Morgiana Hurdle (2005 Brave Inca), Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (2008 Big Zeb), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2005 Brave Inca), Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle (2004 Brave Inca), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2008 Big Zeb), Tipperary Hurdle (2008 Megans Joy) Wins in Britain (2003/2004-2008/09): 1; 0; 2; 0; 0; 0; Wins in Britain this Season: 1
Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: Barry Geraghty will forever be associated with the great Moscow Flyer who provided him with his first Cheltenham Festival victory in the 2002 Arkle Chase and went on to add the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2003 and 2005, as well as a host of other championship races including the Grade One John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree in 2004 and 2005. Geraghty is one of six children from a "horse-mad" family that hails from Drumree in Co Meath. His father ‘Tucker' was a useful amateur and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brother Ross, who won the 2002 Irish National on The Bunny Boiler, and sister Jill, an amateur, are both jockeys. Geraghty has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that sphere in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride in October, 1996. He has twice been champion jump jockey in Ireland in the seasons 1999/2000 and 2003/04. It was for Moscow Flyer's trainer Jessica Harrington that he first sprang to prominence, partnering her 1998 Midlands National winner Miss Orchestra. He crowned the 2002/03 season with victory in the John Smith's Grand National aboard Monty's Pass, something which contributed to him being voted RTE Sports Personality of the year by Irish television viewers. Took up the offer of becoming Nicky Henderson’s number one jockey following the retirement of Mick Fitzgerald at the end of the 2007/08 season, and he now divides his time between Britain and Ireland. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Achievements: Champion jockey in Ireland in 1999/2000 and 2003/04 Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2009 Punjabi), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2008 Finger OnThe Pulse), Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer, 2009 Forpadydeplasterer), William Hill Trophy Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer, 2010 Big Zeb), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope, 2009 Zaynar), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2005 Kicking King), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star de Mohaison), Coral Cup (2006 Sky’s The Limit), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2007 Cork All Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2003 (5) Aintree Festival Wins include: Martell Cognac Grand National (2003 Monty’s Pass); totesport Bowl (2002 Florida Pearl), Martell Cognac Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Sackville, 2003 Iris’s Gift), Martell Cognac Laurel Pub Company Liverpool Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2004 & 2005 Moscow Flyer), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star de Mohaison) Wins in Britain (2001/02-2008/09): 4; 26; 13; 10; 8; 1; 1; 65 Wins in Britain this Season: 65
4.00pm CORAL CUP (HANDICAP HURDLE) (GRADE THREE)
75,000 guaranteed, 2m 5f Old Course. For 4yo+ Weight: raised 4lb; Minimum weight 10-0; Penalties after February 28th, a winner of a hurdle 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb) Chicago Grey's Handicap Mark 151. Entries 123 pay £90 Confirmed 75 pay £270 Penalty value: 1st £42,757, 2nd £16,042, 3rd £8,032, 4th £4,005, 5th £2,010, 6th £1,005.
1 SPIRIT RIVER (FR) (Michael Buckley) Nicky Henderson 5-11-2 Barry Geraghty 14/1
2 TULLAMORE DEW (IRE) (Tullamore Dew) Nick Gifford 8-10-10 Liam Treadwell 80/1
3 JAMES DE VASSY (FR) (Jakeman, Barrett, Booth & Ferrand) Nick Williams 5-11-4 Daryl Jacob 16/1
4 MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE) (Martin Tedham) Andrew Turnell 6-11-7p Nick Scholfield 33/1
5 QUANTITATIVEEASING (IRE) (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 5-11-0 Tony McCoy 8/1
6 NAIAD DU MISSELOT (FR) (Hill, Trembath, Bryan & Outhart) Ferdy Murphy 9-10-5 Graham Lee
7 SIR HARRY ORMESHER (David Sewell) Alan King 7-11-1 Robert Thornton
8 RACING DEMON (IRE) (Camilla Radford) Henrietta Knight 10-10-6p Haddon Frost (3)
9 SILVERHAND (IRE) (J P McManus) Noel Meade IRE 6-10-10 Paul Carberry
10 MAMLOOK (IRE) (Peter Deal & G Lowe) David Pipe 6-11-6 Tom Scudamore
11 ON RAGLAN ROAD (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-11-1 Denis O'Regan
12 DEUTSCHLAND (USA) (Alan McLuckie) Willie Mullins IRE 7-10-9 Ruby Walsh 7/1F
13 RING THE BOSS (IRE) (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 9-10-11 Tom O'Brien
14 GOOD OLD THYME (IRE) (G Carstairs) Dr Richard Newland 6-10-05 Richard Johnson
15 ELEAZAR (GER) (Robinson, Redman, Phillips & Eddis) Lucy Wadham 9-10-6 Jimmy McCarthy
16 ANDYTOWN (IRE) (Richard & Lizzie Kelvin Hughes) Nicky Henderson 7-11-1 David Bass (7)
17 CHIEF YEOMAN (B Moore & E Stephens) Venetia Williams 10-10-9 Aidan Coleman
18 BALLYVOILE (IRE) (Santry Power Walsh Syndicate) Margaret Flynn IRE 7-10-6 Ken Whelan
19 TAKEROC (FR) (Sandra Giles) Paul Nicholls 7-10-12 Harry Skelton (3)
20 SHADOW DANCER (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 5-9-03 Gerald Quinn (10)
21 CITY THEATRE (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 6-10-2 Richie McLernon (3)
22 CHICAGO GREY (IRE) (John Earls) Gordon Elliott IRE 7-11-09t Alain Cawley (3)
23 GOLD AWARD (The Queen) Nicky Henderson 7-10-2 Felix De Giles
24 SILK AFFAIR (IRE) (Liam Mulryan & Michael Fahy) Mick Quinlan 5-10-6 Timmy Murphy
25 SILK HALL (UAE) (Thurloe 50) Alan King 5-11-1 Christian Williams
26 LAKE LEGEND (J Wright, P Wilson, F Allen, R Preston) Alan King 6-11-6 Wayne Hutchinson
PU WISHFULL THINKING (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 7-11-00 Giles Hawkins (5)
PU HAMPSHIRE EXPRESS (IRE) (Kilmeadan Racing Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 7-10-4 Paul Townend
28 ran
Distances: 4 1/2, 2 3/4, 1/2, 3/4, hd, 1 3/4, 2 1/4, hd, 2, 1, 3/4, 3/4, 4, 7, 1, 3, 8, nk, hd, nse, 1/2, 3 3/4, 9, 2, dist
Breeder: Michael Bourgneuf & Alain Sagot Breeding: b g Poliglote - Love River (FR)
Totes: Win: £19.30 Places: £5.00, £22.40, £6.90, £7.20 Exacta: £2074.80
Winning Trainer: NICHOLAS (NICKY) JOHN HENDERSON Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth: 10/12/50 Background: The son of financier and amateur jockey John Henderson MBE, Nicky attended Eton before working in the City for stockbrokers Cazenoves. Ended up in their Sydney office and rode out each morning prior to work before deciding to study farming at Cirencester. Also spent six years as an amateur, riding 78 winners including the Imperial Cup and the Foxhunters Chase at Liverpool. He was assistant to the legendary Fred Winter from 1974 to 1978. In July 1978 he first took out a trainer's licence and trained from Windsor House in Lambourn. He moved to Seven Barrows in 1992.Cheltenham Festival wins (36): Coral Cup (2010 Spirit River), Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2009 Andytown), County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur), Mildmay (1985,1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man), Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev), Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then, 2009 Punjabi, 2010 Binocular),JCB Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino, 2009 Zaynar), William Hill National Hunt H’cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2005 Trabolgan), Ryanair Chase (2006 Fondmort), Racing Post Plate (2006 Non So), Grand Annual Chase (2006 Greenhope) Number of Winners (1982/83-2008/09): 40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 92, 69, 79; 53; 85; 74; 83; 115; Wins this Season: 114
Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: Geraghty is one of six children from a "horse-mad" family that hails from Drumree in Co Meath. His father ‘Tucker' was a useful amateur and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brother Ross, who won the 2002 Irish National on The Bunny Boiler, and sister Jill, an amateur, are both jockeys. Geraghty has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that sphere in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride in October, 1996. He has twice been champion jump jockey in Ireland in the seasons 1999/2000 and 2003/04. It was for Moscow Flyer's trainer Jessica Harrington that he first sprang to prominence, partnering her 1998 Midlands National winner Miss Orchestra. He crowned the 2002/03 season with victory in the John Smith's Grand National aboard Monty's Pass, something which contributed to him being voted RTE Sports Personality of the year by Irish television viewers. Took up the offer of becoming Nicky Henderson’s number one jockey following the retirement of Mick Fitzgerald at the end of the 2007/08 season, and he now divides his time between Britain and Ireland. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Achievements: Champion jockey in Ireland in 1999/2000 and 2003/04 Cheltenham Festival Wins (18): Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2009 Punjabi), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2008 Finger OnThe Pulse), Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer, 2009 Forpadydeplasterer), William Hill Trophy Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer, 2010 Big Zeb), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope, 2009 Zaynar), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2005 Kicking King), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star de Mohaison), Coral Cup (2006 Sky’s The Limit, 2010 Spirit River), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2007 Cork All Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2003 (5) Wins in Britain (2001/02-2008/09): 4; 26; 13; 10; 8; 1; 1; 65 Wins in Britain this Season: 65
4.40pm FRED WINTER JUVENILE NOVICES' HANDICAP HURDLE
(GRADE THREE)
£75,000 guaranteed, 2m 110y Old Course. For 4yo. Weights: highest weight 11st 10lb Minimum weight 10-0 Penalties after February 28th, a winner of a hurdle 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 10lb) Stars Du Granits's Handicap Mark 135 Entries 60 pay £90 Confirmed 45 pay £270 Penalty value: 1st £42,757.50, 2nd £16,042.50 3rd £8,032.50 4th £4,005, 5th £2,010, 6th £1,005.
1 SANCTUAIRE (FR) (Jared Sullivan) Paul Nicholls 4-11-2 Ruby Walsh 4/1F
2 NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) (Racing For Change) David Pipe 4-11-9 Johnny Farrelly 13/2
3 ORSIPPUS (USA) (Sandra Smith) Michael Smith 4-11-0 Davy Condon 33/1
4 SON AMIX (FR) (Whitechurch Stud Syndicate) Tom Cooper IRE 4-11-2 Bryan Cooper (7) 14/1
5 STORMY WEATHER (FR) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 4-10-12t Denis O'Regan 10/1
6 KUDU COUNTRY (IRE) (The Flat Cap Syndicate) Tom Tate 4-10-13 Graham Lee
7 BOTHY (Dan Gilbert) Brian Ellison 4-11-2 Keith Mercer
8 GEORGE NYMPTON (IRE) (The Bacchanalians) Nick Williams 4-10-12 Daryl Jacob
9 LOCH LONG (IRE) (Thistle Bloodstock Ltd) Tracey Collins IRE 4-10-13 Andrew McNamara
10 DOCTOR DEEJAY (IRE) (P Henessy/J Pollard/M Lanney/W O’Connor) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-2 Paul Townend
11 RIPTIDE (Gone To The Bar Racing) Donald McCain Jnr 4-10-11b Jason Maguire
12 CROSS APPEAL (IRE) (John Corr) Noel Meade IRE 4-11-3 Paul Carberry
13 SHANROD (IRE) (Paul Rooney) Michael Halford IRE 4-10-13 Robbie Power
14 NED OF THE HILL (IRE) (Unfinished Business Syndicate) Martina Doran IRE 4-10-12tp Robbie Moran (3)
15 THEOLOGIST (IRE) (C Stedman) Dr Richard Newland 4-10-13 Christian Williams
16 STARS DU GRANITS (FR) (Ian Josephs) Venetia Williams 4-11-10 Aidan Coleman
17 HUNTERVIEW (Jo Tracey) David Pipe 4-11-0 Tom Scudamore
18 CAUSEWAY KING (USA) (Roger Brookhouse) Alan King 4-11-7 Robert Thornton
19 FIN VIN DE LEU (GER) (R Curry, Cathy Leuchars & R Michaelson) Charlie Mann 4-11-4 Davy Russell
20 BOCAMIX (FR) (Helen Sinclair) Andy Crook 4-10-9 Michael O'Connell (5)
21 BACCALAUREATE (FR) (The Yes No Wait Sorries) Nigel Twiston-Davies 4-11-9 Paddy Brennan
22 OPEN DAY (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-10 Tony McCoy
23 DIKTALINA (The Cartmel Syndicate) Alison Thorpe 4-11-3 Richard Johnson
PU PRINCE PIPPIN (IRE) (Ian McGready) Sean Curran 4-10-07 Anthony Freeman (7)
24 ran Distances: 9, 1 1/2, 3, nk, 1 3/4, hd, 1 1/4, 3/4, 3/4, 1 1/4, 1, 5, 1, 2, nk, 9, 3/4, 7, 7, 4 1/2, 1 1/2, 6
Breeder: S C A de Lageneste Haras de St Voir Breeding: b or br g Kendor (FR) - Biblique (FR)
Totes: Win: £5.30 Places: £2.60, £2.80, £12.60, £3.70 Exacta: £27.30
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Background: Paul Nicholls, the son of a policeman, was born in Olveston, 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, in 1986 and 1987. He partnered 130 winners between 1980 and 1989, and nominates the best horses he rode as Broadheath, Playschool and Seagram. Between 1989 and 1991, he was assistant trainer to former Devon-based David Barons, who sent out Seagram to win the 1991 Grand National at Aintree during that time. Having strongly challenged Martin Pipe for the jump trainers’ championship for several years, most notably when pushing his great rival right to the last day of the 2004/05 campaign, he claimed his first title in the 2005/06 season. 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. Cheltenham Festival Wins (26): Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2010 Sanctuaire), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2009 Big Buck’s), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2009 Chapoturgeon), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 & 2009 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 & 2009 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest, 2009 American Trilogy), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2008/09): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148*; 124*; 151* (first trainer to win more than £4 million in prize money in a season);155*; *Champion Trainer Wins this Season: 102
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) is associated with the powerful stables of Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. He is the son of 11-times Irish amateur champion jockey, Ted Walsh, now a trainer. Ruby is the second of Walsh's four children and his younger sister Katie is a successful amateur. He followed in his father's footsteps when capturing the Irish amateur riders’ championship (1996-97) at the age of 19 while still studying for his Leaving Certificate. He was crowned champion Irish National Hunt jockey in his first season as a professional (1998/99) and has taken the title a further five times (2000/2001, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/7 and 2007/08). Walsh has won the John Smith's Grand National twice. In the 2008/09 season he was leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival for a fourth time.Became the most successful rider at The Festival when riding his 26th winner, Sanctuaire in the 2010 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle, surpassing Pat Taaffe’s total of 25. Cheltenham Festival Wins (26): Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2010 Sanctuaire), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2009 Big Buck’s), David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (2009 & 2010 Quevega), Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree, 2009 Mikael D’Haguenet), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 & 2009 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman, 2009 Cooldoine), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) 1,000th Winner in Ireland: Rare Article, Smirnoff (Mares) Maiden Hurdle, Thurles, May 4, 2008 (became only the second jockey to complete the feat after Charlie Swann) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2008/09): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73; 69; 69 Wins in Britain This Season: 63
5.15pm WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (STANDARD OPEN NH FLAT RACE)
(GRADE ONE)
£60,000 guaranteed, 2m 110y Old Course. For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except NH Flat races, INH Flat races or French AQPS Flat races. horses are not to have run in more than four races and, before March 1st, 2010, must have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a race Weights 4yo.10st 12lb; 5yo and 6yo 11st 5lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 38 pay £85 Confirmed 28 pay £205 Penalty value: 1st £34,206, 2nd £12,834, 3rd £6,426, 4th £3,204, 5th £1,608, 6th £804.
1 CUE CARD (Jean Bishop) Colin Tizzard 4-10-12 Joe Tizzard 40/1
2 AL FEROF (FR) (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 5-11-5 Ruby Walsh 8/1
3 FRAWLEY (IRE) (Dr K Roche-Nagle) John Kiely IRE 5-11-5 Barry Geraghty 14/1
4 TAVERN TIMES (IRE) (Frances Duffin/A Kelly/J Russell) Tom Mullins IRE 6-11-5 Davy Russell
5 MEGASTAR (Hinds, Waddingham, Arthur, Herbert, Day) Gary Moore 5-11-5 Jamie Moore
6 DARE ME (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Philip Hobbs 6-11-5 Richard Johnson
7 BISHOPSFURZE (IRE) (Mrs C Hurley) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-5 Paul Townend
8 SHEER GENIUS (IRE) (O Finetto) John Murphy IRE 5-11-5 Edward Power
9 MADE IN TIME (IRE) (J P McManus) Rebecca Curtis 5-11-5 Tony McCoy
10 BUBBLY BRUCE (IRE) (Mrs W Harney) Bill Harney IRE 6-11-5 Andrew McNamara
11 BACK AT THE RANCH (IRE) (I Harfitt) Pat Phelan 5-11-5 Colin Bolger
12 ELEGANT CONCORDE (IRE) (Dr Ronan Lambe) Dermot Weld IRE 5-11-5 Mr Robbie McNamara
13 UP OU THAT (IRE) (E O’Connell) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-5 David Casey
14 DUNRAVEN STORM (IRE) (Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs 5-11-5 Tom O'Brien
15 SUPER VILLAN (Mark Tamburo) Mark Bradstock 5-11-5 Matthew Batchelor
16 DE FORGOTTEN MAN (IRE) (Peter Andrews) Martin Keighley 5-11-5 Warren Marston
17 CARPINCHO (FR) (W Glover & P Chapman) Sally Humphrey 6-11-5 Charlie Huxley
18 ON HIS OWN (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 6-11-5 Denis O'Regan
19 HIDDEN UNIVERSE (IRE) (Dr Ronan Lambe) Dermot Weld IRE 4-10-12 Pat Smullen
20 SHOT FROM THE HIP (GER) (Sue Magnier) Edward O'Grady IRE 6-11-5 Mr J P Magnier 3/1F
21 BASFORD BOB (IRE) (Alan Baxter) Jennie Candlish 5-11-5 Allan O'Keeffe
22 SHANNON SPIRIT (IRE) (Herb Stanley) Tom Hogan IRE 5-11-5 Miss Nina Carberry
23 DRUMBALOO (IRE) (W & H Thompson/N Wilson/N Patteroson) James Lambe IRE 6-11-5 Robert Thornton
24 DAY OF A LIFETIME (IRE) (Susannah Ricci) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-5 Mr Patrick Mullins
24 ran
Distances: 8, 8, 1 1/2, hd, sh, 1 1/4, 1/2, 1 1/4, hd, nk, hd, 5, hd, 1 3/4, 1 1/2, 1 1/2, nse, 1 1/2, 2 3/4, 2 1/2, 10, 14, 4 1/2
Breeder: Roland Crellin Breeding: b g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Wicked Crack (IRE)
Totes: Win: £61.60 Places: £11.30, £3.70, £5.00 Exacta: £619.40
Winning Trainer: COLIN TIZZARD Based: Venn Farm, Milborne Port, Sherborne, Dorset Background: Colin was born in 1956 as the second son of farmers Leslie and Marjorie Tizzard at Venn Farm, Milborne Port. He grew up on the family farm as a country boy enjoying hunting, shooting and fishing. He was a member of the Pony Club before riding with some success in point-to-points and later under-rules as an amateur jockey. Dairy farming and horses are his passions and fortunately he has so far made a success of both enterprises. In 1995 he started training two point-to-point horses for his son Joe to ride and has since built up his string to be one of the leading yards in the south west. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2010 Cue Card) Major Wins Albert Bartlett (Bristol) (2006 Flight Leader), Feltham Novices' Chase (2007 Joe Lively), Letheby & Christopher Cotswold Chase (2009 Joe Lively), Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase (2008 Joe Lively), Worcester Novices' Chase (2007 Joe Lively) Number of Wins (2001/02-2008/09): 13; 9; 22; 19; 24; 20; 28; 19; Wins This Season: 28
Winning Jockey: Joe Tizzard Date Of Birth: 13/12/79 Background: Joe Tizzard sprang to prominence in the 1997 John Smith's Grand National at the tender age of 17 when granted special dispensation to ride by the Jockey Club. At the time, his seven chase wins under Rules were below the threshold of 15 required to take part in the great race. Tizzard, who grew up on his parents' 350-acre dairy farm at Milborne Port near Sherborne in Dorset and first went out hunting aged six, is from a family steeped in racing. Colin, his father, rode and trained point-to-pointers and, following a brief interlude from training, started up a string again when Joe reached 16 and eligibility to ride between the flags. Pauline, Joe's mother who trains point-to-pointers, is daughter of Dick Nettley whose Loving Words ran third at 16/1 in the 1982 Grand National. An early pony club rider with the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt, Tizzard learnt the rudiments of riding through local BSJA showjumping competitions and rode 44 winners in point-to-points. His first success between the flags came aboard Qualitaire Memory in February 1996. On August 1, 1996, he became pupil assistant to Paul Nicholls. He turned professional on May 31, 1998, and in November that year, aged 18, he was appointed stable jockey to Nicholls. In March, 2002, he sustained a career threatening back injury at Hereford and was out of action for 10 months. He miraculously escaped serious injury when he fell into a bailer during the summer of 2008. He now rides for his father. First point to point winner: Qualitaire Memory (February 1996) - rode 44 winners in points in three seasons Cheltenham Festival wins: (3) Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2010 Cue Card), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (1998 Earthmover), Arkle Trophy (1999 Flagship Uberalles) Wins (1995/96-2008/09): 2; 11; 27; 91; 63; 50; 44; 20; 61; 58; 39; 25; 29; 15 Wins This Season: 18
END
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