Racenews Newslink Archive - Thursday, April 3, 2003

Thursday, April 3, 2003

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2003

THE 2003 MARTELL COGNAC
GRAND NATIONAL DECLARED RUNNERS

Class A, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund Ł600,000, 3.45pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 5, 2003. Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course). For six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the Senior BHB NH Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 1. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 22 may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances to February 1 would merit a minimum rating of 110, and that the horse has either won a Steeple Chase or Hurdle Race, or has run at least three times collectively in Steeple Chases or Hurdle Races run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority by February 1. At the Handicapper’s discretion, such horses may be allotted a rating. The decision of the Senior BHB NH Handicapper shall be final. Entries closed Wednesday, January 22, 2003 (149 entries), entries revealed Thursday, January 23, 2003. Weights revealed Tuesday, February 4, 2003. First confirmation stage Tuesday, February 18, 2003 (135 remain); second confirmation stage Tuesday, March 18, 2003 (105 remain). Five-day confirmation stage Monday, March 31, 2003 (81 remain). Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, April 3, 2003. 40 runners. Confirmation of riders must be made by 1.00pm Thursday, April 3, 2003. Any reserves will be implemented by 9.30am on Friday, April 4, 2003.

Form Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer/Jockey
1) 212P-6115 BEHRAJAN (IRE) 8-11-12 The Behrajan Partnership Henry Daly/Richard Johnson
2) 0/124-13 KINGSMARK (IRE) 10-11-11 Sir Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter/ NON-RUNNER - first reserve will be utilised.

3) 2P41/-323 GINGEMBRE (FR) 9-11-09 Lavinia Taylor Lavinia Taylor/Andrew Thornton
4) 12/32P2-1 SHOTGUN WILLY (IRE) 9-11-09 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls/Ruby Walsh
5) 0314-5257 FADALKO (FR) 10-11-07 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls/Seamus Durack
6) F133-2227 CHIVES (IRE) 8-11-05 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight/Richard Guest
7) 23PF5-1123 IRIS BLEU (FR) 7-11-03 David Johnson Martin Pipe/Tony McCoy
8) B4-51233 AD HOC (IRE) 9-11-01 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls/Paul Carberry
9) PP-P3314 BALLINCLAY KING (IRE) 9-10-12 Ian Guise, Brian Leatherday & Nicola Spence Ferdy Murphy/Davy Russell
10) 1U6-P6P00P CARBURY CROSS (IRE) 9-10-12 Anne Duchess of Westminster Jonjo O'Neill/ John Kavanagh
11) 1-0FF248 BINDAREE (IRE) 9-10-11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies/Carl Llewellyn
12) 320-1311 YOULNEVERWALKALONE (IRE) 9-10-11 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE/Conor O’Dwyer
13) F11-21P00 THE BUNNY BOILER (IRE) 9-10-10 The Usual Suspects Syndicate Noel Meade IRE/John Cullen
14) P513-3609 BLOWING WIND (FR) 10-10-09 Peter Deal Martin Pipe/Tom Scudamore
15) 3540P-1P29 YOU'RE AGOODUN 11-10-09v Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe/Robert Thornton
16) 00/4/13-255 KATARINO (FR) 8-10-08 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson/Mick Fitzgerald
17) P1PP-5022 RED STRIKER 9-10-08t The Red Revolution Richard Guest/Mr Larry McGrath
18) 4P2-20208 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 8-10-08 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight/Dominic Elsworth
19) 3P631364 MONTY'S PASS (IRE) 10-10-07 Dee Racing Syndicate Jimmy Mangan IRE/Barry Geraghty
20) 1210F0-8 MAJED (FR) 7-10-05v Sandicroft Stud II Martin Pipe/Rodi Greene
21) 01-3632403 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 11-10-04 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain/Graham Lee
22) 1162-4494 MAXIMIZE (IRE) 9-10-04 Lady Vestey Henrietta Knight/Jim Culloty
23) 1/1P1P-P2 MONTIFAULT (FR) 8-10-04 Anne Fulton Paul Nicholls/Joe Tizzard
24) 112142P POLAR CHAMP 10-10-04v The Reims Partnership Martin Pipe/Danny (DJ) Howard*
25) 24532P7674 CREGG HOUSE (IRE) 8-10-03 Kathleen Kennedy Paddy Mullins IRE/David Casey
26) P-0543P8 GOOD SHUIL (IRE) 8-10-03 C S G Ltd Charlie Mann/Noel Fehily
27) 21312-2 MANTLES PRINCE 9-10-03 Emlyn Hughes’ Cleobury Golfers Alan Juckes/Ollie McPhail
28) 2P/2131-21 TORDUFF EXPRESS (IRE) 12-10-03bl Two Plus Two Paul Nicholls/Timmy Murphy
29) 41U5131U GOGUENARD (FR) 9-10-02 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith/Warren Marston
30) 5122-1301 GUNNER WELBURN 11-10-02 William Ritson/David Hall Andrew Balding/Barry Fenton
31) 22P500-1 ROYAL PREDICA (FR) 9-10-02t Peter Deal, John Dale, Allan Stennett Martin Pipe/ Mr Jamie Moore
32) 1415-4P57 SUPREME GLORY (IRE) 10-10-02 Chris Moorsom Pat Murphy/Leighton Aspell
33) F/10616-003 TREMALLT (IRE) 12-10-02 Silkword Racing Partnership Tom George/Jason Maguire
34) P5U-4134 WONDER WEASEL (IRE) 10-10-02cp David Halsall Kim Bailey/J P McNamara
35) 3420505 DJEDDAH (FR) 12-10-01bl Haras d'Ecouves Francois Doumen FR/Thierry Doumen
36) 112210-P BURLU (FR) 9-10-00bl Fabien Ouaki Martin Pipe/Gerry Supple
37) 1100F-0606 RED ARK 10-10-00cpt The Red Revolution Richard Guest/Kenny Johnson
38) 6-01331054P ROBBO 9-10-00 (9-13)cp The Scarth Racing Partnership Mary Reveley/Alan Dempsey
39) 21/D111/1 KILLUSTY (IRE) 9-10-00 (9-12) Lady Lloyd-Webber Charles Egerton/Norman Williamson
40) F425154 EMPEREUR RIVER (FR) 11-10-00 (9-12)P Matran Jacques Ortet FR/Mr Patrick Pailhes

40 declared runners *please note correction to first name

Four reserves - 1) Bramblehill Duke (Brian Crowley), 2) Murt’s Man (Miss Polly Gundry), 3) Fatehalkhair Vinnie Keane, 4) Berlin Blue (Sam Stronge)

The horses who came out at the 48-hour declaration stage are : Marlborough, First Gold, Take Control, Red Marauder, Gunther McBride, Macs Gildoran.

The following horses were eliminated when the maximum field was reached - Spot Thedifference, Granit d’Estruval, Dark Stranger, Halexy, Historg, Smarty, Kit Smartie, Akarus, Handyman, Quality First, Moral Support, Skycab, Lanmire Tower, Modulor, Jurancon II, Sad Mad Bad, Ceanannas Mor, Kaki Crazy, Shannon Gale, Pessimistic Dick, Tom’s Prize, Scotia Nostra, No Problem, Mothers Help, Mr Brossman, Lambrini Gold, Folly Road, Scotmail Boy, Storm Of Gold.

KINGSMARK OUT OF NATIONAL

Last year’s fourth Kingsmark will miss Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National, despite being declared for the race this morning.

Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: “The horse had slight heat in a tendon this morning about 20 minutes before the declaration time but Weatherbys advised us to declare him because of the reserve situation.

“But since then it has become apparent that the horse will not be able to run on Saturday.”

The first reserve, Bramblehill Duke, will now run in the Martell Cognac Grand National.

WATERING CONTINUES

Watering will continue after racing today to replace the two to three millimetres lost through evapo-transpiration because of the weather.

Immediately after the last race, watering will commence on the Grand National course by the Melling Road and go on through the night to include the Mildmay and hurdle courses.

CROWD UP 10%

Today’s attendance at Aintree was 22,450, an increase of 10 per cent on the equivalent figure last year of 20,416.

TOTE UP 27%

Today’s on-course Tote cash turnover was Ł892,171, up 27 per cent on the same in 2002.

COOLNAGORNA

Coolnagorna fractured a rear-hind tibia when falling in the last race and was humanely put down at the site of the injury.

WILLIAMSON BANNED

Norman Williamson was suspended for one day, April 12, having been found guilty of using his whip with excessive force aboard Moneytrain in the Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle.

GOING NEWS AT 10 AM

Following a dry night the going for the first day of the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting remains as it was on Wednesday evening --

GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES

on the National course, and

GOOD

on the Mildmay and hurdles courses.

The Mildmay and hurdles tracks were watered overnight with between three and four millimetres being put on. There was also selective watering on the National course.

BETTING NEWS

Punters have decided that Valley Henry can be backed with confidence for the Martell Cognac Cup Chase (2.35) after his excellent fourth in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Paul Barber’s eight-year-old will start a hot favourite. William Hills report good support for him this morning and have brought him in from 6-4 to 5-4. Paddy Power have trimmed him to the same price from 11-8.

In the opening Martell Cognac Nisa Today’s Handicap Hurdle the outsider Fairwood Heart has been popular with Hills and is in from 16-1 to 10-1 and from 12-1 to 9-1 with the Tote. Powers have seen support for Little Sport, who is now at 15-2 from 8-1, while there has been good support for Spectrometer with Ladbrokes (6-1 from 8-1), the Tote, who have cut him to the same price from a point shorter, and Coral, who have also brought him in from 8-1 to 6-1.

Regal Exit has been in demand in the Martell Cognac Safeway Red Rum Handicap Chase (3.10) and has been slashed from 18-1 to 10-1 by Hills and from 16-1 to 11-1 by Powers. The latter firm have also brought Turgeonev in from 16-1 to 14-1 and Ladbrokes have cut the grey to 16-1 from 20-1.

Divet Hill has caught the fancy of Power’s customers in the Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase (3.45) and is in to 5-1 from 11-2, and there has been predictable demand for Well Chief in the Ember Inns Anniversary Four-Year-Old Novices’ Hurdle, with Hills bringing him in from 4-1 to 3-1 and Powers to the same price from 7-2. The Tote and
Coral say that the JCB Triumph Hurdle runner-up is by far the best backed horse of the day; the former have brought him in from 4-1 to 3-1 and the Tote from 7-2 to 5-2. Ladbrokes have cut him from 9-2 to 3-1. Powers have also shortened Do L’Enfant d’Eau by half a point to 5-1 in the same race, and others in demand with the Tote have been Moneytrain (12-1 to 10-1) and Starzaan (7-1 from 9-1).

Fait Le Jojo has been in demand with Ladbrokes (10-1 to 8-1) and the Tote (12-1 to 13-2) for the Martell Cognac Novices’ Handicap Chase (4.55) and
in the closing St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (5.30) Powers have trimmed Korelo from 6-1 to 11-2.

FIRST RACE QUOTES
MARTELL COGNAC NISA HANDICAP HURDLE

PIPE/McCOY TAKE OPENER

The champion trainer/jockey combination of Martin Pipe and Tony McCoy began the 2003 Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting in the best possible fashion when Carlovent, carrying the silks of Chris Batterham and family, landed the opening Martell Cognac Nisa Handicap Hurdle.

“Tony’s a good judge, he picked the right one of our four runners,” said Chester Barnes, Pipe’s assistant. “He told Norman Williamson after the third that he was going to win because the ground was so dead.

“He obviously likes the track, he’s normally shoved along but I’ve never seen him travel so well as he did today.”

Batterham, who had his first winner of the season with Isard at Ascot yesterday, said: “He’s been so high in the handicap but he’s very capable - he was second to Baracouda at Sandown last season. I thought he ran quite well at Cheltenham last time, it was the first time Norman Williamson had ridden the horse and he got off and said that if he rode the race again he’d have made more use of him.

“He’s not got a turn of foot, he would have had to take it up from where he did. I had Ł25 each-way on him, you always think he might have a chance.”

McCoy, who has had three wins from four rides since returning from injury yesterday, added: “They went a good gallop and the ground’s dead enough - I thought I’d won the race after half a mile although he sometimes saves a bit for himself.”

PLACED QUOTES RACE ONE
MARTELL COGNAC NISA TODAY’S HANDICAP HURDLE

MORRIS PLEASED BUT FRUSTRATED

FIRST RACE QUOTES
MARTELL COGNAC NISA HANDICAP HURDLE

PIPE/McCOY TAKE OPENER
The champion trainer/jockey combination of Martin Pipe and Tony McCoy began the 2003 Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting in the best possible fashion when Carlovent, carrying the silks of Chris Batterham and family, landed the opening Martell Cognac Nisa Handicap Hurdle.

“They have both run very well, but unfortunately the winner just stayed on too well for them,” he said.

“I thought going to the last that Rostropovich might outstay the winner, but unfortunately as far as we were concerned Carlovent just kept on too well. But I am very pleased with him and he has run a really good race.”

Charlie Swan told owner JP McManus that Keepatem was very keen early on and took some time to settle. “He nearly fell at the first, but after that he was more relaxed and he kept on well over the last two,” he said.

Carl Llewellyn, who rides last year’s Martell Cognac Grand National winner Bindaree on Saturday, reported himself as being none the worse after having been brought down on Priests Bridge when long time leader Majestic fell at the seventh of the 13 flights.

GROUND ON MILDMAY AND HURDLE COURSE

After the opening contest, the following jockeys made these comments on the ground on the Mildmay & Hurdle Course:

Richard Johnson, rider of Spectrometer, said: “On the slow side anyway.”

David Casey, rider of Spectrometer, said: “It was a little bit dead - on the slow side of good.”

Willie Worthington, rider of Majestic, said: “Good ground.”

Charlie Swan, rider of Yeoman’s Point, said: “Really soft.”

Mick Fitzgerald, rider of Valerio, said: “Very soft.”

Norman Williamson, rider of Rostropovich, said: “Slow side of good.”

Tony McCoy, rider of the winner Carlovent, said: “It rode a bit dead.”

Timmy Murphy, rider of Little Sport, said: “Good, good to soft.”

Robert “Chocolate” Thornton, rider of Old Rouvel, said: “On the slow side.”

Seamus Durack, rider of Do It On Dani, said: “Soft side of good.”

WINNING QUOTES RACE TWO
MARTELL COGNAC CUP CHASE

BLINKERS ONLY PART OF THE ANSWER

First Gold came back to the horse he used to be when he repeated his triumph of two years ago by making all the running in the Martell Cognac Cup.

He was wearing blinkers for the first time, but though his trainer Francois Doumen agreed that this was probably part of the solution, he was adamant that it was by no means the complete answer.

“He has been very tight in his muscles and his ligaments, particularly around his shoulders,” he said. “I thought that he was right when he went to Cheltenham (for the Tote Gold Cup) and he was going very well, just behind Best Mate at the time, when he made a bad mistake going out on to the second circuit.

“Thierry (the trainer’s jockey son) thought that the best thing to do was to pull him up as there was no point in giving him a hard race to finish sixth, and he then told me that the horse was still not quite right in his shoulders.

“Then as far as the blinkers are concerned, JP (McManus the horse’s owner) and Frank (Berry) suggested that they might be a good idea.

“When he first schooled with them he was not particularly good, but the second time he was better and the third time he was better still.

“All the time he was getting looser with his muscles and his ligaments but we then had to decide about running him in this race or the National. “Although he is ten years old he has not that much experience and I did not want the blinkers to make him too free for the National, and I suggested that this would be the race to go for with him.

“Today he was like the horse who won this race two years ago and the King George and I thought that Thierry gave him a brilliant ride. The horse has become so much more relaxed with his muscle problems.

“As far as the rest of the season is concerned, he has been entered for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse and we shall see how he is after this before we decide whether to go there.”

SECOND RACE THE MARTELL COGNAC CUP CHASE
PLACED QUOTES

LADY CRICKET SECOND

David Pipe, assistant trainer to his father Martin Pipe, was philosophical in defeat after Lady Cricket had finished the 14-length runner-up to First Gold in today’s feature contest.

“She’s run a blinder and beaten the Gold Cup fourth and sixth [Valley Henry and Commanche Court]. She stayed well today,” he said.

“The winner has been revitalised by the blinkers and Lady Cricket is a fantastic mare who has had another good season for us.”

Asked if she would run again this term, he replied: “Don’t know yet - we’ll see how she is after this but there’s not much else for the good ones is there?”

Ted Walsh, the trainer of third-placed Commanche Court, who finished a further 3/4 lengths adrift and 14 lengths ahead of Valley Henry in fourth, also pointed out that the blinds had revitalised former King George VI Chase winner First Gold.

The Irish handler commented: “The blinkers made all the difference to the winner and he’s back to his King George form. My horse ran much the same race as he did in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham and he beat More Than A Stroll by much the same distance as he did in Ireland.”

Paul Nicholls, the trainer of Valley Henry, thought that the ground and a hard race in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup had an effect on his charge.

“All the jockeys after the first were saying that the ground is dead, which doesn’t really suit him. He also had a hard race at Cheltenham.

“That’s it for the season for him now.”

THIRD RACE WIN QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC SAFEWAY RED RUM CHASE

POETIC JUSTICE

Golden Alpha, the horse who put Tony McCoy out of action until yesterday after falling at the Cheltenham Festival, made amends this afternoon when winning the Martell Cognac Safeway Red Rum Chase with the champion rider back in the saddle.

This was McCoy’s second winner of the afternoon - a 135/1 double for him and trainer Martin Pipe.

McCoy said: “He’s relatively a good jumper and when he fell at Cheltenham, basically I thought that I’d got to get a good jump at the bottom of the hill to win but he put down on me.

“It was win or not at that fence and unfortunately I paid a heavy price. But as I said, he’s a good jumper and I didn’t go out to ride this race as if he was a bad jumper.

“I ride every horse the same and although this fellow is still a novice, he’s got loads of experience. He’s not always a good finisher of a race though but he travelled well today and never missed a beat. The track might have suited him better than Cheltenham today as well. The ground is a bit deader than I thought it would be.”

A delighted winning owner, David Johnson, said: “This horse is the one that put Tony away so this is poetice justice. He travelled much better today than at Cheltenham where the pace is always fast and furious.

“I hate to say it but he always looked the winner to me. He deserved to win a decent race as he’s twice been clear at Cheltenham and come down. More importantly AP [McCoy]’s back in one piece. The day has got off to a great start.”

Asked what he thought were his best chances during the meeting, Johnson replied: “Well Chief and Vodka Bleu in the bumper.”

THIRD RACE PLACED QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC SAFEWAY RED RUM CHASE

PHILLIPS IN DARK ABOUT SHARP PLANS

Last year’s winner Dark’n Sharp ran a gallant race under top weight of 11st 10lb to finish runner-up to Golden Alpha in the Martell Cognac Safeway Red Rum Chase with Risk Accessor in third.

“The handicapper just won’t give us any leniency,” said the runner-up’s trainer Richard Phillips. “But I can see where he’s coming from. I think the only thing we can do to improve him is to step him up in trip to two and a half miles. But we might go for the two-mile Grade 1 race at Punchestown dependent on what runs.

“But it was a great run today, he was within a yard of the Cheltenham form with Risk Accessor. We were just beaten off 11st 10lb by a better handicapped horse.

FOURTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC COGNAC GOLDEN CROSS INN FOX HUNTERS’ CHASE

DIVET OUT FOXES RIVALS
Divet Hill, trained under permit near Newcastle by Ann Hamilton, ran away with the Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase to score by 11 lengths under Dale Jewett, a 22-year-old stable lad with Nicky Richards.

“He’s always jumped well and as his rating is too high in handicaps, I just decided to have a go today,” said Mrs Hamilton, who with husband Ian has 600 ewes on their sheep and cattle farm.

“He’s home-bred, he’s been on our farm all his life and is not over big but a wonderful jumper.

“He didn’t run until he was six, then he won two point-to-points and then foot and mouth came along so we decided to run him under Rules. It might be still point-to-pointing now if it wasn’t for foot and mouth.”

Jewett, sporting a pair of ripped breeches, said: “He’s such a clever horse. Just up the run-in, I could hear the horses behind him but he picked up again and kept galloping.

“It was a brilliant experience and I was just worried early on as the horse likes to make it.”

Jewett, who comes from Carlisle, worked for Jonjo O’Neill before joining Nicky Richards and has now ridden 15 winners under Rules.

Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase
PLACED QUOTES RACE FOUR

GENERAL WOLFE

“We are absolutely delighted with him,” said owner Mark Gichero after veteran General Wolfe had beaten all but Divet Hill.

“This race has been the plan for him for two years, but unfortunately for one reason and another we could not get him qualified for the race last year.

“I know he is 14 years old, but he is still really enjoying life and when we tried to retire him he just hated the idea. He has not that many miles on the clock and for a long time he has run his best races when he is fresh.

“We had thought about pointing him, but felt that because of the way he does so well when he he is fresh that we would bring him here first time out.

“For one reason or another he has never had the best of luck at Aintree, but he has really run his heart out here, and I cannot give enough praise to the Dennis family in Cornwall. He really loves it down there and has so much enjoyed working on the beach at Bude where they live.

“I think we will keep him going for the moment and certainly while he is still enjoying things so much. There is a veterans’ three and a half mile chase at Cartmel in the summer and we could aim him for that.

“He has been my horse since I left the Winning Line (who used to own General Wolfe) and they very kindly gave him to me. It is marvellous to see him still showing so much enthusiasm and none of us could be happier with what he has done here.”

INJURIES AND GOING ASSESSMENTS OF THE GRAND NATIONAL COURSE

Sarah Phizacklea, the rider of Mullensgrove who unseated her at the third (the Chair fence), and Gordon Elliott, whose mount Sheltering fell at the third, have both been taken to Fazakerley Hospital.

Phizacklea has a suspected right collar-bone while Elliott is thought to have broken his right arm.

All of the horses are fine after the race.

David Mansell, who came fifth on Epsilo De La Ronce, was having his first ride over the big fences. He said: “The ground was a bit dead for my horse but he gave me a fantastic ride and it was a super effort. We got beaten a whisker for some prize money.”

Fred Hutsby, who led on Winter Whisper until being unseated at the Chair, declared: “It was my first ride in the race and he just never took off at the fence.”

After the Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase, the jockeys reported the ground on the Grand National course as being:

Evan Williams, rider of faller Dam The Breeze, said: “Good.”

Dale Jewett, rider of winner the winner Divet Hill, said: “It’s good ground.”

Sam Waley- Cohen, rider of the ninth Down, said: “Stunning beautiful ground.”

Phillip York, rider of the tenth Esprit De Cotte, said: “It’s fairly dead with good bits.”

Lucy Horner, rider of the eighth Folly Road, said: “There’s cut in it.”

Stuart Morris, rider of the sixth Gallant Glen, said: “Good, lovely ground.”

Tim Dennis, rider of General Wolfe, said: “Mainly good with the odd dead patch.”

Charlotte Tizzard, rider of the fourth Irbee, said: “Good to soft.”

Jamie Muir, rider of Laganside who was pulled up, said: “Softer than I thought it would be. My horse would have liked it firmer and didn’t really get into the race.”

Rowan Cope, rider of Private Pete who unseated him at the third, said: “Absolutely perfect, good ground.”

Grant Tuer, rider of Son Of Anshan who unseated him at the 13th, said: “I’d say that the ground is as described in the going description.”

Alex Michael, rider of the 11th The Dangler, said: “Good to soft.”

WINNING QUOTES RACE FIVE
EMBER INNS ANNIVERSARY FOUR-YEAR-OLD HURDLE

LE DUC SURVIVES INQUIRY

The 33-1 chance Le Duc turned round Cheltenham form with Spectroscope and Well Chief, who had been first and second when he was sixth in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival, with a tenacious success in the Ember Inns Anniversary Four-Year-Old Novices’ Hurdle.

But, having battled his way home with a head to spare, he then had to survive a lengthy stewards’ inquiry before being confirmed the winner.

Having landed in front over the final flight, Le Duc then hung to his right, even though Ruby Walsh had his whip in the right (and correct) hand, and tightened up Spectroscope, whose rider Barry Geraghty then had to switch.

Spectroscope then put his head in front for a stride or two, but Le Duc then rallied well and got in front near the line.

The winner, owned by that great racing enthusiast and race sponsor Andy Stewart, has been called some names by commentators during the season, but this has not worried his trainer Paul Nicholls

“It is just as case of him having been immature mentally and physically which has given some people the impression that he might not be genuine,” said Nicholls.

“I have been told that Timeform have given him a squiggle, but I have not bothered to look and I am sure that it is lack of experience which has given people that idea.

“Like all the horses that Anthony Bromley buys for me from France, the long term plan with all of them is chasing, and I am sure he will be a super two mile chaser next season.

“We might try him or some of my other four-year-olds over hurdles early next season to see how they get on, but I am sure that chasing will be Le Duc’s game at some stage and he will be very good at it. He ran a very good race at Cheltenham, when he did not get the best of runs though he would not have won, and he has just been growing up all the time.”

SPECTROSCOPE SO GAME IN DEFEAT

Spectroscope was unsuccessful in a stewards’ enquiry after fighting out a magnificent finish with the winner Le Duc, who prevailed by a neck, in today’s Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle.

Jacqui O’Neill, wife of trainer Jonjo O’Neill, who was not present at Aintree today as he was attending a successful appeal at the Jockey Club, said before the result of the enquiry had been announced: “I don’t know how it will go. I would like to see it again really. He’s a tough little horse though.”

Also before the result of the enquiry had been announced, Derek Smith, husband of Spectroscope’s owner Gay Smith, said: “I’m hopeful. Barry [jockey, Geraghty] thought the winner interfered with him but he’s going to say that isn’t he?

“He was giving Le Duc 4lb and the way that he’s run on a track which people didn’t think would suit him is great. He’s a game horse isn’t he?”

David Johnson, owner of Well Chief, who finished a further two and a half lengths adrift in third, was happy with his charge even in defeat.

“He ran a little bit flat and Cheltenham probably took a little out of him,” he opined. “He also lost a shoe which didn’t help and he’s been beaten by two better horses on the day.

“The first, second and sixth in the Triumph Hurdle finished in the first three here. I’m pleased with him and we’ll put him away for the season now.”

Result of an Appeal heard by the Jockey Club Appeal Board on Thursday 3rd April 2003
Appeal Board: Bruce Blair (Independent Chairman), Chris Collins and John Rose
Jonjo O'Neill

The Appeal Board of the Jockey Club, on 3rd April 2003, considered an appeal lodged by Jonjo O'Neill, the trainer of TOP OF THE LEFT, against the decision of the Disciplinary Panel on 13th February 2003, whereby,

(i) the Panel found that, in respect of his riding of TOP OF THE LEFT in the Sparkle Cleaning Service Novices Hurdle Race (Div II) at Exeter on 27th January 2003, Tom Siddall was in breach of Rule 158, in that he had made insufficient effort from the third last flight, it being the Panel's view that his explanation that the gelding was getting tired and so he let it come home in its own time was not an adequate reason for not making more effort.;

(ii) the Panel was not satisfied that O'Neill had given adequate instructions bearing in mind the horse's lengthy lay off and felt Siddall might have ridden differently had O'Neill given Instructions as to what to do if the horse got tired; that is either to pull up or ride out. Consequently it found O'Neill to be in breach of Rule 155(ii).

(iii) the Panel imposed a fine of Ł6,000 upon O'Neill, this being his third offence under Rule 155 during the previous twelve months ; and

(iv) the Panel suspended TOP OF THE LEFT from running for 30 days.

The Board:
(a) reviewed video recordings of the race;
(b) considered submissions made on O'Neill's behalf by his legal representative;
(c) and considered the submissions made on the Jockey Club's behalf by their legal representative.

Having done so, the Board concluded that the reasons given by the Disciplinary Panel for not being satisfied that O'Neill had given adequate instructions were insufficient.

The Board therefore upheld the appeal and quashed the fine of Ł6,000 and quashed the suspension of TOP OF THE LEFT from running for 30 days. It made no order as to costs and ordered the deposit money to be returned.

SIXTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE

FLAME BURNS BRIGHTLY FOR HEMMINGS

The green, yellow and white silks of locally-born owner Trevor Hemmings, set to be carried in the Martell Cognac Grand National by Chives, Southern Star and Goguenard, were carried to success 48 hours before the big event by the Henrietta Knight-trained Midland Flame.

“He’s always been a wonderful jumper and I think we’ve ridden him wrong before, he needs to go from the front,” said Knight.

“I always knew he could do something like this, he’s just never done it better. He’s lost his novice status for next season now, but I decided if he was going to do it he might as well do it here.”

Mick Meagher, racing manager to Hemmings, said: “We always knew we had a very good horse and the main thing is the ground. He is much better on good ground.

“He enjoyed himself today. We did try making the running at Leicester against Isio, he was second that day but I think that was no disgrace.

“Today was really the plan and I don’t think handicapping is going to be a problem.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, Meagher added: “I walked the course yesterday and they’ve done a wonderful job on the ground, It is firm in the centre of the course yet they’ve managed to get good ground.

“Chives should be fine on the ground as it is similar to Cheltenham, Southern Star loves this ground and it doesn’t matter what it’s like for Goguenard.”

FLYNN INJURED
Paul Flynn, who fell from Fait Le Jojo, has bruising to a leg and must pass the doctor before he is allowed to ride again.

WINNING QUOTES RACE SEVEN
ST AUSTELL BREWERY MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE

KELLY BREAKS AINTREE DUCK

Kieran Kelly, who opened his Cheltenham scorecard when Hardy Eustace won the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle last month, did the same at Aintree when Leinster, also trained by the jockey’s mentor Dessie Hughes, outran Crystal d’Ainay in the closing St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

“I have always been certain that he is a good horse, but we have had to wait for the ground with him,” said the trainer, “and if it had not come right for him we would have been happy for him to remain a maiden until next season.

“But now that he has won we shall take him to Punchestown and I would not worry about dropping him back to two miles there if that race looked the better one for him.

“With Back In Front going for the top races there, this means that the novices are there to have a go at, and as long as the ground is right we shall have a go at one of the novice hurdles there.

“People have been disappointed that he has not won his novice before now after having looked so good when he won his bumper last season, but it has simply been a question of waiting for the ground for him. He just cannot go in the heavy.”

CRYSTAL D’AINAY DELIGHTS CONNECTIONS

Despite going down by seven lengths to Leinster in today’s final contest, the formerly French trained Crystal D’Ainay delighted trainer Alan King and connections.

He said: “The winner was always travelling very well but he’s run smashing. He’s only a baby and this is just the seventh race of his life. I’m very, very pleased.”

The Saint Preuil gelding won a novices’ hurdle on his last outing at Uttoxeter, having won a chase in France last December.

“He’s already won over fences and he might have one more outing this season. It will be low key if anywhere.”

Asked about plans for next season, the Barbury Castle handler replied: “It’s very early days indeed but the Silver Trophy at Chepstow springs to mind.”

Jockey Robert “Chocolate” Thornton revealed that he did think he was going to win at one stage of the contest.

“I did think I might win when the favourite fell. However I was just in front for long enough and I could have done with a lead for a bit longer,” he explained.

“He ran well and for a fouryearold he ran a cracking race.”

Third placed Aine Dubh was a further 17 lengths adrift for Irish handler Kevin O’Donnell, who trains the six year old for father Kevin Senior.

“My father hasn’t been to Aintree for forty six years,” laughed the trainer. “This horse has been bought up by a foster mare as her mother [Deep Thyne] died when she was three days old. Her mother comes from the family of Mighty Mogul, who was a decent horse for David Nicholson.

“The season’s young yet and there’s a mares’ hurdle race in Ireland in a couple of weeks time.”

Aine Dubh landed a good touch for the trainer. He revealed that he had supported her with Ł200 for a place at 50/1.

FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm MARTELL COGNAC NISA TODAY’S HANDICAP HURDLE

Class A, Handicap Hurdle, Ł40,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3 1/2f. Miniumum weight 10st. Penalties: after March 22, a winner of a hurdle 4lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł23,200; 2nd: Ł8,800; 3rd: Ł4,400; 4th: Ł,2,000; 5th: Ł1,000; 6th: Ł600

1) CARLOVENT (Chris Basil & Rosie Batterham) Martin Pipe v8-10-11 Tony McCoy 16/1
2) ROSTROPOVICH (M A Kilduff) Mouse Morris IRE t6-10-12 Norman Williamson 16/1
3) KEEPATEM (J P McManus) Mouse Morris IRE 7-10-02 David Casey 8/1
4) FAIRWOOD HEART (Tom Stronge) Philip Rothwell IRE 6-10-00 Robin Power (5) 12/1
5) SPECTROMETER (Concertina Racing) Philip Hobbs 6-11-12 Richard Johnson
6) DO IT ON DANI (Alison Thorpe) Alison Thorpe 8-10-00 Seamus Durack
7 SILVER KNIGHT (C H Stevens ) Tim Easterby 5-10-00 David O'Meara
8) LITTLE SPORT (Andy Scott) Andy Scott 6-10-09 Timmy Murphy
9) CALLING BRAVE (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson 7-10-07 Ruby Walsh
10) GUARD DUTY (Neill Edwards & Malcolm Jones) Martin Pipe t6-10-03 Rodi Greene
11) YEOMAN'S POINT (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 7-11-02 Charlie Swan
12) MISS FARA (Christine Painting) Martin Pipe 8-9-09 Mr Jamie Moore (5)
13) INCHING CLOSER (Nicola Spence) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-10 Barry Geraghty 13/2F
14) SPRINGFIELD SCALLY (Anne Campbell-Aintree Racecourse) Steve Gollings 10-10-13 Graham Lee
15) BALLYSICYOS (Pamj Deal) Martin Pipe 8-10-10 Tom Scudamore
16) OLD ROUVEL (Mrs R D Cowell) Alan King 12-10-08 Robert Thornton
17) PROPER SQUIRE (The Icy Fire Partnership) Charlie Mann b6-9-13 David Crosse (3)
18) THARI (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE 6-11-01 Paul Carberry
19) VALERIO (Nicholas Cooper) Nicky Henderson 7-10-13 Mick Fitzgerald
BD7) PRIESTS BRIDGE (Geoffrey & Donna Keeys) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-10-02 Carl Llewellyn
BD7) TOO FORWARD (T L Gibson & D Mathias) Mark Pitman 7-11-01 Jim Culloty
F7) MAJESTIC (Patrick Kelly) Ian Williams tb6-10-09 Willie Worthington (7)

22 ran
Breeder:Haras des Coudraies Breeding: b g Cadoudal - Carlaya
Tote Win: Ł28.50 Places: Ł6.00; Ł3.50; Ł2.20; Ł2.90 Exacta: Ł383.10
Distances: 1 1/2, 1/2, 1 1/2, 4, 3 1/2, 1 1/4, 5, 9, 1 1/2, 4, 8, 15, 2 1/2, 1, dist, dist, 12, 3
Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate), Martell Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Handicap Hurdle (2001 & 2003 Carlovent) Cheltenham Festival wins: (30) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Thomas Pink Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), Whitbread Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno) Wins (1974/75-2001/02): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235 Number of horses in training (1984-2002): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140 Wins This Season: 183

Winning Jockey: Anthony Peter McCoy Date of Birth: 04/05/74 First Winner: Thurles, 26/03/92 (First winner in Britain: 07/09/94, Exeter, Chickabiddy) Apprenticeship: Four years with Jim Bolger.Cheltenham Festival Wins: (14) GRAND ANNUAL CHASE (1996 Kibreet, 1998 Edredon Bleu), IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve), SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE (1997 Make A Stand), TOTE GOLD CUP (1997 Mr Mulligan), CATHCART CHASE (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair) Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HURDLE (1998 Blowing Wind), GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1999 Hors La Loi III), THE MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP HCAP CHASE (1999 Majadou), QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (2000 Edredon Bleu), WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (2003 Liberman) Aintree Festival Wins: MUMM MELLING CHASE (Viking Flagship 1996), GLENLIVET ANNIVERSARY HURDLE (Zabadi 1996, Hors La Loi III 1999), BARTON & GUESTIER NOVICES’ HURDLE (1998 Fataliste), JOHN HUGHES TROPHY CHASE (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), MUMM MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE (1998 Boss Doyle), BELLE EPOQUE SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), MARTELL AINTREE HURDLE (1998 Pridwell), MARTELL COGNAC NISA HANDICAP HURDLE (1996 Top Spin, 2001 & 2003 Carlovent), CHIVAS REGAL NOVICES’ HCAP CHASE (1999 Royal Predica) Other major wins: SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL (1997 Belmont King), REHEARSAL CHASE (1996 Belmont King), THOMAS PINK GOLD CUP (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001Shooting Light), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1999 Cyfor Malta), TRIPLEPRINT GOLD CUP CHASE (1998 Northern Starlight), EXTRAMAN HENRY VIII NOVICES’ CHASE (1998 Dines), MILDMAY & CAZALET HCAP CHASE (1999 Eudipe), GROSVENOR CASINOS LONG DISTANCE HURDLE (1999 Galant Moss), SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Upgrade), FIRST NATIONAL GOLD CUP H’CAP CHASE (2000 Upgrade), LONG WALK HURDLE (2002 Deano’s Beeno) Winners 1994/5-2000/01:74,175, 189,253,186,245,191, 289 Wins this season:247

SECOND RACE RESULT
2.35pm MARTELL COGNAC CUP CHASE

Class A, Grade Two, Ł150,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m 1f. Weights: 5yo 10st 7lb; 6yo+ 11st 2lb. Penalties: after September 30, 2001, a winner of a Class C weight-for-age-chase or a Class B Handicap Chase 4lb; of a Class B weight-for-age chase or Class A handicap chase 6lb; of ma Class A weight-for-age chase 10lb (half penalties for wins achieved in novices’ chases in GB/Ireland). Allowances: mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł87,000; 2nd: Ł33,000; 3rd: Ł16,500; 4th: Ł,7,500; 5th: Ł3,750; 6th: Ł2,250

1) FIRST GOLD (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR b1 10-11-02 Thierry Doumen 14/1
2) LADY CRICKET (David Johnson) Martin Pipe b9-11-07 Tony McCoy 6/1
3) COMMANCHE COURT (Dermot Desmond) Ted Walsh IRE 10-11-06 Ruby Walsh 100/30
4) VALLEY HENRY (Paul Barber) Paul Nicholls 8-11-12 Barry Geraghty 11/8F
5) MARLBOROUGH (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson p11-11-12 Mick Fitzgerald
6) BARTON (Sir Stanley Clarke) Tim Easterby 10-11-07 Tony Dobbin
PU Bef 2 Out) MORE THAN A STROLL (Mrs D Grehan) Arthur Moore IRE t11-11-12 Conor O'Dwyer

7 ran
Breeder: Roger Chaignon Breeding: b g Shafoun - Nuit d’Or II
Tote Win: Ł12.80 Places: Ł3.80; Ł2.80 Exacta: Ł67.10
Distances: 14, 3/4, 14, 7, 20

Winning trainer: FRANCOIS DOUMEN Date Of Birth: 11/6/40. Date Of First Trainer’s Licence: 1977 Previous Occupation: Served apprenticeship (trainers) with father, Jean, who trained for James Hennessy at Maisons-Lafitte. Riding Career: Amateur 1956-70, rode more than 100 Flat winners including the Prix Georges Courtois, at Deauville in 1969/70. Big Race Wins Include: King George VI Chase (1987 Nupsala, 1991 & 1992 The Fellow, 1994 Algan, 2000 First Gold), Racing Post H’cap Chase (1995 Val d’Alene), Grande Steeplechase de Paris (1991 The Fellow, 1994 Ucello II, 1995 Ubu III), Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil (1992 & 1993 Ubu III), Prix Heros XII (1992 The Fellow, 1993 Ucello II), Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Feltham Novices’ Chase (1997 Djeddah), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1997 Djeddah), Wragge & Co Finesse Four-Year-Old Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Axminster 100 Kingwell Hurdle (2000 Hors La Loi III), Voice Newspaper Adonis Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Snow Drop), Long Walk Hurdle (2000 Baracouda, 2001 Baracouda), Capel Cure Sharp Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Ben Ewar), Martell Cup Chase (2001 & 2003 First Gold), The Glenlivet 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2001 Bilboa) Cheltenham Festival wins: (4) Tote Gold Cup (1994 The Fellow), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2000 Snow Drop), Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle (2002, 2003 Baracouda) Horses in Training (1999-2002): 83; 104; 102; 119 Number of Winners in Britain (1998/99-2001/02): 3; 5; 9; 9

Winning Jockey: Thierry Doumen Cheltenham Festival wins: (3) JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (2000 Snow Drop), BONUSPRINT STAYERS’ HURDLE (2002, 2003 Baracouda) Aintree Festival wins include: MARTELL CUP CHASE (2001 & 2003 First Gold), THE GLENLIVET 4-Y-O NOVICES’ HURDLE (2001 Bilboa) Big Race Wins: KING GEORGE VI CHASE (2000 First Gold), WRAGGE & CO CAPEL CURE SHARP NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Ben Ewar), LONG WALK HURDLE (2000, 2001 Baracouda), FINESSE FOUR-YEAR-OLD HURDLE (1999 Hors La Loi III), KINGWELL HURDLE (2000 Hors La Loi III) Other Details: Son of trainer Francois Doumen, to whom he is stable jockey. Turned professional on March 31, 1998. Number of Wins in Britain (1999/2000-2000/01): 4; 9

THIRD RACE RESULT
3.10pm MARTELL COGNAC SAFEWAY RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE

Class A, Showcase Handicap, Ł70,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Miniumum weight 10st. Penalties: after March 22, a winner of a chase 4lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł40,600; 2nd: Ł15,400; 3rd: Ł7,700; 4th: Ł,3,500; 5th: Ł1,750; 6th: Ł1,050
1) GOLDEN ALPHA (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 9-10-13 Tony McCoy 7/1
2) DARK'N SHARP (Ascot Five Plus One One) Richard Phillips 8-11-10 Richard Johnson 4/1F
3) RISK ACCESSOR (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 8-10-11 Seamus Durack 7/1
4) LOG ON INTERSKY (Interskyracing.com) Howard Johnson 7-10-02 Graham Lee 10/1
5) BATSWING (Ashley Carr) Brian Ellison 8-10-00 Timmy Murphy
6) HARVIS (Peter Richardson) Venetia Williams 8-10-03 Norman Williamson
7) LORD YORK (David Dunne) Ian Williams b11-10-08 David Dennis
8) LORD GREY (Barbara Marchant) Denis Kelly IRE 10-10-02 Paul Carberry
9) TURGEONEV (David Sills) Tim Easterby 8-11-04 Russ Garritty
10) GLENELLY GALE (F Bradley) Arthur Moore IRE 9-10-06 Conor O'Dwyer
11) ABALVINO (I M S Racing & Noel Cronin) Paul Webber t9-10-07 Tom Doyle
F5) HEAVENLY STRIDE (Eamonn O’Malley) Ginger McCain 7-10-00 Brian Harding
PU BEF 4 OUT) REGAL EXIT (Brian Buckley) Nicky Henderson 7-10-05 Mick Fitzgerald
PU BEF 2 OUT) BLEU SUPERBE (Peter Deal, Tony Hirschfield & J Tyndall) Venetia Williams 8-11-02 Brian Crowley
PU BEF 4 OUT) WAVE ROCK (Sterling Racing Syndicate) Philip Hobbs b8-10-09 Jim Culloty
PU BEF 3 OUT) ICHI BEAU (Fiona Butterly) Ferdy Murphy t9-10-11 Davy Russell

16 ran
Breeder: Sean Twomey Breeding: b g Alphabatim - Gina’s\Love
Tote Win: Ł6.20 Places: Ł1.70; Ł1.90; Ł1.80; Ł2.90 Exacta: Ł29.20
Distances: 10, 1 1/4, 6, 1/2, 15, 1, 11, 5, 8, 11

Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate), Martell Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Handicap Hurdle (2001 & 2003 Carlovent), Martell Red Rum Chase (2003 Golden Alpha) Cheltenham Festival wins: (30) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Thomas Pink Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), Whitbread Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno) Wins (1974/75-2001/02): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235 Number of horses in training (1984-2002): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140 Wins This Season: 184

Winning Jockey: Anthony Peter McCoy Date of Birth: 04/05/74 First Winner: Thurles, 26/03/92 (First winner in Britain: 07/09/94, Exeter, Chickabiddy) Apprenticeship: Four years with Jim Bolger.Cheltenham Festival Wins: (14) GRAND ANNUAL CHASE (1996 Kibreet, 1998 Edredon Bleu), IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve), SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE (1997 Make A Stand), TOTE GOLD CUP (1997 Mr Mulligan), CATHCART CHASE (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair) Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HURDLE (1998 Blowing Wind), GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1999 Hors La Loi III), THE MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP HCAP CHASE (1999 Majadou), QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (2000 Edredon Bleu), WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (2003 Liberman) Aintree Festival Wins: MUMM MELLING CHASE (Viking Flagship 1996), GLENLIVET ANNIVERSARY HURDLE (Zabadi 1996, Hors La Loi III 1999), BARTON & GUESTIER NOVICES’ HURDLE (1998 Fataliste), JOHN HUGHES TROPHY CHASE (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), MUMM MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE (1998 Boss Doyle), BELLE EPOQUE SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), MARTELL AINTREE HURDLE (1998 Pridwell), MARTELL COGNAC NISA HANDICAP HURDLE (1996 Top Spin, 2001 & 2003 Carlovent), CHIVAS REGAL NOVICES’ HCAP CHASE (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Red Rum Chase (2003 Golden Alpha) Other major wins: SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL (1997 Belmont King), REHEARSAL CHASE (1996 Belmont King), THOMAS PINK GOLD CUP (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001Shooting Light), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1999 Cyfor Malta), TRIPLEPRINT GOLD CUP CHASE (1998 Northern Starlight), EXTRAMAN HENRY VIII NOVICES’ CHASE (1998 Dines), MILDMAY & CAZALET HCAP CHASE (1999 Eudipe), GROSVENOR CASINOS LONG DISTANCE HURDLE (1999 Galant Moss), SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Upgrade), FIRST NATIONAL GOLD CUP H’CAP CHASE (2000 Upgrade), LONG WALK HURDLE (2002 Deano’s Beeno) Winners 1994/5-2000/01:74,175, 189,253,186,245,191, 289 Wins this season:248

FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.45pm MARTELL COGNAC GOLDEN CROSS INN FOX HUNTERS’ CHASE

Class A, Showcase Handicap, Ł35,000 Added. For 6yo+, which hold a valid Hunters’ certificate issued during the current season by any recognised Hunt and which, between January 1, 2001 and March 28, 2003 (inclusive), have won either a chase or an open point to point (gentlemen/ladies/mixed) in GB/Ireland. Weights: 12st. Allowances: mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł24,375; 2nd: Ł7,500; 3rd: Ł3,750; 4th: Ł1,875

1) DIVET HILL (Ian Hamilton) Ann Hamilton 9-12-00 Mr Dale Jewett 11/2
2) GENERAL WOLFE (Mark Gichero) Tim Dennis 14-12-00 Mr Tim Dennis 16/1
3) I'M THE MAN (Marco Syndicate) Mrs S Shirley-Beavan 12-12-00 Mr J Cookson 66/1
4) IRBEE (Bunty Millard) Paul Nicholls b11-12-00 Miss Charlotte Tizzard
5) EPSILO DE LA RONCE (Steve Flook) Steve Flook 11-12-00 Mr David Mansell
6) GALLANT GLEN (Derek Harding-Jones) Perry Harding-Jones 10-12-00 Mr Stuart Morris
8) FOLLY ROAD (Lucy Horner) Dai Williams 13-12-00 Miss Lucy Horner
9) DOWN (Robert Waley-Cohen) Robert Waley-Cohen 12-12-00 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
10) ESPRIT DE COTTE (Mrs J M Newsome & Mrs A A Gurney) R Gurney 11-12-00 Mr Phillip York
11) THE DANGLER (Capt Alex Mitchell) Laura Young 10-12-00 Capt Alex Mitchell
BD13) SPOT THEDIFFERENCE (J P McManus) Enda Bolger IRE 10-12-00 Mr J T McNamara
F13) DAM THE BREEZE (Kevin Glastonbury) Evan Williams 10-12-00 Mr Evan Williams
F3) FAMILY BUSINESS (Caroline Donnan & P J Finn) David Pipe b1 7-12-00 Mr Harry Fowler
F3) SHELTERING (Adair Catherwood) Edward O'Grady IRE 11-12-00 Mr Gordon Elliot 9/2F
PU BEF 2 OUT) LAGANSIDE (Jamie Muir) Jamie Muir 10-12-00 Mr Jamie Muir
UR10) BITOFAMIXUP (Mike Roberts) Mike Roberts t12-12-00 Mrs Jenny Gordon
UR13) SON OF ANSHAN (Grant Tuer) Grant Tuer t10-12-00 Mr Grant Tuer
UR3) PRIVATE PETE (Sir Michael Connell) Lady Connell 10-12-00 Mr Rowan Cope
UR3) MULLENSGROVE (David Lowe) David Lowe 9-12-00 Miss Sarah Phizacklea
UR3) MASTER WOOD (Chris Grant) Chris Grant 12-12-00 Mr Tom Greenall
UR3) WINTER WHISPER (Susan Busby) Susan Busby t8-12-00 Mr Fred Hutsby

21 ran
Hunt: Tynedale Breeding: b g Milieu - Bargello’s Lady
Tote Win: Ł6.50 Places: Ł2.40; Ł4.90; Ł7.50 Exacta: Ł133.50
Distances: 11, nk, 2, 1/2, 13, 6, 6, 2, dist, dist

Winning Trainer: Ann Hamilton Aintree Festival Wins: Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase (2003 Divet Hill)

Winning Jockey: Mr Dale Jewett Aintree Festival Wins: Martell Cognac Golden Cross Inn Fox Hunters’ Chase (2003 Divet Hill)

FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.20pm EMBER INNS ANNIVERSARY 4YO NOVICES’ HURDLE

Class A, Grade Two, Ł110,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo , 3m 1/2f. Weights: 11st. Penalties: a winner of a class A hurdle 4lb. Allowances: fillies 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł63,800; 2nd: Ł24,200; 3rd: Ł12,100; 4th: Ł5,500; 5th: Ł2,750; 6th: Ł1,650

1) LE DUC (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh 33/1
2) SPECTROSCOPE (Gay Smith) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-04 Barry Geraghty 8/1
3) WELL CHIEF (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 4-11-04 Tony McCoy 2/1F
4) STARZAAN (Ben Arbib) Hughie Morrison 4-11-00 Mark Bradburne
5) HARCHIBALD (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE t4-11-00 Paul Carberry
6) MUGHAS (B Winfield, A Longman, C Fenton & P McAdam) A King 4-11-00 Robert Thornton
7 MONEYTRAIN (Tina Hamann) Christian Von Der Recke GER 4-11-04 Norman Williamson
8) ALLUDE (Abbott Racing Limited) Charlie Mann 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy
9) KING SOLOMON (Seasons Holidays) Venetia Williams 4-11-00 Brian Crowley
10) MISTANOORA (A M J Duggan) Nigel Twiston-Davies b4-11-00 Robert Biddlecombe
11) DO L'ENFANT D'EAU (Terry Warner) Philip Hobbs 4-11-00 Richard Johnson
12) LEWIS ISLAND (Mr & Mrd Peter Orton) Nigel Twiston-Davies 4-11-00 Carl Llewellyn
13) STATIM (Sanguine Syndicate) Michael O'Brien IRE 4-10-09 David Casey
14) KEN'S DREAM (Michael Underwood) Alex Embiricos 4-11-00 Sean Fox
15) BRIGADIER DU BOIS (Hebomapa) Lucy Wadham 4-11-00 Leighton Aspell
PU) RYDERS STORM (Ryder Racing Ltd) Tom George 4-11-00 Jason Maguire
PU) FAR PAVILIONS (David Abell) Alan Swinbank 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald
PU) TURBO (Peter Richardson) Venetia Williams b1 4-11-00 Norman Williamson
PU) GABOR (Leydens Farm Stud) Gary Moore 4-11-00 Philip Hide

19 ran
Breeder: Haras du Reuilly & Gerard Ben Lassin Breeding: b g Villez - Beberova
Tote Win: Ł42.50 Places: Ł6.80; Ł3.00; Ł1.70 Exacta: Ł350.30
Distances: hd, 2 1/2, 1 1/4, 5, 8, 3, sh, 1 1/4, 18, 3, 3, 14, dist, 6

Winning trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Wins (1992/3-2001/02): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136 Horses in training (1997-2002): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105 Aintree Festival wins: Calling Wild (1998 Chivas Regal Amateur Novices’ Chase), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk), Martell Cup Chase (2000 See More Business), Martell Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), Martell Foxhunters (2002 Torduff Express), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc) Other big race wins: Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Valley Henry), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy), Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Hoechst Roussel Vet Panacur ebf Mares’ NH Final (1999 Flagship Therese), Michael Page Group Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop) William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba and 1999 Flagship Uberalles), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), Extraman Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (1998 Dines), Betterware Cup Handicap Chase (1998 Torduff Express), Mermaid Quay Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (1998 Irbee), King George VI Chase (1997 See More Business), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Jim Ford Chase (1994 See More Indians, 1999 Double Thriller, 2002 See More Business), attheraces Gold Cup (2001 Ad Hoc) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (4) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business) Wins This Season: 128

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop Aintree Festival wins: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) (His first National ride); MARTELL MELLING CHASE (2001 Fadalko), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc) Other Big Race Wins: HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2001/02): 1; 1; 5; 13 Wins This Season: 20 (2nd success of The Open 2002) Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls. Wins This Season (In GB): 63

SIXTH RACE RESULT
4.55pm MARTELL COGNAC NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE

Class B, Ł35,000 Added. For 5yo +, 2m 4f. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after March 22, a winner of a chase 6lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł24,895; 2nd: Ł7,660; 3rd: Ł3,830; 4th: Ł1,915

1) MIDLAND FLAME (Trevor Hemmings) Henrietta Knight 8-10-09 Jim Culloty 14/1
2) BOLD INVESTOR (Mrs A R Thompson) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-12 Barry Geraghty 12/1
3) INDALO (ROA Arkle Partnership) Venetia Williams 8-10-13 Brian Crowley 20/1
4) MONTREAL (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-11 Tony McCoy 7/2F
5) ROYAL BELUGA (M R C Opperman) Tom George 6-10-00 Jimmy McCarthy
6) WINCHESTER (Mr & Mrs K Hughes) Kevin Ryan 8-10-09 Graham Lee
7) CAPE STORMER (Toni Tipper) Paul Nicholls 8-10-11 Ruby Walsh
8) LAUDERDALE (Kelso Members Lowflyers Club) Lucianda Russell 7-9-11 Paul Robson (3)
9) JAYBEJAY (Lady Clarke) Martin Pipe 8-11-06 Tom Scudamore
F2) FAIT LE JOJO (Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited) Philip Hobbs 6-11-07 Paul Flynn
F4) NIGHT FIGHTER (Norman Mason) Richard Guest tp8-9-09 Mr Larry McGrath (5)
F8) KOCK DE LA VESVRE (O P Dakin) Venetia Williams 5-10-12 Richard Johnson
PU BEF 7) IRIS ROYAL (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson 7-11-05 Mick Fitzgerald
PU BEF 2 OUT) FIREBALL MACNAMARA (J C Hitchins) Mark Pitman 7-10-10 Timmy Murphy
UR 2 OUT) HUNTERS TWEED (Trevor Hemmings) Peter Beaumont 7-10-12 Russ Garritty
UR1) AVALANCHE (The Downhill Partnership) John Best 6-11-00 Mark Bradburne

16 ran
Breeder: Tom & Brian Groarke Breeding: b g Un Desperado - Lathanona
Tote Win: Ł20.30 Places: Ł3.70; Ł2.90; Ł4.90; Ł2.00 Exacta: Ł123.80
Distances: 2 1/2, 8, 8, 3/4, hd, 14, 2 1/2, 4

Winning trainer: HENRIETTA KNIGHT Date of birth: 15/12/46 Trains at West Lockinge Farm, Wantage Previous occupation: Ran successful livery yard breaking in horses for Nicky Henderson, Michael Dickinson, Oliver Sherwood and Tim Forster Date of first trainers licence: July 1989 First winner: The Grey Gunner (Bangor, 18/8/89) Cheltenham Festival winners: (6) Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle (1997 Karshi), Grand Annual Chase (1998 Edredon Bleu), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2000 Edredon Bleu), Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Chase (2000 Lord Noelie), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (2002, 2003 Best Mate) Aintree Festival Wins: Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Best Mate), Martell Cognac Novices’ Handicap Chase (2003 Midland Flame) Other major wins: Peterborough Chase (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Edredon Bleu), Felttham Novices’ Chase (2001 Maximize), Tote Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2000 Heart), Championship Chase (2001 Edredon Bleu), Haldon Gold Cup (2001 Best Mate), Scilly Isles Novice Chase (2001 Best Mate) Wins (1990/91-2001/02): 24; 14; 37; 25; 44; 59; 47; 42; 32; 40; 39; 48 Number of Horses in training (1990-2002): 36; 45; 42; 36; 43; 47; 64, 69, 68, 57, 55, 75, 92 Other details: Finished 12th at 1973 Badminton Horse Trials; was judge at 1987 Burghley three-day event; has a Bachelor of Education (Oxford) degree in History & Biology, former teacher Wins This Season: 37

Winning Jockey: James Hugh Culloty Born: December 18, 1973 Racing Weight: 10st Cheltenham Festival Wins: (3) ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Lord Noelie), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (2002, 2003 Best Mate) Big Race Wins: PETERBOROUGH CHASE (1998, 1999 and 2000 Edredon Bleu, 2002 Best Mate), NOVEMBER NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Best Mate), SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE (2001 Best Mate), HALDON GOLD CUP (2001 Best Mate), MARTELL MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Best Mate), Martell Cognac Novices’ Handicap Chase (2003 Midland Flame) Number of Wins (1995/96-2001/02): 40; 32; 31; 34; 42; 43; 51 Wins This Season: 51

SEVENTH RACE RESULT
5.30pm ST AUSTELL BREWERY MERSEY NOVICES’ HUURDLE

Class A, Grade Two, Ł50,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m 4f. Weights: 4yo 10st 7lb; 5yo+ 11st. Penalties: a winner of a Class C hurdle 3lb; of a Class B hurdle 5lb; of a Class A hurdle 8lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties: after March 22, a winner of a chase 6lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł29,000; 2nd: Ł11,000; 3rd: Ł5,500; 4th: Ł2,500; 5th: Ł1,250; 6th: Ł750

1) LEINSTER (Cathal Ryan) Dessie Hughes IRE 6-11-00 Kieren Kelly 12/1
2) CRYSTAL D'AINAY (Jeni Fisher) Alan King 4-10-07 Robert Thornton 14/1
3) AINE DUBH (Kevin O’Donnell) Kevin O’Donnell IRE 6-10-09 Charlie Swan 66/1
4) SKIBB (Ann Daly) Mouse Morris IRE 6-11-03 David Casey
5) NEGRESKO (J Bertram de Balanda) Martin Pipe v4-10-10 Rodi Greene
6) FRIEND'S AMIGO (Absent Friends Syndicate) Pat Doyle IRE 6-11-03 Ruby Walsh
7) EURO BLEU (Hebomapa) Lucy Wadham 5-11-03 Leighton Aspell
8) NATIVE DESIGN (Fiona O’Connor) Michael O'Connor IRE t6-10-09 Conor O'Dwyer
F 3 OUT) COOLNAGORNA (Gay Smith) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-08 Barry Gergahty 11/10F
F 2 OUT) SILVER CHARMER (John Bull) Stuart Howe 4-10-02 Rodney Farrant
PU BEF 3 OUT) JULIES BOY (R P Foden) Tom George 6-11-00 Jason Maguire
PU BEF 3 OUT) INCA TRAIL (Philip Myerscough) Henrietta Knight 7-11-00 Jim Culloty
PU BEF 3 OUT) KORELO (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-05 Tony McCoy
PU BEF 3 OUT) PUNTAL (Terry Neill) Martin Pipe 7-11-08 Richard Johnson
PU BEF 3 OUT) SH BOOM (T G K Construction Ltd) Jonjo O'Neill 5-11-00 Graham Lee

16 ran
Breeder:B Corscadden Breeding: br g Supreme Leader - Jennycomequick
Tote Win: Ł17.50 Places: Ł3.10; Ł3.30; Ł7.90 Exacta: Ł237.70
Distances: 7, 17, 25, 8, 2 1/2, 12, 12

Winning Jockey: Kieran Anthony Kelly Big Race Wins: Isuzu Chase (2000 Rathbawn Prince), St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Leinster) Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Royal & SunAlliance Novicews’ Hurdle (2003 Hardy Eustace)

Winning Trainer: DESSIE HUGHES Born: October 10, 1943 Based: Osborne Lodge, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland Horses in Training (1996-2002): 32; 26; 41; 31; 41; 46; 52 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (12) Capel Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1982 Miller Hill), Royal & SunAlliiance Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Hardy Eustace) Other Big Race Wins: Isuzu Chase (2000 Rathbawn Prince), St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Leinster) Date of First Trainer’s Licence: 1979. Previously leading National Hunt rider.

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