Live news from St Patrick's Thursday

RACE 7 RESULTS   

5.30pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (Sponsored By JRL Group) 3m2f

1. Angels Dawn 10-1
2. Stumptown 7-2 Fav
3. Mr Incredible 4-1
4. Dunboyne 8-1

 

23 ran
Distances: nk, 5½, 7½
Time: 6m 52.09s

 

1st winner at The Festival for jockey Mr Pat King
1st winner at The Festival for trainer Sam Curling

 

Racing TV quotes

Patrick King told Racing TV: “It’s unbelievable. I didn’t think I would ever feel it. It’s my first ride here at the Festival. I’ve ridden a winner here at the October meeting, but to ride this for Sam. I work for Sam and he has been a big part of my career recently and I’m just delighted I could win.
“I was probably nearly at the end of riding because things had got very quiet for me. I joined Sam and since then, I’ve not looked back. He’s been a big part of it.
“I’ve known Sam a long time. He’s actually married to my first cousin. He’s not far away from me. I’d not really been doing much and rang him by chance one day. He said, ‘come in – there will be a chance here for you’. I never looked back.
“He just told me to jump off in the first half, get a nice position. The mistake she made was my fault. He told me not to throw her at fences, and I did! He had her well prepared today. I thought from a long way out it was going very well. I switched her wide four out, she just got travelling a bit too much. I wasn’t supposed to be in front before the last, but it worked out.
“She had an unfortunate mistake two out the last day, which probably saved her for today. All things have a silver lining. It was a good horse in front of her that day, so we did think she had a big chance today.”

 

Winning quotes 

Sam Curling, trainer: “It was brilliant. She was unlucky the last day in the race at Punchestown. She has always promised a lot and it is unbelievable for a small team like ours. We only have six horses for the track I’d say as we are nearly all point-to-pointers. We buy and sell a lot of horses and we sold Marine Nationale as that is our game. Alfie (Sweetnam, owner) could have sold her a few times along the way but he didn’t and he kept the faith. She jumps well and she loves that bit of extra distance. Him (Pat King) and Derek O’Connor ride all the point-to-pointers and I’m delighted for him to get a big winner. We didn’t know which way it was going to go but she is tough. You get as big of a buzz watching the horses go on and win for someone else. Once the rain came I was very confident. If she had won the last day she would have gone up in the weights but she didn’t. It looks that way now (that the last race was a blessing in disguise). She is in the Irish Grand National but I would say she wouldn’t get into that, but I’ve not looked much passed today. She could be one for the Grand National in the future as she will race on.”

 

Pat King: “Unbelievable! I thought I would never feel it. That’s my first Festival ride. I’ve won at the October meeting, but I have never ridden here. Sam has played a big part in my career recently and I’m delighted for him. I was probably nearly at the end of riding because things had got very quiet for me, and I joined Sam and since then things have started up again. I’ve known him a long time - he’s married to my first cousin, but I knew him before that. He’s not far away from me; I hadn’t really been doing much, and I rang him one day and he said, look, come in, and if it works there’ll be a chance for you.
“He told me just to jump off in the first half and get a nice position. The mistake she made was my fault - he told me not to throw her at her fences and I did - but he had her well-prepared for today. I knew from a long way out she was going very well. I switched her wide four out and she got travelling a bit too much - I wasn’t supposed to be in front before the last, but all’s well that ends well. He had her spot-on for today. We did think she had a big chance today. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

 

Other quotes

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of second placed Stumptown: "He ran a blinder and jumped really well throughout. Barry (O'Neill, jockey) has given him a fantastic ride as he had him in all the right places throughout the race but we bumped into one and that's racing especially at Cheltenham. He has had a real race there and we will wait and see how he comes out of it before we think about what's left of the season"

 

Barry O’Neill, rider of the runner-up Stumptown (7-2 Favourite), said: “I got a great run around and jumped very well. Angels Dawn just travelled better than me, I thought I had enough to get him at the back of the last but on the day he’s just had a bit more. It was a great run and I’d imagine he’d go for the Irish National now.”

 

Patrick Mullins, rider of the third-placed Mr Incredible (4-1), said: “We were too far back. He’s always a bit slow to start and then he got tapped for speed down the hill and stayed on. He’s ideal for the Grand National, he’s got a lovely weight there and the extra trip will suit him well.”

RACE 6 RESULTS

4.50pm Jack De Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 1f
1. You Wear It Well 16-1
2. Magical Zoe 15-2
9. Halka Du Tabert 12-1

 

21 ran
Distances: 2¾, hd
Time: 4m 6.70s (slow by 9.70s)

 

3rd winner at The Festival for jockey Gavin Sheehan
2nd winner at The Festival for trainer Jamie Snowden

 

ITV quotes

Sir Chips Keswick told Racing TV: “I was away last time, so it’s wonderful 10 years later. I’m thrilled.
“I think she is [very special], but don’t pat her – she will bite you! She’s lovely, but she bites. Jamie and I are very close and we will never discuss the result beforehand.
“Gavin rides them all, which makes it fun – when he falls off, we both laugh.”

 

Winning quotes

Gavin Sheehan: “I love her. She winged the first and she actually tanked for the first furlong and a half and then I thought something else was going to come with me. The plan was go forward, and I was kind of hoping something else would go forward, as she did prick her ears the last time I rode her, but it was just poetry in motion. That was a long race from the winning line turning in and I was like something is going to do me but she was brilliant. It is massive for the team. She is brilliant and is just a diamond. Katie who rides here out at home has I promise you done a brilliant job as she is not easy at home. Schooling her is a bit of a nightmare as she will rear up and do anything. When you take her to jump her hurdles she is just class because she just focuses on her job. Jamie has done a brilliant job and I’m delighted to get one for Chips as he is a massive supporter of Jamie and myself and he is just the nicest man. As soon as I went past the winning line I was getting that cold sweat feeling. I did really fancy her. 

“It was just one of those who I was very confident about beforehand. Datsalrightgino we still had concerns about the ground and would he handle it. I had three runners to fire this year and they were all today and getting one out of the three to go in is massive to get it done. 

“She is very talented. I didn’t want her to run the last day. I wanted her to come here fresh but Jamie thought she is a hardy type and she gives her all. You have probably seen the best of her until two out but if something else would have come to me she would have gone on again. I wanted a fresh horse but she went down the Love Envoi route. I wouldn’t mind having a crack at the Grade One at Fairyhouse next. 

“She has won over two and half last time. Chips and Jamie were having the discussion and Chips said he would love to win the Albert Bartlett but I just thought she has enough speed and he said right you ride her and Jamie trains her so I will shut up!”

 

Jamie Snowden: “It’s Cheltenham, isn’t it? It’s wonderful. We had a winner here very early in our career in these colours, and you forget how hard it is to win here. It’s the pinnacle of the pinnacle. She’s a very smart mare, and to do that with a penalty as well - it’s a Grade Two and she carried a penalty in that, so it’s wonderful.
“She’s a proper jumper, a lovely mare and I’m just delighted for Chips [Keswick]. He and Sarah have been such a large part of it.
“Gavin has given her a wonderful ride. She’s a proper stayer at that trip. She’s jumped out, the rain has helped her. She jumped great. I’m just so delighted that Chips is here. He wasn’t here when Present View won - Arsenal were playing Bayern Munich in Germany - so it is great he’s here this time.
“Obviously Chips loves his chasing and she jumps great. But we’ve followed the Love Envoy route so far; Honeysuckle is obviously retiring… She will jump a fence in time, but we’ll enjoy today and work out tomorrow, tomorrow.”

Sir Chips Keswick, owner: “I was away last time (when Present View won) so it is great to be here 10 years later. I’m thrilled. I had to go see Arsenal (who was chairman of at the time) against Bayern Munich and they beat us 4-1. I think she is very special. Jamie and i are very close and we never discuss the result beforehand. I was thinking come on you beauty. I can’t believe it really. I have a few horses but she is the nicest. I hope Arsenal will win the league this year and I think they might just get there. If Arsenal win the league after having a winner at the Cheltenham Festival that might just be an overflowing cup! I retired when I was 80 from the board which was three years ago and I think when you leave you leave and you shouldn’t hang around, but rest assured I watch them every time on television.”

RACE 5 RESULTS

4.50pm Magners Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m 4½f
1. Seddon 20-1
2. Fugitif 11-1
3. Shakem Up'Arry 16-1
4. Gevrey 125-1

 

23 ran
Distances: 2, 3¼
Time: 5m 16.60s

 

1st winner at The Festival for jockey Ben Harvey
1st winner at The Festival for trainer John McConnell

 

ITV quotes

Derek McGeehan, from the Galaxy Syndicate, told ITV Racing: “It’s unbelievable, it’s a great thrill. It’s all down to John McConnell and Ben Harvey and Amy. They’ve done a great job on the horse. We are so proud of him. We’ve been coming here since 1996 a lot of us as fans, this is only our second runner at Cheltenham, and we’ve won both races.”

 

Max McNeill, who sold the horse, told ITV Racing: “First of all, I’m really pleased for the boys. This horse was named after my mum. I bought him the week that my mum died and she’s looking down somewhere saying, ‘you silly sod!’. I’m really pleased for the boys as we need to get more people and syndicates into racing.”

 

John McConnell told ITV Racing: “I don’t know what to say. He’s the horse of a lifetime. Top rider. Top work rider Amy, who rides him every day, all the lads at home… it’s all down to them, I don’t do anything! I’m just a chancer, that’s all I am. He’s some horse. And the most beautiful, kindest horse you could ever imagine, which adds into it. We haven’t done any procedures, nothing. He’s just a happy horse. He loves being a racehorse. When people go on about horseracing and welfare, this horse loves being a racehorse. He would lay down for you. He’s just an amazing horse. With Ben on board, it’s like robbing 5lb. It’s unbelievable.”

 

Ben Harvey told ITV Racing: “It was very straightforward really. He jumped and travelled. I just had to enjoy it. He picked up between the second last and the last and hit the line really well. I couldn’t believe how well I was travelling. It was unbelievable. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in, but it’s very special – a dream come true. It’s really a dream come true.”

 

Winning quotes

John McConnell, trainer: “Everything went great and he jumped great. I was just hoping he got up the hill. He actually found and he went away from the back of the last. What a performance. He was a very good horse in his youth. I don’t know why he has come back to life as we haven’t done anything special but he loves being a racehorse and he loves galloping. He is a horse that would do anything for you. I’m delighted for him and the owners. They are a small bunch of people that just love racing. I’m delighted for Amy who looks after him and Ben, who is going to be a top jockey, but I am just delighted for the whole team. After he won at Leopardstown we knew he was as good over fences as he was hurdles. He was in the Coral Cup, this and the Martin Pipe and we just felt there were less plots in this race than the Coral Cup or Martin Pipe as you have to nearly be a Gold Cup horse to win the Martin Pipe. We were always leaning towards it then we were crying on Wednesday with all the rain but he obviously handles ease in the ground. He is just an amazing horse. He is the biggest character going. It was a deep race but I thought he was over priced at 20-1. It means everything as I have been dreaming of this since I was five. I always knew I was going to be too heavy to be a jockey so from an early age I knew I was going to be a trainer if I was going to do anything. My folks at home will be on the floor. Tuesday was a bad day as we probably should have won the National Hunt Chase with Mahler Mission but it didn’t come through and those 10 seconds afterwards everything goes through your mind that you are not going to have a winner at Cheltenham but for this to come so soon after is breath taking.
“I love winning but I’m in it for the horses and the people. It is just great. It is like the greatest robbery of all time Ben with five pounds. He is going to lose that very quickly unfortunately for me. He is going to be a top jockey in years to come. His intelligence, he can see a stride from a mile away and he has a clock in his head. I hate bigging him up as I’m afraid I will lose him but he deserves it. The owners have had flat horses but this is their first jump horse. They are nice guys and leave it all to me.”

 

Ben Harvey: “Class! That’s the only way to describe it. I had a dream run and I can’t believe it. I jumped off exactly where I wanted to be, winged the first which left me in the position I wanted to be. I was a little bit worried about Coole Cody jumping right; I had a job getting settled back just to try and stop Coole Cody interfering with me. Then I came down the hill and was just resisting the urges of kicking too soon and holding on to him as long as I could. He picked up again up the hill and he hit the line really well. He was brilliant.
“John has been a huge part of my career and I am so lucky to have ridden his first Festival winner and mine, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me. He’s a genius.
“My family would have always been into horses, and my grandfather trained and my Dad rode a little bit, and we’d keep a few horses at home. John is my local trainer - he’s only 10 minutes from me, so I’ve been with him since I was 14, and I can’t thank him enough. I’ve had great support from my whole family, who have driven me all over the country to get me here today, and I can’t thank them enough. This is what I have been dreaming of my whole life, and I can’t quite believe it has happened.”

 

Other quotes

Richard Hobson, trainer of runner up Fugitif: "He has run a blinder but could have done with the ground being a bit softer. It all depends how he comes out of this race but the two options that spring to mind are Aintree or a trip to France as there are plenty of Graded contests at Auteuil at this time of year."

 

Ben Pauling, trainer of third home Shakem Up'Harry: "He has run at Cheltenham twice and both times have seen him flatten out in the last 200 yards or so. He just does not seem to get home at this trip at this course."

RACE 4 RESULTS

3.30pm Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m

1. Sire Du Berlais 33-1
2. Teahupoo 9-4F
3. Dashel Drasher 40-1   

 

11 ran
Distances: nse, ¾, 2¾
Time: 5m 54.38s

 

8th winner at The Festival for jockey Mark Walsh
37th winner at The Festival for trainer Henry de Bromhead
71st win at The Festival for owner JP McManus

 

BHA stewards' enquiry in Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

BHA’s Shaun Parker following the stewards’ enquiry in the Stayers’ Hurdle, told ITV Racing: “On the approach to the last race, we just took the line that Mr Russell was coming in to the final hurdle at the third panel. It was obvious the movement to the left by Dashel Drasher, Rex Dingle’s mount, approaching the jump and having jumped it to the left, resulted in Mr Russell actually ending up taking that jump at the fifth panel. We just felt that ground that he was taken off his intended line at that crucial stage in the race and made the difference considering, on the run to the line, he has finished under a wet sail and beaten by a rapidly diminishing short head. We felt that based on what happened at that final hurdle, that the result was to amend the result.

“We have to make the decision based on what we see in the video. So in that respect, we were comfortable in terms of the decision we made that we have made the right decision. Obviously it’s not ideal in any race to change the result, but we had to make that call."

On whether he would be comfortable with the stewards’ reasoning being shown live, rather than just the jockeys’ (as is the current case), he said: “Every single placings enquiry on these race days are available, they are recorded, they do go out to the general public. In terms of the deliberations, I think it’s the same as in any court of law – where you have these private deliberations… no it’s not [a court] I’m just saying that generally the deliberation phase of all those are in private where the panel can vent their opinions quite freely and I think that’s probably the right way to go.”

 

ITV quotes

Mark Walsh told ITV Racing: “It was a bit of a rush to get back, but thankfully I did with the help of all the surgeons, doctors, Jennifer Pugh, Adrian McGoldrick, physio John Butler. They patched me back together to make this week and I’m delighted.

“I fractured a vertebrae in my neck at the Dublin Racing Festival. It healed quick, so I’m back.

“[Sire Du Berlais] just loves it. They went a right gallop. He travelled great the whole way. Just down to this second last they were just creeping and I had to work at him. He needs a bit of encouragement, but once he got to the hill, he stuck his head down and galloped.”

On whether the ground gives him hope for Minella Indo in the Gold Cup, he said: “Definitely he’s another horse that loves it here, so I’m looking forward to him.”

Elice Elliott, leading up, told ITV Racing: “[Sire Du Berlais] is as hard as nails and I’m just delighted for him. Mark is brilliant. He’s travelled the whole way really well, so I’m just delighted.”

 

JJ Slevin (jockey, Home By The Lee): “He’s run well, made a bad mistake with a round to go, but he’s run well.”

 

Danny Mullins (jockey, Flooring Porter): “Great run. Back to somewhere near his peak. The winner is a deserving horse.”

 

Aidan Coleman (jockey, Paisley Park): “He felt great. He probably just doesn’t have the legs now for the bottom of the hill, where in days gone by he would attack it and run up. He just stayed on the one pace today. He’s 11, isn’t he?”

 

Rex Dingle (jockey, Dashel Drasher): “It’s just him all over, isn’t it? He ran his heart out. What can I say – that’s Dashel Drasher, heart on his sleeve.”

 

Winning quotes

Mark Walsh: “He is brilliant and he loves this place. He never knows when he is beaten. A good gallop suited and he travelled great for him as he usually he can be on and off the bridle but he travelled great and jumped great. He was the same when ran at Aintree last season as he didn’t have a great run here before winning the Grade One but Gordon had him spot on today so all credit to him. He loves it around here and he is a joy to ride so it is brilliant to win on him. It wasn’t until I went by the horse in front of me up the hill that I thought I had it won but he has really stuck his head down up the hill and galloped all the way to the line. He is a hardy little horse. I don’t know what it is about here but he always seems to run a good race around here. They always say horses for courses and he loves it here and it is great to get a big one on him today. I’m delighted he was able to be here and take part in this and win it. It is great to get another big one at the Festival.”

 

J P McManus: “I thought he ran well at Navan the last day as he was giving a lot of weight away and I thought he was running on well at the end and I thought he deserved to take his chance. I’ve not had too many 33-1 winners old but old Creon (2004 Pertemps Final 50-1) won at a big price and Kadoun (2006 Pertemps Final 50-1) but this one I’m afraid went unbacked but still we will just enjoy it just the same. You better ask somebody else why he is so good around Cheltenham. Gordon has done some job on him. We were kind of training him for the Pertemps but he came over here to qualify and for some reason he didn’t run. I don’t think he travelled over well or something so Gordon didn’t run him and as a result he has ended up in the Stayers’ Hurdle. I thought he had a little chance. I thought after the last he would run up the hill well but I didn’t know how the others would. I knew he would give it his lot.”

 

Gordon Elliott: “After a hurdle or two I knew we were in a good rhythm. Of course it is a surprise, but Sire Du Berlais can do that; he’s either first or last, but he’s well able, anyway. In fairness to him, he’s very tough. Mark [Walsh] gave him a brilliant ride. It’s great to win the race - obviously we were short-headed in a Grade One yesterday, so it’s great to win. It’s a great game here.
“We love training horses and we love coming here. It’s brilliant.
“We couldn’t get him qualified for the Pertemps Final, but anyway, it worked out well. It didn’t work out for us, with ground one day, and his handicap, he got a good mark off the handicapper, so we said we’d come here. To be honest, he doesn’t do anything too exciting - he minds himself, which is why he is still going at his age [11]. I didn’t even think about winning this with him - I thought I was going to win it with the other horse!

 

Other quotes

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of the fourth-placed Flooring Porter (9-2), said: “He looked back to his old self, absolutely. He ran a grand race and he’s gone out on his shield. I suppose five or six weeks ago it was looking like he wouldn’t be here so we’ll take that now. He’d been pleasing me in the run-up and the last three weeks he’s been in great form, so he’s run a solid race.”

 

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Dashel Drasher, told ITV Racing: “I’m speechless almost. He was leading all the way and gets collared. But what a brave, tough horse he has been.
“The ground had come right for him. We hadn’t had the best of run ups to it, to be honest, we were just thinking maybe we could have done with another 10 days, but look, he has run his little heart out and I couldn’t be prouder.”

 

Davy Russell, jockey of the second-placed Teahupoo (9-4 Favourite), said: “I just couldn’t get upsides the winner, but he ran a noble race. Gordon won’t be overly upset about it but I am! It’s great for the connections of the winner, he’s a fabulous horse. I’ve had the pleasure of riding him a couple of times and he really is a yard favourite. This lad is still only six and he’s as game as they come so he’s got a bright future.”

 

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Dashel Drasher (40-1), said: “The ground had sort of come right for him. We hadn’t had the best of run ups to be honest and we were just thinking that maybe we could have done with another 10 days but he’s run his heart out and I couldn’t be prouder.

“My wife Camilla was involved with all the breeding and that was the first time she’s actually come to watch him race, so it was actually quite emotional. We actually couldn’t believe he was still going and then he jumped the last in front, it was amazing. He’s so tough and such a game horse.”

 

Emma Lavelle's husband and assistant trainer Barry Fenton said of Paisley Park, who won the race in 2019 and has been placed twice since,who finished seventh beaten 121/2 lengths: "He has run a bit below par but two runs back he won a Grade1 at Kempton so he will be going back on the lorry tonight as usual.

"A few years ago he was beaten a long way in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival but then came back and won his next six races so any talk of retirement is a bit premature to say the least."

RACE 3 RESULTS

2.50pm Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4½f
1. Envoi Allen 13/2
2. Shishkin EvensF
3. Hitman 22/1

 

9 ran
Distances: 2¾, nk
Time: 5m 12.31s

 

14th winner at The Festival for jockey Rachael Blackmore
20th winner at The Festival for trainer Henry de Bromhead
11th win at The Festival for owner Cheveley Park Stud

 

ITV quotes

Heather de Bromhead’s sister told ITV Racing: “[The week] is absolutely amazing. It’s so brilliant for the Thompsons to win today, I’m so delighted. I asked Jack today, I said ‘please let the Thompsons win’."
She added: “It’s been very, very tough. Heather and Henry have been absolutely amazing. They show with grief you have to just put two feet in front of each other. We have an amazing family, amazing friends. It’s very emotional for us, but we are all so delighted to be here.”

 

Henry de Bromhead told ITV Racing: “We are so lucky. It’s amazing, all this support we get as I keep saying. It’s unbelievable. And what a performance, what a ride from Rachel, she was so confident on him. He winged fences and made one little mistake, but it was amazing.

“The Thompsons are such good supporters of the game, I’m just delighted. Rachael was brilliant. Another great day.”

 

Rachael Blackmore told ITV Racing: “He is an incredible horse, he really is. He has a phenomenal engine. Always hoping he could do something like that in this company someday, and fair play to Henry, David Roche and all the team, they got him there today. He was electric.

“It’s lovely when you are able to take back a little bit there [coming down the hill]. He jumped really well today and was just a much happier horse today today to ride than he was the last day. It’s phenomenal. Jeez, this is such a magic place and I feel so lucky to be able to walk back into the winner’s enclosure here.”

On whether the conditions give her hope for A Plus Tard in the Gold Cup, she said: “He seems to suit any conditions. I wouldn’t be worried in any way with him, with regards to the conditions. He hasn’t had the most ideal preparation, so we will see. But he’s been working really well recently, so we are happy with him and we will see what happens.”

 

Davy Russell: “On my head the whole way. The horse tried really, really hard. He did well to finish where he finished.”

 

Darragh O’Keeffe: “We are delighted with him. We were coming over here hoping that he would run into a place and he was not beaten that far. He jumped and travelled great the whole way, so we are delighted.”

 

Harry Cobden: “Lovely run. I thought for a second going down to the last that I had a chance and he just flattened out up the run in, but it was a tremendous run.”

 

Nico de Boinville: “We’ll have better days I’m sure ahead of us.”
Asked whether he thought Shishkin was himself today, de Boinville replied: “Probably not, no.”

 

Winning quotes

Henry de Bromhead: “It is brilliant for the Thompson’s and I’m delighted for them as they are great supporters of ours and the industry. It is just brilliant. I kept saying it to Richard (Thompson) that he was good as he was before going to Kempton (for the King George). I was really happy with him but he just never showed up. I had three, A Plus Tard, himself and Arctic Bresil that came over here (earlier in the season) and they were all disappointing. But he was in such good form at home (ahead of today) and everyone was delighted with him. I was hoping he would put his best foot forward and he duly did. We’ve tried to leave no stone unturned but whatever we are doing now seems to be working which is great. The amount of people that have travelled over, friends and family, that have come over for Jack (de Bromhead’s) race, is great and what Michael O’Leary and Ryanair have done for us is incredible. Everyone has looked after us so well. I’d say most of the people up there are my friends and family.
“I was really happy as he was tanking through the race. He was jumping so well. Rachael was worried at the start that he might have been doing too much. He is a class horse and it is great to see him back.
“I’m not sure what we do (going forward). He stayed three miles and the Gold Cup is the race. I’d say if A Plus Tard wasn’t in it he would have possibly run in it. We will see what we do next and just enjoy today.”

 

Richard Thompson, of Cheveley Park Stud: “I didn’t see that coming. Henry said he was in good form but he said he was in good form before the King George. One wasn’t too hopeful. I walked away disappointed from the King George as we went there with what we thought was a good chance. He never got into the race. He was very tired when he got back from the King George but today is incredible and he won that well. I thought Shishkin would definitely win today and we would finish third. It was probably at the second last I thought we had a chance. It was a superb ride by Rachael. He has come back well. He has won at Cheltenham twice before, as you know, then he fell in the Brown Advisory, so that is great today to win the Ryanair. We have won it the last two years with Allaho and we really thought he was our big hope but this is fantastic to see. I still couldn’t quite believe it until after the last when he jumped away from the field and he really won it well. I certainly did (give it some celebrating) and you have got to at Cheltenham. Henry said he was in good form coming into it but you had to be cautious as over the last couple of years here he has been erratic. We were hopeful of a decent run but not as good as this. He was the horse that was the second coming when he won the bumper here and the Ballymore but to come back and win the Ryanair is fantastic.”

 

Rachael Blackmore: “He travelled and jumped really well today. I thought early on he was in my hands for quite a while - it just took me a while to settle him - but then he switched off going past the stands and he was lovely then, he was lobbing away. And I was able to fill him up three out. He put in a phenomenal performance, but I don’t think it's a surprise to anyone - he’s a supremely talented horse and it’s fantastic that Henry [de Bromhead] got the day out of him today.
“Ryanair are so kind to name their mares’ novices hurdle after Jack [de Bromhead], such a kind gesture by them, so it is great to be able to win their race today.
“I actually got a nice clear passage - I didn’t find problems anywhere.
“He was so disappointing the last day - going to Kempton we were really happy with him, and he was equally as good coming here today, so we were hoping the last day, whatever was wrong, he just didn’t perform, but we’ve been really happy with him all season. It’s a great team effort down there in Knockeen and it’s been a tough year for everyone, but everyone in the yard is a properly good grafter and it’s great to be associated with them.
“A Plus Tard hasn’t had the greatest preparation coming into the Gold Cup, but he’s in great form and I’m really looking forward to it.”

 

Other quotes

Nicky Henderson, trainer of the runner-up Shishkin (Evens Favourite), said: “He wasn’t really travelling like you hoped he would have been, even early on he just didn’t look as though he was that happy about it. He’s done really well to finish where he has – maybe I should have listened to all those people who said go three and a quarter miles, as he looked as though he wants it!

“It’s odd for him to go left like that, because he was going markedly left and that’s not like him. His last run was at Ascot and if you go left around there you end up in Windsor Castle, so he was fine there.

“He never looked comfortable, but look where he’s finished and how he’s finished. He’s finished really strong. He did make one bad mistake coming down the hill. He got back into it though so he’s determined if nothing else. They’ve done very well to finish second.

“Let’s face it, we all thought Envoi Allen was going to be the greatest horse ever a couple of years ago! He was the second coming when he was young and they’ve done really well to get him back to his very best.

“You could say that (this came too soon after Ascot) as it was a bit of a rush, but I certainly want to run him in four weeks’ time. Going over three miles in the Bowl is the obvious thing now. At least it’s left-handed!

“We’ve got to sort out why he was going left-handed, as it’s not like him to do that. He schooled on Monday and you’ve never seen a horse jump five fences straighter, quicker and more narrow. I’ve no excuses but it was unlike him to do that.

“You could certainly argue (that he was remembering his run here last year). I doubt it, they are clever but I don’t think they’re that clever!

“He’s back and he’s alright and he’s finished his race really well, which was the encouraging thing. If he was going backwards you’d be very worried but he was flying home and he wanted to finish his race. We’ll take him to pieces and tighten a few bolts and then we’ll go to Aintree and look forward to him.”

 

Paul Nicholls, trainer of third home Hitman: "That was probably a career best performance and we are delighted with it. He will now go to Aintree over two and a half miles and I think he will be better suited by the flat track there.

 

Mouse Morris, trainer of fourth home French Dynamite: "We will see how he comes out of this race and make a decision about what's next. The options are a two and a half mile Graded race at Fairyhouse next month or wait until the end of April for Punchestown."

 

Nico de Boinville, jockey of the runner-up Shishkin (Evens Favourite), said: “It never really went right from when the tape went up. Even when we were at the start he was just curling up on me a bit and going back on his haunches a bit and over the first two he just wasn’t taking me anywhere. At Ascot I was able to jump and travel and dictate where I wanted to be, whereas this time I was pushed here there and everywhere.

 

“Davy (Russell, on Fury Road) was trying to push me out into the car park so I had to switch inside him and try and get a run-up there. He was hanging a bit left from there and he just wasn’t the same horse as he was at Ascot. We know what he can do so we’ll get him home and check him over and get him absolutely spot on and I’m sure we’ll be going three miles at Aintree.
“It certainly felt a bit like last year over the first two and I was just thinking ‘Oh God’, but all credit to the horse. He’s very genuine, he’s made an error down the hill and he’s managed to sneak back into second. He had every right to be pulled-up or tailed off but we know what he can do on his good days so there will be plenty more to come.”

RACE 2 RESULTS

2.10pm Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 3m
1. Good Time Jonny 9-1
2. Salvador Ziggy 10-1
3. Mill Green 22-1
4. Green Book 40-1

 

23 ran
Distances: 3¼, nk
Time: 6m 0.16s

 

1st winner at The Festival for jockey Liam McKenna
7th winner at The Festival for trainer Tony Martin

 

ITV quotes

Tony Martin told ITV Racing: “All I was worried about was the ground and fortunately enough we got through it, it was great. He was absolutely super. He does lack a bit of pace, he is a slow horse and your man had the balls to sit and wait – he was last at the top of the hill, but he had the patience to sit and wait and it all turned out well. We’ve been at it long enough now, but days like that are the days you work for, it was brilliant. It was worth all the agonies and hardships we went through for the last few years. It was absolutely brilliant.” 

 

Liam McKenna told ITV Racing: “It’s great. I’m delighted for the boys at home, there’ll be plenty of celebrations from them. They are great men. I’ve had a great season. I’m very lucky to ride for John Breslin, obviously these lads here, I’ve had plenty of rides for Tony, and Colm Murphy, they’ve supported me, so I’ve a lot to thank for them. It’s great to get these opportunities on a big day like this.

“About 10 strides from the line I knew I had it, and just to hear that crowd is different gravy.

“I walked it and I thought [the ground] was good from where we jumped off until we got into the straight, but it rode a little bit slower than I thought, hence why this lad couldn’t light up early – he wanted a little bit better – but he just stays all day.”

 

Winning quotes

Liam McKenna: “I don’t know how I did that. I had a willing partner from turning in and the long run in really suited him but everything else didn’t suit him how the race was run. I never got into a position that I was comfortable with and we were always a little bit further back than we wanted to be. The plan was not to get upsides until going to the last and somehow we were able to get upsides going to the last and then he just put his head down and toughed it out.
“That was the first problem (the start) and not too far along a horse fell in front of him and he had to step to the side to get by him. It all just worked out at the very end.
“I rode him at Leopardstown in the qualifier and he was a little bit the same (not jumping well) and I just put it down to the softer ground and that he is a better horse on better ground. When he started to pick up going to the last from there on I knew he was going to do it. It took a furlong and a half for him to outstay them. It (that feeling) is indescribable, maybe next time I can tell you. It is just sinking in now.
“My first ride back from breaking my collarbone was the Galway Hurdle then I got going after that then I broke my cheekbone and eye socket a month after and was out again for a while. It has been touch and go but the highs have been very high and I’m happy with that.”

 

Tony Martin: “He was last at the top of the hill, but Liam had the patience to sit and wait, and it turned out well. Days like this are the ones you live for. It’s been a few years now since we had a winner here, but it is worth the agony and the hardship. It’s absolutely brilliant. A bit of a gap makes it better! We had a lot of good years and some bad luck, and it’s nice to be back with some good horses. They are not Grade One horses, but in their own category they are alright. Great men [jockeys and staff] are behind me this year and I’m just so happy for them.
“As they turned in he began to pick up a bit again. I know it is a long way and a long call. He never chased them when he could have, when 10 lads, including non-claiming professionals, would have chased them. I know Liam is a claimer but he had the balls to sit and think they had done very little, and he judged it to perfection. The horse answered him the whole way through the last two furlongs.
“These colours, the Beneficial colours, have given us great days.
“It’s unfortunate that Liam is claiming five pounds - he just never got the rub of the green and things didn’t quite happen for him, but he is a more than capable rider and I wouldn’t look past him when I want to claim. He’s as good as any, he just didn’t get the rub of the green at the right time in life.
“The horse has been coming real well since Leopardstown last time, I just thought the ground might not suit him - he likes better ground, but he went through it well.”

 

Other quotes

Gordon Elliott, trainer of second placed Salvador Ziggy:"I'd delighted with that performance under the big weight. There is every chance he will go to Punchestown next month as long as he is fine when he gets back. But I'm hopeful a switch to chasing will be the making of him next season."

 

Rita Brown, owner of the third-placed Mill Green (22-1), said: “We’re just so proud of him. He was the (joint) oldest horse in the race as an 11 year old but he still wants to go! He never runs a bad race and we were thrilled to be in the first three. Coming back safely was the most important thing and he’s given us another wonderful day out.”

 

Venetia Williams, trainer of the fourth-placed Green Book (40-1), said: “I’m delighted. He’s such a little star. There was a whole heap of horses coming to challenge going to the last but he’s stuck on really well.”

RACE 1 RESULTS

1.30pm Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f
1. Stage Star 15-2
2. Notlongtillmay 40-1
3. Mighty Potter 4-6F

 

7 ran
Distances: 3¼, ¾
Time: 5m 1.94s

 

3rd winner at The Festival for jockey Harry Cobden
47th winner at The Festival for trainer Paul Nicholls
2nd winner at The Festival for owner Owners Group

 

ITV quotes

Paul Nicholls told ITV Racing: “It’s been a tough week so far, but it’s a tough place. We were a bit unlucky yesterday. But that [today] was brilliant, a different track, slightly better ground, it was going to always suit us. I said to Harry today, ‘be positive, bowl along in front, and ride him like the best horse in the race’, and he gave him a peach of a ride.

“I thought travelling in the straight that he was going well, I knew what Harry was doing, but to go and win like that… for a horse we started off in bumpers, it’s a new thing we are doing bringing the horses through, to get to that point was fantastic. It’s good for everybody at home, brilliant for Harry, I’m delighted.”

 

Harry Cobden told ITV Racing: “It’s beautiful, it’s lovely. I thought it was easy when I rode my first winner here at about the age of 18, and the next one came fairly soon. But I’ve been on a four-year drought, so it’s great to get back.

“It’s lovely. You have the pressure of the big days. Paul has had so many great horses over the years and we probably haven’t had that top-tier horse the last couple of seasons, but we are getting back, the owners are spending more money every year and we are getting a good team together.

“I don’t know how good he is, it felt to me like there we had our own gallop in front and he wasn’t put under a great deal of pressure. He’s a horse who, if you probably put three or four upsides him, it would just upset him and he would probably go a bit too quick... He’s a quirky horse, but he is very good.”

 

Winning quotes

Karl Budge, who owns a share in Stage Star at £59: “I think we paid £59 to buy into him. We have just the one share but I think there is about 3,500 people in it. We were here last year when it lashed it down on the Wednesday and it didn’t happen for him so it is lovely to be back again this year. It is fantastic for the Owners Group and it is lovely for us to be back as it is more than 30 years since our last Cheltenham winner as a family. We had Danish Flight, who was trained by Jimmy Fitzgerald win the Arkle in 1988, and Smooth Escort, who was trained by Di Haine win the National Hunt Chase in 1991. They were both great days.
“I would say we were more hopeful than confident coming into today. We thought Mighty Potter was a good thing and Appreciate It is a good horse so this is fantastic and Paul has not had the best of weeks so it is fantastic to see this happen.
“It is just as much fun being here as a syndicate winner as it was being involved in a winner with the family. It is lovely to have another winner on the board.
“When we won the Arkle me and my wife had gone on our honeymoon to Thailand the day before so we missed Danish Flight winning that. At least Danish Flight helped to pay for it. We didn’t get chance to watch the race but we got a phone call 30 seconds afterwards telling us we won the race.
“We were here for the four miler with Smooth Escort which was a great day. The wins might be more than 30 years apart but it is still just as much fun.”

 

Paul Nicholls: “We were a little bit unlucky yesterday with a couple but that was brilliant. It was a different track today on slightly better ground and that was always going to suit us. I said to Harry today be positive, bowl along in front and ride him like the best horse in the race and he gave him a peach of a ride. I thought travelling into the straight he was going well and I knew what Harry was doing but to go and win like that from a horse that we started in bumpers, which is a new thing we do to bring horses through, to get to that point was fantastic. It is good for everybody at home and Harry. I’m delighted.
“I knew what Harry was doing turning in. He had made all the running and he just sat up on him to give him a little breather turning in and fill his lungs up and he quickened up like he did the last day.
“I think if we went back and rode that race again yesterday (on Hermes Allen) we might have done things differently but it was not to be and we are not going to look back but we are going to look forward.
“Today I said bounce out be positive and dictate it from the front and he is so good at doing that. That is a good horse who is improving so I’m thrilled.
“I’m thrilled he has come back from last year’s disaster (in the Ballymore) and that he has gone really forward. That slightly better ground on that track suits ours.
“He will be aiming for the Ryanair next year and that is what I’ve always thought. He would get three miles but he has got plenty of boot and he jumps well. I was always hoping he might be a Ryanair horse after his last run but he had to win today to be a Ryanair horse.
“He can only get better. That (last run here) shows that he acted on the track and he was so impressive that day and the form has worked out well.
“It was good for Harry (Cobden) today as he needed a confidence booster and that is a massive plus for him as he was quite down last night as it didn’t work out for him. It is good for him.
“We’ve only got 15 or 16 runners for the whole week and you have to make everyone of them count and one has now so it is onwards and upwards now.
“We’ve had a great time here over the years but it is hard to get those horses back but we are building them up again. We have got heaps like him to come through and I think the next few years will be positive. It is hard to win here and we haven’t got the numbers the Irish trainers have and we are up against it all the time but we can only do our best.”

 

Harry Cobden: “He was very straightforward today. We managed to keep him as quiet as possible going out because he doesn’t really like crowds - he’s quite responsive to the crowd. He was quick down to the first fence and we sort of made our own fractions from there.
“I watched his last race here [in January] back last night, funnily enough, and I thought that if this horse powers his way up the hill in the same way that he did at the last meeting, then he’s sure to have a good chance. He was very good. I managed to dictate it in front, and he was there at the last - he was very long, but he came up out of my hands, actually. Powered clear.
“He’ll stay further as well, I would have thought. He wasn’t stopping at the end. It depends what the handicapper does. I’d say he’d be a Ladbroke Trophy horse, but he doesn’t like the cut-in at Newbury; he didn’t like it in a three-runner chase, but if he had a few to follow it might be a different story. But he’s a good horse and he’s improving all the time.
“I was confident. I didn’t have to use too much to keep my position, if that makes sense.
“He’s a difficult ride, actually - he hangs left, but most of the time I’m riding him off the rail, or winging the fence.”

 

Other quotes

Asked if Mighty Potter appeared to be leaning in the home straight, Davy Russell said: “Yeah, but he’s done that in the past, so… he was still running at the line. I’ve no excuse, we never missed a beat, I can’t put my finger on anything to suggest why.”

 

Adam Wedge (Jockey, Notlongtillmay): “He’s run his heart out, hasn’t he? There’s a lot of future with him.”

 

Laura Morgan, trainer of the runner-up Notlongtillmay (40-1), said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a massive step up in grade for him today. I felt a bit silly coming here but he’d done everything easily in the build-up. I was a bit worried that the track might not suit or the ground might go against him – as he’d only won on flat tracks – so I had lots of concerns but he’s run a mighty race. I’m delighted with him and hopefully there’s more to come from him next year as well.

“The owner is Alan Rogers, who’s an ex footballer and he was giving it large in-running! He was very bold over his fences but he’s only a novice so I very much think he’s one for next year. The dream is certainly to be one place along next year!”

 

Gordon Elliott, trainer of third home Mighty Potter:"That was a bit below par and bit disappointing. Davy (Russell) said he was going as quick as he could all the way and could never really get to grips with the winner, who was really good"

 

Willie Mullins, trainer of fourth placed Appreciate It: "I am disappointed he did not improve a bit for the step up in trip but Harry Cobden dictated matters from the front and that has made the difference at the end of the day."

Ground opinions on the first day racing on New course

Paul Townend:" I'd say it's closer to soft than anything else"

Davy Russell:" Definitely on the easy side."

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: OLIVE NICHOLLS ATTEMPTS TO KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY AS SHE MAKES HER FESTIVAL DEBUT TOMORROW

 

Thursday 16th March

By Graham Clark

 

Olive Nicholls admits it would be ‘fantastic’ if she could carry the colours of her dad and 13-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls to glory aboard Shantou Flyer when swapping the classroom for the racetrack on Gold Cup Day at The Cheltenham Festival tomorrow.

 

The 17 year old rider will put her studies on hold at Cokethorpe School, where she is in the first year of a BTEC Business course, to partner the Shantou gelding in the St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase.

 

Having recently partnered her first winner under Rules aboard Magic Saint, who is trained by her dad, at Wincanton last month, the teenage rider hopes she can now make her first appearance in the saddle at the Festival one to remember aboard the 13 year old.

 

And although Nicholls, who lives with her mum Georgie Browne, in Kingston Lisle, will not be riding a horse trained by her dad in the extended three and a quarter mile test, she admits having his presence and support at the track will be a big plus.

 

Nicholls said: “I’m so excited to be able to take these opportunities and be able to be partnered with the horses that I am at the moment.

 

“Dad purchased Shantou Flyer off David Maxwell and he is really keen to support Sam Loxton who trains him. He is an older horse and he is really suited being at Sam’s and he has done really well there. It has been great to learn lots of experience aboard him.

 

“I don’t think it particularly changes our dynamic between me and dad, with him being the owner and not the trainer. He is competitive whether he has anything to do with the horse or not.

“He wants me to do well just as much as I do and it is great to have his support and knowledge behind me. You are so much wiser going out with his words behind me.

 

“It would be fantastic if I could win in dad’s silks. I had my first ride in them and over the last year or so I’ve had so many days in those silks it would just be amazing to do that as a family as a lot of them will be here to watch me.”

 

While juggling race riding and studying presents a challenge it is one that Nicholls insists those at the Oxfordshire based school have embraced with open arms.

 

She said: “I’m only doing three and a half days a week there and it works very well. The course is going well and it is a good one to do as I can base a lot of it on the racing industry. It is very interesting and I’m sure I will be using lots of it in years to come.

 

“I just have ongoing assignments all the time so instead of having normal exams at the end of A-levels I have constant exams which I suppose it is a bit easier to manage as opposed to having lots to manage in one go at the end.

 

“They are very supportive at the school and they understand that I can’t be there the whole time and that there will be days I’ve got to be racing at all sorts of ends of the country.

 

“They have been a huge support in helping me balance both things. They have to work with me to make it work and they definitely do that.

 

“My form teacher at school who I’m with every day is possibly the most excited out of everyone put together. They are not horsey or into racing but they are all so supportive.

 

Since teaming up with Shantou Flyer this season Nicholls has already secured two victories aboard the veteran gelding, including defeating last year’s Aintree Foxhunters’ hero Latenightpass at Chaddesley Corbett in December.

 

And though things didn’t go to plan for the pair on their most recent outing at Charlton Horethorne earlier this month, Nicholls is confident the same mishap will not befall them on the biggest stage of them all.

 

She said: “It was nothing that happened over a fence at Charlton Horethorne. I very nearly didn’t run him as it was quite close to Cheltenham, but I just wanted to have one nice day out and typically he slipped on a bend.

 

“He was completely fine. He got straight up then caused a bit of trouble as we couldn’t catch him for a very long time so he had his own bit of fun.

 

“He beat Latenightpass in pretty soft ground and the more rain I can get the better. He really runs well off that ground and if he can put in another performance like that then we wouldn’t be a million miles away.

 

“You have got to ride them with confidence but it helps when they have that bit of course experience and it will help me out on what is a step up in class for me as a rider.

 

“It is great to be partnered with a horse like Shantou Flyer who will teach me everything along the way.”

 

Much of the focus before the race will centre on Nicholls and her famous four times Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning father but she insists plenty of credit deserves to go the way of trainer Sam Loxton for keeping Shantou Flyer so enthusiastic during the twilight of his career.

 

She added: “Since he has been with Sam I’ve not sat on him at home but Sam does such an amazing job with him. He knows him inside out now and there is a lot of trust going on. Sam does his job so fantastically so that on the day he does exactly what he should.

 

“These older horses love being with Sam and they grow another gear nearly. He is definitely loving pointing. He has got his real enjoyment of running back again which is lovely to see.

“Every time he comes out he causes absolute chaos in the paddock but he just loves it and it is great to see those older horses wanting to do it.

 

“He is such a character and he is absolutely loving life. It is so great to see those older horses with so much enthusiasm every time.

 

“As long as they still enjoy it there is no reason why they shouldn’t keep on going.”

Despite being one of the least experienced riders in the field having only had her first point-to-point ride in December 2021, Nicholls believes Shantou Flyer, who will be making his sixth Festival appearance, is the ideal partner to make the experience enjoyable.

 

Nicholls said: “You can’t go into anything knowing you are the most inexperienced there as you won’t get anywhere with that attitude.

 

“At the end of the day I’ve got to go out and ride with what I know and trust Shantou Flyer to teach me along the way.

 

“He has been a grand horse and has finished third in this race in 2020 and second in 2019 along with also finishing third in the 2021 Kim Muir and second in the 2018 Ultima.

 

“I’ve had an amazing time since I’ve started riding in points and under rules and I’ve enjoyed it 10 times more than I ever expected to.

 

“I’m working really hard to keep improving every time. I’m so much stronger this year and that has made a big difference.

 

“I was pretty tiny last year but the more experience I get the stronger I’m getting and it is all paying off. Hopefully, I can continue that upward curve on Friday.”