1 Exotic Dancer (FR) SP 4/1
Turgeon (USA) - Northine (FR) (Northern Treat) 8 11-10 p Jonjo O'Neill
A P McCoy 72 179
Held up in rear, hampered by loose horse 6th, headway to 6th 8 out, 4th next, improved to 2nd approaching 2 out, left in lead, ridden clear from before last, kept on strongly
2 20 War Of Attrition (IRE) SP 4/1
Presenting - Una Juna (IRE) (Good Thyne) 9 11-10 M F Morris
P Carberry 163 55 160
Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway to 2nd 3 out, close 3rd approaching 2 out, left 2nd and ridden, no extra entering straight, 2nd and kept on same pace from before last
3 10 Cane Brake (IRE) SP 33/1
Sadler's Wells (USA) - Be My Hope (IRE) (Be My Native) 9 11-10 p T J Taaffe
D J Casey 155 46 148
Chased leader in 2nd, 4th 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, left 3rd, no extra entering straight, kept on same pace
4 11 Glenfinn Captain (IRE) SP 16/1
Alderbrook - Glenfinn Princess (Ginger Boy) 9 11-10 T J Taaffe
B J Geraghty 150 36 137
Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 6th and no impression before 3 out, left moderate 4th 2 out, kept on one pace
5 13 Light On The Broom (IRE) SP 66/1
Aristocracy - Montevelle (IRE) (Montelimar) 12 11-10 t Gerard Stack
M P Walsh 142 24 124
Held up, ridden in 7th and no impression after 4 out, left moderate 5th 2 out, kept on one pace
6 dist Slim Pickings (IRE) SP 33/1
Scribano - Adapan (Pitpan) 9 11-10 T J Taaffe
P W Flood 147
Held up, ridden in 7th 5 out, soon no extra, weakened from 4 out, tailed off
F Neptune Collonges (FR) SP 5/4F
Dom Alco (FR) - Castille Collonges (FR) (El Badr) 7 11-10 P F Nicholls
R Walsh 179
Disputed early, left lead 2nd, two length advantage and still every chance when fell 2 out
F The Listener (IRE) SP 13/2
Roselier (FR) - Park Breeze (IRE) (Strong Gale) 9 11-10 Nick Mitchell
Daryl Jacob
Led and disputed early, fell 2nd
F Snowy Morning (IRE) SP 16/1
Moscow Society (USA) - Miss Perky (IRE) (Creative Plan) 8 11-10 W P Mullins
P Townend 160
Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden before 3 out, no impression in 5th when fell 2 out
9 ran TIME 6m 25.20s (slow by 20.20s) Total SP 116%
1st OWNER: Sir Robert Ogden BRED: Gaetan Gilles And Ecurie Jules Ouaki TRAINER: Jonjo O'Neill
2nd OWNER: Gigginstown House Stud
3rd OWNER: Mount Temple Two Racing Synd
TOTE WIN £4.00 PL £1.50, £1.50, £6.50; Ex £14.70; CSF £20.99
A very interesting contest this turned out to be and opinions will be forever divided as to what would have happened but for the incident at the second last.
What can't be disputed is that Neptune Collonges is just a lovely, old-fashioned chaser and a wonderful horse to watch. When he doesn't go long at his fences he finds a leg and is very clever. That described this performance until he met the second last wrong and came down. He was still travelling supremely well and would have taken some beating; so why some bookmakers took to extending his price for the Gold Cup is quite the mystery. He didn't lose a whole lot here apart for some prize money; his reputation remains intact.
Nobody could begrudge this success to the connections of EXOTIC DANCER and there's every chance he would have won anyway. He tended to race a little keenly early on but was held up well off the pace by McCoy, who gradually crept him closer as the race progressed.
One imagines that he would have been even more suited by getting a lead to the final fence, but he responded admirably to being left in the lead as he was, galloping clear to an impressive 20-length romp. Whether one can truly say this was a return to his very best is difficult, as victory would have been so uncertain had Neptune Collonges stayed on his feet, but there was no question of him stopping and he put daylight between himself and the remainder. It was a very good performance.
The jury remains out on War Of Attrition. He jumped and travelled well to before the second last but would have been no match for Neptune Collonges and was no match for the winner. It might be considered disappointing that it took him long enough to beat off the challenge of the third horse, but then again he was beaten in this race three years ago en route to his Gold Cup success, albeit not nearly as convincingly.
While his trainer has performed a magnificent feat in keeping this horse sound enough to be competitive in races of this nature, there isn't a great deal after four runs to suggest that he's good enough to scale the heights of 2006 once again.
Cane Break ran a cracker for a long way as he tracked Neptune Collonges until coming under pressure before the fourth last. He kept going though and didn't give up the battle for second place until well after the final fence. Only his second run after a long absence from the track, he will be difficult to place with his very high rating.
Glenfinn Captain was justified to take his chance after hiswin in the Clonmel Oil Chase but ran like a non-stayer. He raced handily until beginning to stuggle before the third last, while the admirable Light On The Broom picked up some more valuable prize money.
For the race itself, it was unfortunate that The Listener got no further than the second fence, while the jumping of Snowy Morning regularly gets exposed at this level and he was beaten when falling at the second last. [JOH]
26 Dec 2008
2:40 KEMPTON
Stan James King George VI Chase Grade 1(Class 1) (4yo+) 3m Good 18 fences
£130,684.03, £49,032.30, £24,550.53, £12,240.88, £6,143.36, £3,071.68
RESULTRATE RACE Show all comments in running Show all pedigrees
HORSE/SP AGE WGT TRAINER/JOCKEY OR TS RPR
1 Kauto Star (FR) SP 10/11F
Village Star (FR) - Kauto Relka (FR) (Port Etienne) 8 11-10 t P F Nicholls
R Walsh 175 138 184
Mostly jumped well, tracked leaders, progress to go 2nd 13th, led after 4 out, surged clear from 3 out, mistake last, impressive again
2 8 Albertas Run (IRE) SP 25/1
Accordion - Holly Grove Lass (Le Moss) 7 11-10 Jonjo O'Neill
A P McCoy 152 132 174
Settled at back of main group, progress 12th, went 3rd 4 out, vain chase of winner from 3 out but kept on well for 2nd place
3 ½ Voy Por Ustedes (FR) SP 9/2
Villez (USA) - Nuit D'Ecajeul (FR) (Matahawk) 7 11-10 A King
Robert Thornton 173 131 176
Tracked leaders, hit 10th, pressing when followed Our Vic left at 12th, mistake 13th, effort to dispute 2nd from 3 out, no chance with winner
4 23 Briareus SP 33/1
Halling (USA) - Lower The Tone (IRE) (Phone Trick) 8 11-10 A M Balding
G Lee 150 112 150
Raced wide, held up in rear, effort and in touch 4 out, soon left behind
5 8 Air Force One (GER) SP 8/1
Lando (GER) - Ame Soeur (FR) (Siberian Express) 6 11-10 C J Mann
B J Geraghty 160 106 142
Never going well and sticky jumping early, lost touch with main group 11th, never any chance after
6 32 Imperial Commander (IRE) SP 10/1
Flemensfirth (USA) - Ballinlovane (Le Moss) 7 11-10 N A Twiston-Davies
P J Brennan 156 78 122
Prominent, made most from 11th until headed after 4 out, weakening rapidly when blundered 3 out, tailed off
7 10 Snoopy Loopy (IRE) SP 14/1
Old Vic - Lovely Snoopy (IRE) (Phardante) 10 11-10 b P Bowen
S E Durack 168 69 100
Chased leader until slow jump 8th and bustled along, still well in touch after 11th, hampered next, weakened and blundered 13th, tailed off
8 12 Tamarinbleu (FR) SP 20/1
Epervier Bleu - Tamainia (FR) (Lashkari) 8 11-10 b D E Pipe
Tom Scudamore 167 58 88
Led, hit 10th, headed and weakened next, tailed off
PU Mont Misere (FR) SP 200/1
Mont Basile (FR) - Pique Flamme (FR) (Lou Piguet) 12 11-10 Paul Murphy
C Wallis 128
Always last, tailed off halfway, fence behind when crawled over 12th and pulled up
PU Our Vic (IRE) SP 10/1
Old Vic - Shabra Princess (Buckskin) 10 11-10 b D E Pipe
Timmy Murphy 171
Prominent, jumped left 10th, with leader next, jumped badly left 12th and soon dropped out, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
10 ran TIME 5m 57.40s (fast by 2.60s) Total SP 118%
NON RUNNER: Exotic Dancer (FR )
1st OWNER: Clive D Smith BRED: Mme Henri Aubert TRAINER: P F Nicholls
2nd OWNER: Trevor Hemmings
3rd OWNER: Sir Robert Ogden
TOTE toteswinger: 1&2 £7.50, 1&3 £2.10, 2&3 £23.40. WIN £1.80 PL £1.10, £5.00, £1.90; Ex £34.40; CSF £31.02Pool: £5,194.34 - 18.40 winning units TRIFECTA £208.90 Pool: £5,194.34 - 18.40 winning units
Course record time.
As intriguing a King George as we have seen in years, and one in which all of the principals had questions to answer.
Kauto Star, who was aiming to emulate the great Desert Orchid by winning a third successive King George, went to post with a far lessconvincing recent profile and much less in hand than last year; second favourite and former champion two-miler Voy Por Ustedes had his stamina to prove, bidding to succeed where the likes of Barnbrook Again, Remittance Man and more recently Flagship Uberalles and Azertyuiop had all failed; Air Force One and Imperial Commander were stepping up to the highest level after high-class efforts in top handicap company, and Imperial Commander, representing a stable that is struggling a bit for now, had still to convince at 3m; and last year's second Our Vic, who excelled with blinkers fitted later in the season, had been off the track 267 days and so had his wellbeing to prove, especially as he is another from a stable in indifferent form.
In the event, whilemost of those worries proved well founded, that was not the case with KAUTO STAR, who visually at least put in a performance that bore comparison with either of his previous wins, jumping and travelling well, moving smoothly to the front before the home turn, and having the race in safe keeping when he put in an extra stride at the last and brushed through the top of it. It was the sort of thing we have come to expect of him, but it was not the heart-stopper of 2006.
One could knock the form, withseveral of his key rivals failing to run to their best and second place going to Albertas Run, who had been pulled up last time, but that would be unfair. He did all that was required and more - it beggars belief that he should have touched 4-1 in running on Betfair - and he came home clear in a time around ten seconds quicker than that recorded by Breedsbreeze in the earlier Grade 1 novice, and a new record for the realigned track.
It was a thoroughly convincing display, and with stablemate Denman still to prove on the track that his heart operation has been a complete success, there looks to be much more of an upside than a downside to his ante-post price for the Gold Cup, for which he is now 3-1 with Coral and Blue Square (a very generous 4-1 was quoted by Cashmans) but more generally 5-2. He will not run again in the meantime, so is unlikely to get much bigger, and if Denman fails to convince on his return, there is scope for him getting considerably shorter.
The stiffer test at Cheltenham might not suit him quite as well as this one, but a win and a second in his two Gold Cups is hardly the record of a horse who does not act there.
This better ground is evidently the key to last season's SunAlliance winner Albertas Run, who was unsuitedby softer going at Carlisle and in the Hennessy on his two previous starts this season. He crept into contention almost unnoticed and was pressing the winner three out, and although Kauto Star had too much pace for him and soon left him behind, he just outstayed Voy Por Ustedes in a good battle for second, showing much improved form.
He will be well worth his place in the Gold Cup field, so long as the going is suitable, and he could have one run in between.
Voy Por Ustedes did not jump as wellas he can, and he did not stay quite as well as Albertas Run, although that is not to say he did not stay. Connections made no excuses, and they will look towards the Ryanair Chase rather than the Queen Mother, although they will keep their options open in case something happens to Master Minded.
There was a big gap back to Briareus, who was racing for only the fourth time over fences and was facing much his stiffest task, although he did have the class to win the Kingwell Hurdle and finish sixth in the Champion in 2006. Whether 3m is his trip it is impossible to say on this evidence, but he probably ran at least as well as he was entitled to.
Something like the Commercial First Chase, over 2m5f at Ascot, where he won as a novice, might be a good race in which to assess him further.
The Hennessy second Air Force One never looked happy and was soon much further back than connections would have liked. He had looked highly progressive, and this was not his running.
The Paddy Power winner Imperial Commander travelled a good deal better than Air Force One and was still in with every chance four out, but he went out like a light as they straightened for home, stopping much too quickly for it to have been asimple case of failing stamina. Whatever the trainer might say, stable form has to be a concern.
Snoopy Loopy, the principal beneficiary when Kauto Star crashed out at the last at Haydock, raced handily, but he was hampered when Voy Por Ustedes jumped left at the first down the back and a blunder at the next pretty much put an end to any hope he had.
Tamarinbleu, who went off in front as expected, and Our Vic, who started to jump sharply out to the left down the back straight for the second time, were both well below form, but it would be unwise to read too much into it. Both can bounce back when the stable strikes form again.
No runner had been numerically more successful than the veteran Mont Misere, who went to post the winnerof 22 of his 36 races, but, like the vast majority of his owner's runners in these races, he was totally out of his depth, as the betting suggested he would be. [GD]
1 Nozic (FR) SP 7/1
Port Lyautey (FR) - Grizilh (FR) (Spoleto) 7 10-8 t P F Nicholls
Harry Skelton (5) 153 166
Tracked leaders, headway 6th, close up 8th, led approaching 4 out, ridden next and stayed on strongly
2 7 Tidal Bay (IRE) SP 5/2F
Flemensfirth (USA) - June's Bride (IRE) (Le Moss) 7 11-12 J Howard Johnson
Denis O'Regan 166 172
Chased leaders, mistake 7th, ran in snatches afterwards, effort and reminders 5 out, chased winner before next, driven when blundered 2 out, soon no impression
3 3Ύ Cloudy Lane SP 9/2
Cloudings (IRE) - Celtic Cygnet (Celtic Cone) 8 11-2 D McCain Jnr
Jason Maguire 156 158
In touch, pushed along and outpaced halfway, headway 5 out, ridden next, stayed on under pressure from 3 out
4 3Ύ State Of Play SP 4/1
Hernando (FR) - Kaprice (GER) (Windwurf) 8 10-12 Evan Williams
Paul Moloney 152 150
In touch, effort 6 out, hit next and soon ridden, driven 4 out and soon one pace
5 9 Ollie Magern SP 12/1
Alderbrook - Outfield (Monksfield) 10 11-5 N A Twiston-Davies
David England 159 148
Led, ridden along and headed 11th, driven and one pace from 4 out
6 9 Standin Obligation (IRE) SP 11/2
Pierre - Clonroche Floods (Pauper) 9 9-10 P Monteith
Ryan Mania (5) 141 123
Held up, mistake 10th, ridden along 6 out and outpaced from next
7 17 Mister McGoldrick SP 9/1
Sabrehill (USA) - Anchor Inn (Be My Guest) 11 10-9 Mrs S J Smith
Mr A E Kinirons (7) 156 123
Close up, led 11th, ridden along and headed approaching 4 out, soon driven and weakened
PU Borora SP 50/1
Shareef Dancer (USA) - Bustling Nelly (Bustino) 9 10-014 R Lee
D J Condon 140
Always in rear, outpaced and behind from 12th, pulled up before 4 out
8 ran TIME 6m 35.20s (equals standard time) Total SP 114%
1st OWNER: S McVie BRED: Patrick Le Gloannec TRAINER: P F Nicholls
2nd OWNER: Andrea & Graham Wylie
3rd OWNER: Trevor Hemmings
TOTE toteswinger: 1&2 £7.90, 1&3 £6.80, 2&3 £2.00. WIN £8.70 PL £2.80, £1.60, £1.40; Ex £27.10; CSF £25.85; TRICAST £87.85Pool £447.10 - 3.70 winning units. TRIFECTA £89.40 Pool £447.10 - 3.70 winning units.
Traditionally a high-class handicap chase, this year's field was better than average and they went a good gallop, but there was something of a surprise result with NOZIC beating his better-fancied rivals on virtually his first start since March 2007 (he departed early on his return back in October). Although he had never run over this far before, his rider appeared to have no doubts as he was always close to the pace before going on briefly at the 11th and then kicking on off the home turn from whichpoint he never looked likely to be caught.
The winner is still relatively young and after this comes into the reckoning for races such as the Racing Post Chase in the new year, although the Grand National could be on the cards and he has been given a33-1 quote for that.
Tidal Bay was another stepping up in trip having missed the King George for this. However, he ran in snatches throughout and was getting reminders halfway down the back straight on the second circuit. He kept responding thoughand was the only one to offer any sort of threat to the winner in the straight, maintaining his record of never having finished out of the first two, and it would be contentious to say he did not stay.
Connections were pleased with the run and blamedsticky ground for his defeat, and he is reportedly being aimed at the Pillar Chase next and then possibly the Gold Cup, although the Ryanair is a credible alternative followed by the Melling Chase.
Cloudy Lane was given his usual waiting ride, buthe never reached a challenging position. He has dropped a little in the weights, but is still 4lb above last winning mark.
State Of Play, the Charlie Hall winner, was having his first run since that race and was closely matched with Ollie Magern on that form. He was never travelling that easily and was in trouble before leaving the back straight, while his old rival made the running as usual but was quickly beaten once headed halfway down the back, although he did keep going and was only run out of the frame from the final fence.
Standin Obligation was backed to improve on his encouraging reappearance effort but was up against it taking on these better rivals and was struggling after a mistake early on the second circuit.
Mister McGoldrick raced up with the pace until the home turn, at which point he folded quickly, and he has now been well beaten in all three tries at 3m over fences and clearly does not stay. (AR)
26 Dec 2008
2:25 LEOPARDSTOWN (IRE)
Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (Grade 1)(4yo+) 2m1f Soft 11 fences
£57,352.94, £16,764.71, £7,941.18, £2,647.06
1 Follow The Plan (IRE) SP 12/1
Accordion - Royal Rosy (IRE) (Dominion Royale) 5 11-12 Oliver McKiernan
J L Cullen 152 158
Raced in 4th for much, improved to be on terms entering straight, stayed on well under pressure run-in, just in front on line
2 shd Tatenen (FR) SP 4/6F
Lost World (IRE) - Tamaziya (IRE) (Law Society) 4 11-1 P F Nicholls
Sam Thomas 141 147
Tracked leaders, 2nd from 5th, narrow leader from 2 out, soon joined, stayed on well under pressure run-in, just headed on line
3 8 Cooldine (IRE) SP 13/2
Beneficial - Shean Alainn (IRE) (Le Moss) 6 11-12 W P Mullins
P Townend 143 150
Soon raced in 5th, 4th and no impression under pressure straight, kept on without threatening under pressure into 3rd run-in
4 2½ Made In Taipan (IRE) SP 3/1
Taipan (IRE) - No Easy Way (IRE) (Mandalus) 6 11-12 Thomas Mullins
D N Russell 140 148
Pecked 1st, tracked leader, slight mistake 3rd, slightly slow 5th and soon 3rd, disputed lead briefly on inner after 2 out, 3rd and no impression under pressure straight, dropped to 4th run-in
5 10 Fantoche (BRZ) SP 40/1
Roi Normand (USA) - Diet Lark (BRZ) (Roy) 6 11-12 Mrs John Harrington
T P Treacy 128 138
In touch in rear, struggling from 5 out, soon no impression
6 14 Pesoto (FR) SP 20/1
Lesotho (USA) - Istoire (FR) (Dadarissime) 5 11-12 t E J O'Grady
Andrew J McNamara 111 124
Soon led, strongly pressed and headed from 2 out, weakened from before straight
UR Baltiman (IRE) SP 20/1
Oscar (IRE) - Night Leader (IRE) (Supreme Leader) 6 11-12 Miss Susan A Finn
T J Doyle
Unseated rider 3rd
7 ran TIME 4m 18.40s (slow by 3.40s) Total SP 117%
NON RUNNERS: Coolpotts (IRE) Forpadydeplasterer (IRE)
1st OWNER: Cavan Developments Bloodstock BRED: Patrick Sheehan TRAINER: Oliver McKiernan
2nd OWNER: The Stewart Family
3rd OWNER: Mrs Violet O'Leary
TOTE WIN £9.80 PL £2.70, £1.40; Ex £29.90; CSF £22.61
This looked a decent renewal of this Grade 1 event but the pace was not as strong as had been anticipated and the race developed into a scrap from the second last in which Tatenen and Follow The Plan emerged as the principals.
FOLLOW THE PLAN, a winner over 2m 4f and this trip on ground more testing than this before running Made In Taipan to two and a half lengths over this distance at Navan, jumped well apart from overjumping and pecking at the first fence. After joining in after 2 out and disputing the lead soon afterwards, he just got the better of a rousing battle from the final fence. Plans are fluid, according to trainer Oliver McKiernan, who claimed that the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham was not yet being considered. The Arkle at Leopardstown next month could change his mind although where the winner will actually go next is uncertain. McKiernan was of the opinion that the ground was a help to the winner.
Tatenen had made all when beating Straw Bear by 24 lengths at Punchestown last month. He was getting 11lb from all rivals here but less use was made of him on this occasion although he was always close up before edging ahead after 2 out. The winner took him on approaching the last and Tatenen refused to let his unbeaten record over fences go without a struggle. He stuck to his task well and the issue was in doubt all the way to the line. A stronger pace would probably have suited him better, but that could also be said of most of his rivals.
Cooldine, a 19 length winner on his debut over fences at Thurles last month, had been a very smart novice hurdler last season when he won five in a row. Longer distances will suit him and the slower than expected pace here was far from ideal for him. Close up and a bit keen early on, he was in with his chance after 2 out before failing to raise his effort under pressure nearing the final fence.
Made In Taipan, like Tatenen, was two from two over fences going into this race. He pecked at the first and was less than foot perfect at a couple of other fences, but he was there vying for the lead on the inside after 2 out only to find no extra nearing the final fence.
Fantoche looked to have plenty to do here and it turned out that way. He raced in rear and began to get detached 5 out.
Pesoto, beaten half a length when attempting to make all over 2m 4f on his chasing debut at Punchestown 17 days previously, again set off in front and led until soon after 2 out. He dropped away quickly starting the final bend.
Forpadydeplasterer (stone bruise) and Coolpotts (lame) were absentees.(TOH)
26 Dec 2008
12:20 LEOPARDSTOWN (IRE)
Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle(5yo+) 2m2f Soft 9 hdles
£7,367.28, £1,716.54, £756.99, £437.13
1 Cousin Vinny (IRE) SP 4/9F
Bob Back (USA) - Trixskin (IRE) (Buckskin) 5 11-12 W P Mullins
Mr P W Mullins 116 124
Chased leaders, went 2nd travelling best straight, gained slight lead before last, ridden clear run-in, easily
2 8 Harro The Hero (IRE) SP 25/1
Oscar (IRE) - Home Rejoicing (Carlburg) 5 11-12 Mrs John Harrington
R M Power 108 108
Chased leaders, improved to lead from 2 out, soon ridden, narrowly headed before last, no impression and kept on same pace run-in
3 6 Lord Lansdown (IRE) SP 50/1
Aristocracy - Cutty Sark (Strong Gale) 7 11-12 Gordon Elliott
S P McCann 101 102
Mid-division, 11th before 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, moderate 6th before last, kept on without threatening run-in
DSQ 2 Superior Ben (IRE) SP 11/2
Beneficial - Mother Superior (IRE) (Camden Town) 5 11-12 D T Hughes
P W Flood 112 99 100
Soon tracked leaders, 5th 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, moderate 3rd straight, not fluent and kept on same pace from last, finished 4th, disqualified - jockey failed to weigh in
4 1Ό River Canon (FR) SP 20/1
Verglas (IRE) - Kanonette (FR) (Kaldoun) 5 11-12 E J O'Grady
Andrew J McNamara 98 99
Chased leaders, 9th approaching 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, finished 5th, placed 4th
5 7 Total Excitement (IRE) SP 14/1
Michelozzo (USA) - Oak Court (IRE) (Bustineto) 6 11-12 Thomas Cooper
T J Doyle 90 92
Mid-division, headway 4 out, 8th approaching 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, finished 6th, placed 5th
6 1 Oklahoma Jack (IRE) SP 66/1
Presenting - Kilbrien Star (Goldhill) 5 11-12 M F Morris
N P Madden 89 91
Chased leaders, hampered 4 out, 10th before 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, finished 7th, placed 6th
7 nk Alderseed (IRE) SP 50/1
Alderbrook - Sandwell Old Rose (IRE) (Roselier) 7 11-7 A J Martin
M M O'Connor (5) 88 91
Mid-division, 12th approaching 2 out, soon no impression, finished 8th, placed 7th
8 1Ύ Rathrockscourt (IRE) SP 66/1
Kotashaan (FR) - Bourbon Belle (IRE) (Roselier) 5 11-7 Aidan Anthony Howard
R T Dunne (5) 86 89
Led and disputed, headed and no impression under pressure from after 2 out, finished 9th, placed 8th
9 1 Denver John (IRE) SP 100/1
Fourstars Allstar (USA) - Myalup (IRE) (Kemal) 5 11-12 Gareth James Power
M Darcy 85 88
Towards rear, no danger and kept on same pace from before 2 out, finished 10th, placed 9th
10 nk Glavey (IRE) SP 66/1
Old Vic - Milford Run (Deep Run) 6 11-7 D T Hughes
I J McCarthy (5) 85 88
Soon mid-division, improved to track leaders 3 out, 6th from next, soon no impression under pressure, finished 11th, placed 10th
11 2 Sable Bay (IRE) SP 33/1
Taipan (IRE) - Goody Choo Choo (IRE) (Orchestra) 6 11-5 A J Martin
Mr S Clements (7) 83 86
Never better than mid-division, finished 12th, placed 11th
12 1Ύ Bootlegger (IRE) SP 16/1
Pistolet Bleu (IRE) - Mullaun (Deep Run) 6 11-12 Thomas Mullins
D N Russell 81 84
Led and disputed, headed from 2 out, soon weakened, finished 13th, placed 12th
13 7 Gogo Gizmo (IRE) SP 66/1
Accordion - Saphfinna (IRE) (Satco) 6 11-9 T J Taaffe
S M McGovern (3) 73 77
Tracked leaders, took keen hold early, 4th 4 out, weakened under pressure from after 2 out, finished 14th, placed 13th
14 29 Larry Luso (IRE) SP 66/1
Luso - Princess Millicent (Proverb) 6 11-12 Daniel William O'Sullivan
A P Crowe 38 48
Towards rear for most, never a factor, finished 15th, placed 14th
15 1 Liscarton Oscar (IRE) SP 50/1
Oscar (IRE) - Rosey Buck (IRE) (Buckskin) 6 11-12 C P Donoghue
G T Hutchinson 37 47
Always towards rear, finished 16th, placed 15th
16 1 Baskin Gael (IRE) SP 66/1
Presenting - Fairy Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale) 5 11-0 Adrian Sexton
I M Carter (7) 5 20
Close up, slow jump 1st, no extra from 3 out, finished 17th, placed 16th
17 8 Lastoftheleaders (IRE) SP 50/1
Supreme Leader - Heather Breeze (IRE) (Lord Americo) 5 11-12 A L T Moore
B M Cash 9 24
Always towards rear, finished 18th, placed 17th
18 1Ό Present A Star (IRE) SP 66/1
Presenting - Mogen's Star (IRE) (Be My Native) 5 11-9 Garvan Donnelly
R M Moran (3) 16
Always towards rear, finished 19th, placed 18th
19 26 Tuscany Star (IRE) SP 50/1
Fourstars Allstar (USA) - Merendas Sister (Pauper) 5 11-9 Norman Doolin
E F Power (3) 15
Tracked leaders, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, finished 20th, placed 19th
20 22 Controversial (IRE) SP 33/1
Old Vic - Peppanoora (IRE) (Topanoora) 5 11-12 J T Gorman
P A Carberry
Towards rear for most, never a factor, finished 21st, placed 20th
PU Attercliffe (IRE) SP 10/1
Alhaarth (IRE) - Daraliya (IRE) (Kahyasi) 5 11-9 Noel Meade
P Townend (3)
Prominent, 5th 4 out, soon lost place and weakened, pulled up before 2 out
F Chapmans Peak (IRE) SP 50/1
Beneficial - Archetype (Over The River) 5 11-12 Mrs John Harrington
T P Treacy
Tracked leaders, close up when fell 4 out
23 ran TIME 4m 28.30s (slow by 10.30s) Total SP 143%
NON RUNNER: Shorecliffe King (IRE)
1st OWNER: Festival Syndicate BRED: John Hore TRAINER: W P Mullins
2nd OWNER: J P Dunne
3rd OWNER: Maurice J O'Sullivan
TOTE WIN £1.60 PL £1.10, £3.60, £10.50, £3.70; Ex £27.70; CSF £24.78
Following a stewards' inquiry, Superior Ben, who passed the post 4th, was disqualified - jockey weighed in light. River Canon was placed 4th.
As expected COUSIN VINNY readily justified odds-on favouritism to get off the mark at the second time of asking over hurdles. Last season's Cheltenham Bumper winner jumped superbly, and was still very much on the bridle on the approach to the last. He didn't jump that flight all that well, and took a stride or two to hit top gear, but as soon as he did he sprinted clear to win well. One can expect him to pay his way at a much higher level as the season progresses.
Harro The Hero met a better horse on the day, but ran a fine race in defeat. It is entirely possible that he appreciated today's better ground, and on this evidence looks a ready made winner of a maiden, and the type to prosper over timber.
The eyecatcher was Lord Lansdown, a prolific point to point winner who made a fine start to his career on the track. He was patiently handled until he made steady headway from the third last. The seven-year-old's future looks over fences, but he should be able to build on this and win his share over the smaller obstacles. He may need a greater test of stamina.
Bootlegger held a prominent position until he dropped away after the second last, as did Superior Ben who was disqualified from fourth as his rider failed to weigh in. The latter has been finding it hard to win, but he will get his turn at some stage.
Total Excitement was an above average bumper performer, and he wasn't disgraced here on ground that would have been plenty soft for him.
Hurdling debutant River Canon ran a respectable race and can be found a winning opportunity. He should be followed in a similar race.
Gogo Gizmo ran a better race than his finishing position would suggest and is another to bear in mind for a maiden at a slightly lower level.
Oklahoma Jack was hampered at the fourth last and ran well in the circumstances to finish as close as he did. He is improving and can win a race over hurdles before long.
1 Herecomesthetruth (IRE) SP 6/4F
Presenting - Beagan Rose (IRE) (Roselier) 6 11-5 P F Nicholls
R Walsh 133 133 151
Made all, jumped well, clear from 3 out, comfortably
2 8 Presenting Copper (IRE) SP 4/1
Presenting - Copper Supreme (IRE) (Supreme Leader) 7 11-7 P J Hobbs
Richard Johnson 135 127 145
Mid-division, headway to chase winner 4th, not fluent 11th, stayed on same pace from 3 out
3 6 Rustarix (FR) SP 4/1
Housamix (FR) - Star Of Russia (FR) (Soviet Star) 7 10-13 A King
Robert Thornton 127 112 128
Held up, headway 7th, hit 11th, soon ridden, outpaced from 4 out
4 shd Down The Stretch SP 25/1
Rakaposhi King - Si-Gaoith (Strong Gale) 8 10-7 J R Payne
Liam Treadwell 121 106 121
Held up, in touch, ridden after 11th, outpaced from next
5 ½ Which Pocket (IRE) SP 20/1
Norwich - Toran Pocket (Proverb) 10 10-6 t B G Powell
Wilson Renwick 120 105 123
Held up, headway 11th, hit 13th, weakened after next
6 16 Moncadou (FR) SP 16/1
Cadoudal (FR) - Palencia (FR) (Taj Dewan) 8 10-8 t Jonjo O'Neill
R P McLernon (7) 129 97 115
Held up, in rear when hit 4 out, soon weakened
7 2Ύ Randwick Roar (IRE) SP 20/1
Lord Americo - Le Bavellen (Le Bavard) 9 10-10 G L Moore
Philip Hide 124 89 105
Held up, mistake 1st, headway 7th, weakened 12th
8 3 Arumun (IRE) SP 40/1
Posidonas - Adwoa (IRE) (Eurobus) 7 10-4 M J Scudamore
John Kington (5) 123 85 101
Chased leaders until ridden and weakened approaching 12th
9 24 Mister Quasimodo SP 16/1
Busy Flight - Dubacilla (Dubassoff) 8 11-12 p C L Tizzard
Joe Tizzard 140 75 94
Behind and ridden 3rd, tailed off from 6th
PU Warpath (IRE) SP 40/1
Alderbrook - Blake's Fable (IRE) (Lafontaine) 7 11-4 Evan Williams
Paul Moloney 132
Chased leaders, blundered 2nd, noit fluent after, lost place 5th, behind from next, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
F Loulou Nivernais (FR) SP 66/1
Lights Out (FR) - Clemence (FR) (Vorias) 9 10-8 N J Hawke
David Dennis 122
Chased winner, not fluent 3rd, lost 1 place next, close 3rd when fell 7th
F Golden Feather SP 16/1
Dr Fong (USA) - Idolize (Polish Precedent) 6 10-4 Evan Williams
D P Fahy (3) 121
In rear when fell 2nd
12 ran TIME 4m 59.60s (slow by 12.60s) Total SP 117%
NON RUNNER: Le Toscan (FR )
1st OWNER: Mrs M Findlay & P K Barber BRED: Thomas Cassidy TRAINER: P F Nicholls
2nd OWNER: Alan Peterson
3rd OWNER: Mrs R J Skan
TOTE toteswinger: 1&2 £2.10, 1&3 £1.50, 2&3 £1.60. WIN £2.50 PL £1.60, £2.00, £1.50; Ex £10.00; CSF £7.39; TRICAST £20.14Pool: £676.50 - 21.89 winning units. TRIFECTA £22.80 Pool: £676.50 - 21.89 winning units.
This had the look of a competitive event beforehand, but HERECOMESTHETRUTH made all to score unchallenged on his handicap debut, with few of the others getting into it. He set a searching pace considering the conditions, jumping really well, and drewclear from the second-last. There was no repeat of his misdemeanour at Cheltenham, where he ran out at the last, and the form of his Taunton win had been boosted by the victory of runner-up Pressgang on Boxing Day. His trainer has no plans for the likeable and progressive novice, but did mention that the Topham at Aintree might be a suitable race for him.
Presenting Copper was soon in second place but she could never get close enough to the winner to trouble him. There will be other days for the mare, who went up 7lb for her course-and-distance win this month.
Rustarix came here on a hat-trick following wins at Folkestone and Sandown and he ran his race again, although he was no danger to the winner or the second over the last four fences.
Down The Stretch just failed to snatch third and this was a pleasing effort over a trip too sharp for him. He prefers better ground too.
Which Pocket had fallen in the weights after some lacklustre efforts. He ran a reasonable race and, surviving an error at the last ditch, was still in a remote third place over the last before fading.
Moncadou had not been seen since the Cheltenham Festival of 2007, when a disappointing favourite for the Racing Post Plate. He was progressive for Thierry Doumen before that and, although held when blundering badly at the final ditch, showed enough here to suggest he retains ability.
1 Will Be Done (IRE) SP 9/4
Zaffaran (USA) - Deenish (IRE) (Callernish) 7 11-9 D McCain Jnr
Jason Maguire 134 154
Made all, jumped right-handed 4th to 7th, shaken up and quickened approaching 4 out, clear 2 out, unchallenged
2 15 Pop (FR) SP 9/4
Cricket Ball (USA) - Senzi (FR) (Saint Cyrien) 5 11-5 H D Daly
Mark Bradburne 136
Tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, 4 lengths 2nd when mistake 4 out, soon ridden, 10 lengths down when mistake last
3 11 Tot O'Whiskey SP 85/40F
Saddlers' Hall (IRE) - Whatagale (Strong Gale) 7 11-5 J M Jefferson
Dougie Costello 136 124
Tracked leaders, reminders 12th, weakened after next
4 76 Striking Article (IRE) SP 5/1
Definite Article - Sindabezi (IRE) (Magical Strike) 6 11-5 J Howard Johnson
Peter Buchanan 134 45
In last but well in touch, not fluent, mistake 3rd, went prominent 8th, outpaced when stumbled landing 12th, soon behind, tailed off next
4 ran TIME 5m 26.60s (equals standard time) Total SP 110%
NON RUNNER: Lusento (IRE)
1st OWNER: Mr & Mrs R N C Hall BRED: Richard Hall TRAINER: D McCain Jnr
2nd OWNER: Robert Kirkland
3rd OWNER: Boundary Garage (Bury) Limited
TOTE WIN £3.40; Ex £7.10; CSF £7.77
Another small-field novices' chase but this looked a useful contest on paper with all four previous winners and having shown a decent level of form.
In the end it was pretty straightforward, WILL BE DONE set off in front and, kicking off the hometurn, he won with plenty in hand despite a tendency to jump right. That said he was pretty fluent at his fences and is clearly on the upgrade, so connections may be looking at a tilt at one of the better novice chases now, with the Towton Chase back herenext month a possible option.
Pop is another progressive sort and he was settled off the pace before closing up at the end of the back straight. He did make the odd mistake though and was nowhere near as fluent at his fences as the winner over thefinal four. He should win more races but is not up to this level.
Tot O'Whiskey tracked the winner from the start but was totally outpaced in the straight and it looks as if he needs 3m and testing ground to bring out the best in him.
Striking Article was far from fluent under restraint but was making headway when slipping on landing six from home, which seemed to knock him out of his rhythm. He was never going thereafter. His rider reported the gelding was unsuited by the ground.
28 Dec 2008
1:30 LEOPARDSTOWN (IRE)
Knight Frank Novice Chase (Grade 1)(4yo+) 3m Yielding To Soft 17 fences
£47,794.12, £13,970.59, £6,617.65, £2,205.88
1 Casey Jones (IRE) SP 25/1
Oscar (IRE) - Arborfield Brook (Over The River) 7 11-10 t Noel Meade
P Carberry 63 150
Held up in rear, headway to 5th 5 out, 4th next, ridden into 3rd entering straight, stayed on to challenge last, kept on well run-in to lead close home
2 ½ Trafford Lad SP 11/10F
Tragic Role (USA) - Another Shuil (IRE) (Duky) 6 11-10 E Sheehy
T J Doyle 62 149
Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 5 out, improved to challenge entering straight, led before last, ridden and challenged last, kept on under pressure run-in, headed close home
3 13 Siegemaster (IRE) SP 11/4
Lord Americo - Shabra Princess (Buckskin) 7 11-10 D T Hughes
A P McCoy 51 136
Chased leader, improved to lead before 9th, mistake 7 out, ridden and challenged 2 out, soon headed, no extra in 4th before last, kept on same pace
4 5 Bringbackthebiff (NZ) SP 10/1
Colombia (NZ) - Ellena Dawn (NZ) (Drums Of Time) 6 11-10 E J O'Grady
Andrew J McNamara 46 134
Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 6 out, improved to challenge 2 out, soon led, ridden and headed before last, no extra and kept on same pace
5 1Ό Drumconvis (IRE) SP 8/1
Taipan (IRE) - Sailors Run (IRE) (Roselier) 7 11-10 A J Martin
R Walsh 45 130
Held up, 6th 4 out, ridden in 5th 3 out, kept on same pace, no impression from before last
6 dist Oulart SP 33/1
Sabrehill (USA) - Gaye Fame (Ardross) 9 11-10 D T Hughes
P W Flood 130 18
Led, headed before 9th, ridden and weakened 5 out, tailed off
7 3 Footy Facts (IRE) SP 8/1
Oscar (IRE) - Princess Henry (IRE) (Callernish) 8 11-10 Robert Tyner
P T Enright 15
Held up, ridden in 7th after 4 out, no impression, weakened and tailed off
UR Western Gale (IRE) SP 20/1
Presenting - Kate Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale) 5 11-9 Mrs John Harrington
M J Bolger
Chased leaders, 5th and mistake 4 out, ridden before 3 out, no impression in 6th when mistake and unseated rider 2 out
8 ran TIME 6m 27.60s (slow by 22.60s) Total SP 117%
1st OWNER: Ms Gillian Burke BRED: John Webb TRAINER: Noel Meade
2nd OWNER: Butler Family Syndicate
3rd OWNER: Gigginstown House Stud
TOTE WIN £19.80 PL £3.90, £1.20, £1.40; Ex £83.00; CSF £56.60
A first attempt at 3 miles by Trafford Lad proved inconclusive as he was worn down in the last few strides by outsider CASEY JONES.
There appeared to be no problem for the favourite as he jumped and travelled at least as well as he ever has, travelling to the front between the final two fences as if he was going to win this race in similar fashion to his Drinmore win a few weeks ago. It didn't quite happen. He drifted slightly to his right after the fence and could never quite shake off the winner who eventually got up close home.
The first impression after they passed the post was that the winner had just outstayed him, and that's not to say that Trafford Lad didn't get the trip, but it did appear that the horse both idled in front and probably got there plenty soon enough as well. It wasn't necessarily the rider's fault as the horse just took him there when he did.
One suspects that the result may well be different should they meet again, although whether Trafford Lad would get this trip up the stamina-sapping Cheltenham hill will be in question until he actually does it.
Nothing should be taken away from the performance of the winner, as he travelled like a good horse all the way and jumped, putting his very poor effort in the Drinmore well behind him. Stamina was never going to be an issue, but the better ground would undoubtedly have helped him and the runner-up drifting into him after the last would not have been much of a help. He has always been a good horse and will be a competitor in the good novice chases in the Spring on good ground.
Siegemaster hasn't really progressed from his runaway win at Thurles in November where today's winner was a furlong behind him. He set out with his stable companion to make it a good gallop, his jumping was the mixture of the spectacular, the brave and the ordinary but once coming under pressure after the second last he was soon beaten. It's hard to know what to make of this horse at this stage.
Bringbackthebiff stepped up in class and ran really well for a long way. A strong travelling and sound jumping individual, he possibly might travel a bit too keenly for his own good and had little left when the race changed after the second last. It's quite probable on this evidence that 2m4f will prove to be his optimum trip.
Drumconvis earned his place in a Grade 1 by finishing just over three lengths behind Follow The Plan at Gowran Park last month. A hold up horse that needs plenty of cover, he was given a patient ride andseemingly travelled well to about the third last before he was exposed. [JOH]
29 Dec 2008
2:10 NEWBURY
totepool Greatwood Introductory Hurdle(Class 2) (4yo+) (2m110y) 2m½f Good To Soft 8 hdles
£10,019.20, £2,960.00, £1,480.00, £740.80, £369.60, £185.60
1 Dave's Dream (IRE) SP EvensF
Anshan - Native Success (IRE) (Be My Native) 5 11-5 N J Henderson
B J Geraghty 88 127
Held up towards rear but in touch, went left after 4 out, steady progress approaching 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon led, pushed clear run-in, readily
2 3½ China Gold SP 9/4
Bob's Return (IRE) - Oh So Bright (Celtic Cone) 5 11-0 A King
Robert Thornton 78 114
Chased leaders, driven to challenge 2 out, kept on well approaching last but always held by winner run-in
3 1Ύ Quaspia (FR) SP 16/1
Fragrant Mix (IRE) - Jonquiere (FR) (Trebrook) 4 10-7 p F Doumen
Tom Scudamore 69 105
Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced approaching 2 out, stayed on again to chase leaders run-in but always held
4 2 Abbevillian (IRE) SP 8/1
Definite Article - Imminent Approach (IRE) (Lord Americo) 4 11-0 C R Egerton
A P McCoy 74 113
Led until after 1st, stayed chasing leaders, challenged 3 out and slight lead next, soon headed, one pace approaching last
5 4½ Kingsdale Orion (IRE) SP 10/1
Intikhab (USA) - Jinsiyah (USA) (Housebuster) 4 11-0 B Ellison
Richard Johnson 68 107
Jumped slowly 2nd, towards rear but in touch, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, outpaced next
6 Ύ Danetime Panther (IRE) SP 50/1
Danetime (IRE) - Annotate (Groom Dancer) 4 11-0 Ian Williams
David Dennis 67 106
In touch, hit 3 out, driven and effort 2 out, weakened soon after
7 3½ Princeful (FR) SP 20/1
Useful (FR) - Spinner's Mate (FR) (Miller's Mate) 5 11-0 Miss Venetia Williams
Sam Thomas 63 103
Led until after 2nd, stayed chasing leaders to 3 out, weakened after next
8 5 Cursum Perficio SP 25/1
Tagula (IRE) - Simply Sooty (Absalom) 6 11-5 R Lee
Mr O Greenall 62 103
Led after 1st, not fluent 3rd, headed 2 out, soon weakened
9 4½ Gremlin SP 50/1
Mujahid (USA) - Fairy Free (Rousillon) 4 11-0 A King
Wayne Hutchinson 51 96
Hampered bend after 4 out, mistake next, always in rear
9 ran TIME 4m 12.27s (slow by 19.27s) Total SP 119%
NON RUNNER: Tigger
1st OWNER: David Murdoch BRED: Kenilworth House Stud TRAINER: N J Henderson
2nd OWNER: Bob Tullett & Denny Chambers
3rd OWNER: J Vasicek
TOTE toteswinger: 1&2 £1.70, 1&3 £5.70, 2&3 £10.30. WIN £1.90 PL £1.10, £1.30, £2.60; Ex £3.90; CSF £3.50
A decent hurdle that had fallen to a four-year-old in three of its four previous runnings but not the most competitive contest with only three at single-figure odds and the time was slower than the earlier juvenile contest.
The trend was not maintained though as the two five-year-olds at the head of the market dominated and in the end DAVE'S DREAM scored comfortably. That does not tell all of the story though, as he never appeared to be going that well and his jumping was untidy at times, but when asked for more he found it readily and had matters in hand before the last flight. This was his first outing since January due to a muscle wastage problem so he can be forgiven being ring-rusty, and with connections being very positive the impression was that there is a lot more to come. No longer a novice though, it will be interesting to see where he is aimed next.
China Gold, a soft-ground bumper winner, was well beaten in a maiden hurdle here last month and ran really well, looking a big threat but not having the pace of the winner. He can be placed to win a novices' event before long, especially on softer ground.
Quaspia, a French-trained 1m4f heavy-ground winner on the Flat, had cheekpieces on for this for hurdling debut. She travelled well before being outpaced halfway up the straight but then ran on again. Her head carriage suggested she was not giving it everything.
Abbevillian, who had been placed in both his bumpers, ran pretty well on this hurdling debut and looks more than capable of progressing enough to win races.
Kingsdale Orion ran reasonably but was well held, along with Danetime Panther, who was making his debut over hurdles and may need a sounder surface judged on his Flat form.
Princeful, a1m5fwinner in France on heavy ground, did not run badly on this second start before fading and needs one more run for a mark, while Cursum Perficio, the winner of a fast-ground maiden hurdle on his debut in August 2007 made the running before fading on his first start since.
Gremlin never got out of the rear but was trying to make a forward move at the end of the back straight when cut off by the winner, a move which cost Barry Geraghty a five-day suspension.
29 Dec 2008
1:55 LEOPARDSTOWN (IRE)
Leopardstown Golf Centre December Festival Hurdle (Grade 1)(4yo+) 2m Yielding 8 hdles
£47,867.65, £14,044.12, £6,691.18, £2,279.41
1 Sublimity (FR) SP 3/1
Selkirk (USA) - Fig Tree Drive (USA) (Miswaki) 8 11-10 t Robert Alan Hennessy
P A Carberry 160 160 162
Held up early, headway to 5th halfway, immproved to challenge in close 3rd 2 out, ridden to lead before last, kept on well under pressure run-in
2 ½ Won In The Dark (IRE) SP 20/1
Montjeu (IRE) - Meseta (Lion Cavern) 4 11-7 Sabrina J Harty
S J Hassett 135 156 158
Held up, 8th halfway, headway in 4th before 2 out, ridden to challenge last, kept on well run-in, no extra close home
3 4½ Brave Inca (IRE) SP 9/2
Good Thyne (USA) - Wigwam Mam (IRE) (Commanche Run) 10 11-10 C A Murphy
R Walsh 162 154 157
Chased leader in close 2nd, improved to lead after 3 out, strongly pressed from 2 out and disputed entering straight, ridden and headed before last, no extra and kept on same pace
4 1Ύ Muirhead (IRE) SP 13/2
Flemensfirth (USA) - Silaoce (FR) (Nikos) 5 11-10 Noel Meade
P Carberry 148 152 155
Mid-division, 7th halfway, ridden into 5th 2 out, kept on one pace from before last
5 2 Sizing Europe (IRE) SP 15/8F
Pistolet Bleu (IRE) - Jennie Dun (IRE) (Mandalus) 6 11-10 Henry De Bromhead
Andrew J McNamara 166 150 153
Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway to 2nd after 3 out, challenged 2 out, ridden to disputed entering straight, 4th and weakened approaching last
6 ½ Aitmatov (GER) SP 25/1
Lomitas - Atoka (GER) (Kaiseradler) 7 11-10 tb Noel Meade
P Townend 156 149 153
Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and dropped to rear after 3 out, no impression from 2 out, moderate 7th entering straight and kept on one pace
7 2½ River Liane (FR) SP 14/1
River Bay (USA) - Gospellianne (FR) (Machiavellian) 4 11-7 Thomas Cooper
N P Madden 137 143 147
Chased leaders, 6th halfway, mistake 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression in 6th entering straight, kept on one pace
8 11 Hardy Eustace (IRE) SP 10/1
Archway (IRE) - Sterna Star (Corvaro) 11 11-10 b D T Hughes
P W Flood 162 133 139
Led, mistake 3 out, soon headed, dropped to rear 2 out and no impression after
F Larkwing (IRE) SP 40/1
Ela-Mana-Mou - The Dawn Trader (USA) (Naskra) 7 11-10 E McNamara
D J Casey 138
Held up towards rear, fell 3 out
9 ran TIME 3m 52.10s (slow by 3.10s) Total SP 118%
1st OWNER: W Hennessy BRED: Stratford Place/Watership Down TRAINER: Robert Alan Hennessy
2nd OWNER: Gerard V Crehan
3rd OWNER: Novices Syndicate
TOTE WIN £3.60 PL £1.80, £3.30, £1.60; Ex £46.90; CSF £58.36
With three past Champion Hurdle winners in the line-up plus Sizing Europe, who started favourite for the 2008 Champion Hurdle and who was given the all clear to run following a bruised-foot scare 24 hours earlier, this renewal promised to be an informative Grade 1 event.
However, the gallop was moderate at best and the pace of SUBLIMITY proved all-important with the 2007 Champion Hurdle winner, who had lost out narrowly to Punjabi in the Fighting Fifth, travelling easily throughout and being restrained until asked to quicken to the lead approaching the final hurdle. He was fast and low at the last and although pressed all the way to the line, he never flinched.
The result is unlikely to have had the Binocular team reaching for sleeping tablets but Sublimity showed that he retains plenty of ability and will have a better chance than most of toppling the favourite come March. Ground is important to him - it was yielding here - and such conditions or good ground is what he needs. Whether he returns to Leopardstown for the Toshiba Champion Hurdle on January 25 will largely depend on the ground, with more testing conditions almost certain to rule him out.
Won In The Dark was one of the better juvenile hurdlers last season when he won the Grade 1 Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown and finished third in the Triumph. The ground helped him here and he produced a fine effort, coming from the back of the field to deliver his challenge on the outside approaching the final hurdle. He jumped it in second place and put it up to the winner on the run in. He stayed on well to the line despite swishing his tail a couple of times and will be fully entitled to tackle the Champion Hurdles at Leopardstown and Cheltenham. Because of the status of the racehis rider was unable to claim his 5lb allowance.
Brave Inca, the 2006 Champion Hurdle winner and the winner of nine Grade 1 races, had run second in the 2m4f Hatton's Grace Hurdle last month when returning from a long absence. The ordinary pace here was not in his favour and after racing upsides Hardy Eustace at the head of affairs, he went to the front from three out before being headed and failing to quicken approaching the final hurdle. He stayed on from the last and will get another chanceto show he can still measure up to the best in the Toshiba Champion Hurdle back at Leopardstown next month.
Muirhead, a Grade 1 winner as a novice last season, had finished eight and a half lengths behind Brave Inca in the Hatton's Grace. He ran abetter race here although unable to get to the leaders when asked to raise his effort approaching the last having made a forward move before two out.
Sizing Europe proved disappointing and while the foot he bruised might have had an effect, he travelled well for most of the race and was disputing the lead after two out before dropping away quickly facing the final hurdle. No excuses were offered and he has again failed to show the ability he displayed when winning the Irish Champion Hurdle so emphatically last season.
A back problem was diagnosed after he dropped out quickly between the last two hurdles at Cheltenham in March, and it will be interesting to see whether anything comes to light which might explain his performance here.
Hardy Eustace was another to perform poorly. He made the running until making a mistake three out but jockey Paddy Flood reported that he never travelled or jumped with his usual enthusiasm. Trainer Dessie Hughes said: "He was very quiet for some reason when we were saddling him and the vibes weren't good."
Both Hardy Eustace and Sizing Europe were reported to be post-race normal following veterinary examination. [TOH]
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