Roi Des Francs (right): RSA favoured route but decision will be left late
PICTURE: Caroline Norris (Racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: Roi likely to switch to RSA
ROI DES FRANCS, as short as 4-1 for the National Hunt Novice Chase, is likely to run in the RSA Chase 24 hours later instead, according to connections.
Roi Des Francs is set to take on fellow Gigginstown runner No More Heroes in the novices’ Grade 1 on Wednesday and his price contracted for that race to as low as 10-1 (from 16) on Thursday.
Gigginstown’s Eddie O’Leary said: “Roi Des Francs more than likely runs in the RSA. We are keeping our options open, that’s all.”
A decision on where Road To Riches and Valseur Lido line up – both having Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup and Ryanair Chase options – has yet to be made.
“That will be left very late, it will depend on the ground and the weather and everything,” said O’Leary.
“Our Gold Cup runners depend on the health of Don Poli and Don Cossack. The Ryanair is a very important race to us. We have had three seconds in it. We would love to win it. Touch wood, we will definitely have runners in the race.”
Garde La Victoire (far side): also entered in the Racing Post Arkle
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: JLT preferred for Garde
GARDE LA VICTOIRE looks set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham next week with likely ground conditions proving the deciding factor.
The Philip Hobbs-trained seven-year-old also holds an entry in the Racing Post Arkle on Tuesday, in which he would clash with hot favourite Douvan, but he now looks likely to wait 48 hours and step up to two and a half miles for the JLT.
Hobbs said: “There is no preference between the races really but we’re slightly leaning towards the JLT due to the ground looking like it is going to dry out and taking into account the weather forecast, which now looks dry following the rain on Wednesday.
“I appreciate Douvan is frightening the opposition away in the Arkle and they say you should never be scared of one horse but from a ratings point of view Sizing John was brushed aside by him at Leopardstown over Christmas and he has a mark of 151, which is the same as Garde La Victoire. So what chance do we have of beating Douvan?”
Garde La Victoire is a best priced 9-1 for the JLT with BoyleSports and a general 14-1 chance for the Arkle.
Rest of Hobbs hopes
A decision on whether Village Vic, who has won his last two races at Cheltenham, runs in the Ryanair Chase or the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate will be left until nearer the time.
“He’s very well in himself and has been in the form of is life this season,” said Hobbs. “But we will be leaving the decision as to which race he contests next week until closer to the day as it will be interesting to see what the opposition looks like in the two races.”
Balthazar King, another of the trainer’s festival stars, is looking to bounce back from an injury sustained in last season’s Grand National when attempting to clock up his sixth success over the Cheltenham cross-country fences in Wednesday’s Glenfarclas-sponsored contest.
Richard Johnson will ride Balthazar King and also partner Crabbie’s Grand National hope Kruzhlinin for Hobbs in the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase, Rock The Kasbah or Brother Tedd in the Coral Cup and Wait For Me, who will take his chance in the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle.
Sire De Grugy (left) and Sprinter Sacre among 12 forfeits for Cheltenham
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: Big guns stand ground for Champion Chase
THE last three winners of the Betway Champion Chase remain on course to set odds-on favourite Un De Sceaux a stern challenge in the feature race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
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Dodging Bullets, Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre were on Thursday among the 12 confirmed entries for Wednesday’s two-mile spectacular, while Vautour, who is seemingly bound for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has also been left in.
As well as Un De Sceaux and Vautour, impressive winners of last season’s Racing Post Arkle and JLT Novices’ Chase, Willie Mullins dominates the entries with Felix Younger and Twinlight also engaged.
Henry de Bromhead, who won the race with Sizing Europe in 2011, is set to rely on last year’s third Special Tiara, with former stablemate Sizing Granite, now in the care of Brave Inca’s trainer Colm Murphy, adding further strength to the Irish challenge.
Somersby, a standing dish in the Champion Chase, is in line for a fifth crack at the race after finishing second to Dodging Bullets 12 months ago.
God’s Own, runner-up to Un De Sceaux in last year’s Racing Post Arkle, and the Micky Hammond-trained Just Cameron complete the dozen possibles.
Coral Cup shake-up
While the Champion Chase avoided any notable omissions, it was the opposite scenario in the same day’s Coral Cup with a big shake-up in the market following the scratchings of a string of fancied contenders.
Four of the top six in the betting have been taken out, including the Mullins-trained Great Field, who was favourite with some firms.
Nicky Henderson-trained pair Different Gravey and Kilcrea Vale were taken out, as was Lil Rockerfeller, who was on Wednesday supplemented for the Stan James Champion Hurdle at a cost of £20,000.
In the revised betting Diamond King and Arbre De Vie are 10-1 joint-favourites with the sponsors, closely followed by Politologue, Rock The Kasbah and Squouateur at 12-1.
Other day two Grade 1s
There were no shock absentees from Wednesday’s RSA Chase, for which 21 possibles remain in the mix, or the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, where 5-4 favourite Yanworth featured among 28 contenders.
Mullins is responsible for seven of the 25 horses at the six-day entry stage for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, a race he has won a record eight times.
The going at Cheltenham was reported as soft on Thursday morning
PICTURE: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: Going soft as rain strikes
CHELTENHAM clerk of the course Simon Claisse reported on Thursday morning the track missed the worst of the rain that struck British and Irish courses on Wednesday, causing abandonments and inspections.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Claisse said: “We had 24mm Tuesday into Wednesday morning but we’ve had just 1mm since. It seems as though we’ve been very lucky. I’ve walked everything this morning and am happy to keep it at soft all round.
“I’m surprised at how well the course has taken the rain; a lot better than when we had that deluge before trials day at the end of January. The course was admittedly a lot drier before the rain started this time.”
Looking towards the festival, which starts in five days’ time, Claisse added: “I’d be happy to stick with what I said yesterday, that we’ll probably have a mix of good to soft and soft, it just depends which is dominant.”
Dry forecast for Cheltenham
Claisse also seems positive about the forecast. “I cannot see any forecast that gives us any rain at all between now and Friday week,” he said. “There might be a couple of millimetres that day.
“It’s going to be dry and temperatures are due to creep up into double-figures over the weekend. About 90% of the ground we’ll be using won’t have been touched since last March, which will also make a big difference,” Claisse added.
Stratford forced to abandon
Other courses, including those not too far from Cheltenham, have suffered much worse as a result of Wednesday’s rainfall. Wincanton’s card on Thursday was abandoned after 27mm of rain, while Stratford on Monday is also off after the River Avon burst its banks on Wednesday.
There was also flooding reported at Huntingdon on Thursday morning after 20mm of rain. However, officials have described the situation as “hopeful” with six days before the next scheduled meeting.
Leicester on Friday had to survive a Thursday morning inspection but will race after 10mm of further rain on Wednesday. Warwick and Chepstow, both due to race at the weekend, reported 28mm and 40mm respectively through the course of Wednesday.
In Ireland, Limerick’s card on Friday, already put back from Thursday due to weaterlogging, is subject to an 8am inspection.
Our Father will miss the rest of the season through injury
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: Kim Muir favourite Our Father ruled out
GORDON ELLIOTT’S strong Cheltenham Festival raiding party was reduced by one on Wednesday evening after the trainer confirmed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup favourite Our Father will miss the meeting.
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The ten-year-old had been as short as 6-1 before news of his injury, the details of which were not disclosed, was confirmed by the County Meath trainer on Wednesday.
“I hope it is not too serious but he is out for the season,” said Elliott, also ruling the grey out of a shot at next month’s Crabbie’s Grand National.
Our Father had been as short as 50-1 for the Aintree showpiece, in which unseated two years ago, when trained by David Pipe.
The son of Shantou has been off the track since January 1 2015, when he was beaten a length by Mon Parrain in the 3m2f BetBright On Mobile Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on his final start for Pipe.
Noel Fehily believes Djakadam could go one better this year on soft ground
PICTURE: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)
Cheltenham Festival: Do not discount Cossack and Djakadam, says Fehily
NOEL FEHILY believes next Friday’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup is between Don Cossack, the highest rated chaser in Britain and Ireland, and last year’s runner-up Djakadam – where underfoot conditions will prove pivotal in deciding which one comes out on top.
The jockey, who partnered the 3-1 favourite Silviniaco Conti in last year’s Gold Cup, says the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack would be best suited by good ground.
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In softer conditions, however, Fehily nominated the seven-year-old Djakadam as the likeliest winner, despite his fall when last seen in the Grade 2 BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January.
“If the ground came up good I would certainly like to be with Don Cossack, as he seems better in those conditions,” said Fehily in Thursday’s Racing Post, in which several leading riders were canvassed for their opinions on the eagerly anticipated day-four feature.
Fehily added: “If the ground was slower, I think I’d ride Djakadam as all his best runs have been with some cut and he was still travelling well enough when coming down at the Trials meeting.”
Decisions for Walsh and Cooper
If Fehily is correct, it would contradict what bookmakers believe will be the choices made by Ruby Walsh and Bryan Cooper as to who to ride in the richest race of the festival.
Walsh is odds-on to favour King George VI Chase runner-upVautour, who will be bidding for a third consecutive Cheltenham Festival success, following wins in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and JLT Novices’ Chase.
Cooper, meanwhile, will have the choice of Don Cossack and Don Poli, as well as Road To Riches and Valseur Lido, and while he has insisted he will make the call based on ground conditions, he too is odds-on to side with last year’s RSA Chase hero Don Poli.
Ground update
The heavy rain that changed the ground at Cheltenham to soft all round may impact Cooper’s decision, but officials are expecting the deluge to be the last of the significant wet weather before the start of the festival on Tuesday.
After 24mm fell through Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: “We’ve been mostly dry through the day – we’ve maybe had another millimetre – and the track has taken it well.
“The encouraging thing is the outlook is predominantly dry and getting milder through the rest of this week with at the moment only the odd shower forecast during festival week.”
When asked what ground he expected for the start of the festival, Claisse replied: “Based on the current forecast a combination of soft and good to soft, but I’m not sure which will be predominant.”
Good to soft was hardened as the 4-11 favourite to be the official going on day one, while good was pushed out to 5-1, the same price as soft.
Read more from Noel Fehily, as well as Tom Scudamore, Brian Hughes and Jamie Moore in Thursday’s Racing Post as we canvass the weighing room on a thrilling Gold Cup – on iPad from 8pm
Cheltenham TUE 15 MAR 2016. GOING: SOFT. (Sunny intervals)
| 1:30 |
SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES´ HURDLE (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) 64 runners 2m87y SoftCH4 Race Conditions: £120,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 13lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb Allowances fillies & mares 7lb Entries 64 pay £ 150 Confirmed 25 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24/141 | A Hare Breath50  |
8 | 11-7 | Ben Pauling | 137 | 135 | 145 | ||
| 2 | 61111 | Altior80 |
6 | 11-7 | Nicky Henderson60 | Nico de Boinville | 155 | 145 | 161 | |
| 3 | 1-3O31 | 3 | Babbling Stream37  |
5 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | — | 56 | 124 | |
| 4 | 111128 | Bachasson79 |
5 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 151 | 129 | 155 | ||
| 5 | 2U1311 | Ball D´Arc23 |
5 | 11-7 | Gordon Elliott25 | 146 | 122 | 152 | ||
| 6 | 3-1 | Bello Conti84 |
5 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 139 | 118 | 142 | ||
| 7 | 11113 | Bellshill38  |
6 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 148 | 124 | 154 | ||
| 8 | 124-11 | Buveur D´Air46 |
5 | 11-7 | Nicky Henderson60 | Noel Fehily | 154 | 121 | 155 | |
| 9 | 41221 | Charbel37 |
5 | 11-7 | Kim Bailey42 | David Bass | 147 | 130 | 154 | |
| 10 | 26111 | Holly Bush Henry55 |
5 | 11-7 | Graeme McPherson33 | Kielan Woods | 142 | 137 | 146 | |
| 11 | 111111 | Long Dog79 |
6 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 154 | 128 | 158 | ||
| 12 | 43-11 | Min66 |
5 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 153 | 130 | 159 | ||
| 13 | 311-11 | Mister Miyagi110 |
7 | 11-7 | Dan Skelton54 | Ian Popham | 135 | 106 | 133 | |
| 14 | 1/11- | 1 | Moon Racer370  |
7 | 11-7 | David Pipe50 | — | — | — | |
| 15 | 1-212 | North Hill Harvey33 |
5 | 11-7 | Dan Skelton54 | Harry Skelton | 140 | 118 | 149 | |
| 16 | 3-1814 | 2 | Okotoks114 |
6 | 11-7 | A J Martin50 | 125 | 69 | 125 | |
| 17 | 1113 | Penglai Pavilion123 |
6 | 11-7 | John Ferguson | Aidan Coleman | 146 | 110 | 153 | |
| 18 | 1-1134 | Petit Mouchoir38 |
5 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 144 | 109 | 149 | ||
| 19 | 224-2 | Silver Concorde79 |
8 | 11-7 | D K Weld | 135 | 48 | 127 | ||
| 20 | 16-931 | Supasundae79 |
6 | 11-7 | Henry De Bromhead | 140 | 114 | 140 | ||
| 21 | F1211 | Thomas Hobson59 |
6 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 145 | 130 | 155 | ||
| 22 | 1-1122 | Tombstone38 |
6 | 11-7 | Gordon Elliott25 | B J Cooper | 147 | 89 | 158 | |
| 23 | 15-31 | Vigil23 |
7 | 11-7 | D K Weld | 139 | 106 | 145 | ||
| 24 | 2-2121 | William H Bonney27 |
5 | 11-7 | Alan King36 | Wayne Hutchinson | 136 | 111 | 138 | |
| 25 | 11-111 | Yorkhill73 |
6 | 11-7 | W P Mullins83 | 156 | 135 | 159 | ||
| 2:10 |
RACING POST ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY CHASE (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) 37 runners1m7f199y Soft CH4 Race Conditions: £150,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 8th. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 8th would merit a minimum rating of 110. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. Weights 11st 4lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 37 pay £ 185 Confirmed 14 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22213 | Aso32 |
6 | 11-4 | Venetia Williams35 | 145 | 136 | 160 | ||
| 2 | 073-12 | Baltimore Rock39 |
7 | 11-4 | Neil Mulholland63 | Noel Fehily | 143 | 137 | 156 | |
| 3 | 1-1111 | Douvan51 |
6 | 11-4 | W P Mullins83 | 161 | 148 | 180 | ||
| 4 | 11233 | Fox Norton31 |
6 | 11-4 | Neil Mulholland63 | 145 | 138 | 162 | ||
| 5 | 41-111 | Garde La Victoire63 |
7 | 11-4 | Philip Hobbs60 | 151 | 136 | 167 | ||
| 6 | 14-112 | L´Ami Serge31 |
6 | 11-4 | Nicky Henderson60 | 148 | 120 | 166 | ||
| 7 | 80-119 | On Tour45 |
8 | 11-4 | Evan Williams56 | 138 | 124 | 155 | ||
| 8 | 2-3111 | Outlander38 |
8 | 11-4 | W P Mullins83 | 151 | 124 | 166 | ||
| 9 | 1-3114 | Shaneshill45 |
7 | 11-4 | W P Mullins83 | 152 | 136 | 163 | ||
| 10 | 3-51U2 | Sizing Codelco72 |
7 | 11-4 | Henry De Bromhead | 145 | 98 | 155 | ||
| 11 | 3-2112 | Sizing John80 |
6 | 11-4 | Henry De Bromhead | 150 | 136 | 159 | ||
| 12 | 102111 | The Game Changer152 |
7 | 11-4 | Gordon Elliott25 | B J Cooper | 155 | 129 | 163 | |
| 13 | 85-121 | Vaniteux45 |
7 | 11-4 | Nicky Henderson60 | Nico de Boinville | 152 | 149 | 172 | |
| 14 | 25-34 | Zamdy Man52 |
7 | 11-4 | Venetia Williams35 | 147 | 107 | 125 | ||
| 2:50 |
ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) 107 runners 3m1f Soft CH4 Race Conditions: £100,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ Minimum weight 10-0 Penalties after February 28th, a winner of a chase 5lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb) Sausalito Sunrise’s Handicap Mark 163 Entries 107 pay £ 125 Confirmed 57 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F-P121 | Sausalito Sunrise24 |
8 | 11-12 | Philip Hobbs60 | 163 | 124 | 162 | ||
| 2 | 783P-2 | Wonderful Charm95 | 8 | 11-7 | Paul Nicholls50 | 158 | 122 | 172 | ||
| 3 | 1535PP | Ballynagour31 |
10 | 11-6 | David Pipe50 | 157 | 123 | 169 | ||
| 4 | F0174 | Shanahan´s Turn136 | 8 | 11-2 | Henry De Bromhead | 153 | 147 | 166 | ||
| 5 | 31P-15 | Blood Cotil58 | 7 | 11-2 | W P Mullins83 | 153 | 138 | 166 | ||
| 6 | 42155P | Irish Cavalier45 |
7 | 11-2 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 153 | 141 | 173 | ||
| 7 | 43-54P | Holywell45 |
9 | 11-2 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 153 | 141 | 177 | ||
| 8 | 115-51 | Carole´s Destrier101 |
8 | 11-0 | Neil Mulholland63 | Noel Fehily | 151 | 104 | 168 | |
| 9 | 116-0P | Kings Palace17 |
8 | 10-13 | David Pipe50 | 150 | 119 | 151 | ||
| 10 | 212-34 | Southfield Theatre101 |
8 | 10-13 | Paul Nicholls50 | 150 | 118 | 154 | ||
| 11 | R-3231 | Theatre Guide17 | 9 | 10-13 | Colin Tizzard42 | 150 | 151 | 169 | ||
| 12 | 3/3-22 | Morning Assembly31 | 9 | 10-13 | P A Fahy100 | 150 | 129 | 160 | ||
| 13 | 0-2459 | Double Ross45 |
10 | 10-13 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | Jamie Moore | 150 | 143 | 175 | |
| 14 | 8-8031 | Unioniste26 |
8 | 10-12 | Paul Nicholls50 | 149 | 145 | 171 | ||
| 15 | 7-2U46 | The Young Master45 |
7 | 10-12 | Neil Mulholland63 | Mr S Waley-Cohen3 | 149 | 126 | 171 | |
| 16 | 6-1040 | Bear´s Affair95 |
10 | 10-11 | Nicky Henderson60 | 148 | 131 | 169 | ||
| 17 | 0/72-1 | Kruzhlinin66 | 9 | 10-11 | Philip Hobbs60 | 148 | 139 | 170 | ||
| 18 | 3-1224 | Un Temps Pour Tout45 |
7 | 10-11 | David Pipe50 | 148 | 142 | 166 | ||
| 19 | 8-3309 | Fox Appeal17 | 9 | 10-10 | Emma Lavelle50 | 147 | 143 | 174 | ||
| 20 | 30/P-P | Katenko87 |
10 | 10-10 | Venetia Williams35 | 147 | — | — | ||
| 21 | 04280 | Spring Heeled79 |
9 | 10-9 | J H Culloty | 146 | 140 | 170 | ||
| 22 | 35113 | Katkeau38 |
9 | 10-8 | David Pipe50 | 145 | 82 | 168 | ||
| 23 | 1-214F | Knock House38 |
7 | 10-7 | Mick Channon | Brian Hughes | 144 | 127 | 172 | |
| 24 | 1-3321 | Beg To Differ25 |
6 | 10-6 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 143 | 126 | 169 | ||
| 25 | 18-005 | 33 | Cause Of Causes23 |
8 | 10-5 | Gordon Elliott25 | 142 | 138 | 159 | |
| 26 | P15544 | 32 | The Job Is Right54 |
8 | 10-5 | Michael Hourigan | 142 | 106 | 166 | |
| 27 | 9-421 | 31 | Midnight Prayer30 |
11 | 10-5 | Alan King36 | 142 | 92 | 166 | |
| 28 | 53F1PP | 30 | Regal Encore45 | 8 | 10-5 | Anthony Honeyball75 | 142 | 128 | 148 | |
| 29 | 1/9221 | 29 | Doctor Harper49 |
8 | 10-4 | David Pipe50 | 141 | 135 | 171 | |
| 30 | 24332 | 28 | Fingal Bay30 |
10 | 10-4 | Philip Hobbs60 | 141 | 141 | 174 | |
| 31 | 1-1646 | 27 | Salubrious45 |
9 | 10-3 | Paul Nicholls50 | 140 | 131 | 169 | |
| 32 | P3118 | 26 | Ziga Boy17 |
7 | 10-3 | Alan King36 | 140 | 142 | 170 | |
| 33 | 6-121U | 25 | Thomas Brown17 |
7 | 10-3 | Harry Fry58 | 140 | 126 | 172 | |
| 34 | 0-212P | 24 | Upswing66 |
8 | 10-2 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 139 | 139 | 169 | |
| 35 | 7-2UFP | 23 | Algernon Pazham52 |
7 | 10-2 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | Ryan Hatch3 | 139 | 139 | 170 |
| 36 | F-6311 | 22 | Out Sam31 | 7 | 10-2 | Warren Greatrex60 | 139 | 131 | 179 | |
| 37 | P2-U11 | 21 | Silvergrove32 |
8 | 10-1 | Ben Pauling | 138 | 123 | 168 | |
| 38 | 2U-886 | 20 | Monetaire109 | 10 | 10-1 | David Pipe50 | 138 | 127 | 160 | |
| 39 | 1-5392 | 19 | A Good Skin32 |
7 | 10-1 | Tom George43 | 138 | 135 | 170 | |
| 40 | 22314 | 18 | Alternatif74 |
6 | 10-0 | David Pipe50 | 137 | 131 | 173 | |
| 41 | P1P-2P | 17 | O Maonlai87 |
8 | 10-0 | Tom George43 | 137 | 107 | 171 | |
| 42 | 1241F | 16 | Golden Chieftain30 |
11 | 9-12 | Colin Tizzard42 | 135 | 144 | 171 | |
| 43 | 1114P4 | 15 | Ballykan17 |
6 | 9-12 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | 135 | 148 | 168 | |
| 44 | 426B24 | 14 | Pass The Hat45 | 9 | 9-12 | A L T Moore | 135 | 128 | 169 | |
| 45 | 924U51 | 13 | Ericht17 | 10 | 9-12 | Nicky Henderson60 | 135 | 139 | 170 | |
| 46 | 231123 | 12 | Quite By Chance13 | 7 | 9-11 | Colin Tizzard42 | 134 | 151 | 168 | |
| 47 | 28-03P | 11 | Doing Fine129 | 8 | 9-11 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 134 | 107 | 165 | |
| 48 | 711383 | 10 | Standing Ovation142 |
9 | 9-11 | David Pipe50 | 134 | 149 | 165 | |
| 49 | 4P-4P5 | 9 | Indian Castle74 |
8 | 9-11 | Ian Williams100 | 134 | 131 | 149 | |
| 50 | 4-0753 | 8 | Band Of Blood10 | 8 | 9-9 | Dr Richard Newland40 | 132 | 142 | 164 | |
| 51 | 264P0 | 7 | Audacious Plan17 | 7 | 9-8 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 131 | 119 | 161 | |
| 52 | P2078 | 6 | According To Trev16 |
10 | 9-8 | David Bridgwater100 | 131 | 111 | 154 | |
| 53 | 4-1123 | 5 | Waldorf Salad24 |
8 | 9-8 | Venetia Williams35 | 131 | 147 | 167 | |
| 54 | 21F32 | 4 | Smooth Stepper17 | 7 | 9-7 | Sue Smith43 | 130 | 136 | 163 | |
| 55 | 512P3P | 3 | Wizards Bridge18 |
7 | 9-6 | Colin Tizzard42 | 129 | 131 | 164 | |
| 56 | 15442 | 2 | Saroque18 |
9 | 9-5 | Venetia Williams35 | 128 | 130 | 164 | |
| 57 | 2US5P | 1 | Shangani30 | 10 | 9-1 | Venetia Williams35 | 124 | 92 | 164 | |
Long Handicap: Golden Chieftain 9-12, Ballykan 9-12, Pass The Hat 9-12, Ericht 9-12, Quite By Chance 9-11, Doing Fine 9-11, Standing Ovation 9-11, Indian Castle 9-11, Band Of Blood 9-9, Audacious Plan 9-8, According To Trev 9-8, Waldorf Salad 9-8, Smooth Stepper 9-7, Wizards Bridge 9-6, Saroque 9-5, Shangani 9-1
| 3:30 |
STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) 19 runners2m87y Soft CH4 Race Conditions: £400,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 8th. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 8th would merit a minimum rating of 130. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final Weights 4yo 11st 2lb; 5yo+ 11st 10lb Allowances fillies & mares 7lb Entries 19 pay £ 1000 Confirmed 13 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14-U15 | Camping Ground45 |
6 | 11-10 | Robert Walford50 | Leighton Aspell | 163 | 123 | 167 | |
| 2 | 36-433 | Hargam80 |
5 | 11-10 | Nicky Henderson60 | 157 | 146 | 163 | ||
| 3 | 2-3112 | Identity Thief77 |
6 | 11-10 | Henry De Bromhead | 159 | 135 | 168 | ||
| 4 | 331231 | Lil Rockerfeller16 |
5 | 11-10 | Neil King75 | Trevor Whelan | 157 | 116 | 160 | |
| 5 | 11123/ | My Tent Or Yours703 |
9 | 11-10 | Nicky Henderson60 | Barry Geraghty | 161 | — | — | |
| 6 | 1-1113 | Nichols Canyon51 |
6 | 11-10 | W P Mullins83 | 161 | 147 | 171 | ||
| 7 | 3-1114 | Old Guard80 |
5 | 11-10 | Paul Nicholls50 | Nick Scholfield | 157 | 142 | 164 | |
| 8 | 111-63 | Peace And Co38 |
5 | 11-10 | Nicky Henderson60 | Nico de Boinville | 157 | 102 | 151 | |
| 9 | 1-4211 | Sempre Medici31 |
6 | 11-10 | W P Mullins83 | 157 | 134 | 163 | ||
| 10 | 442-45 | Sign Of A Victory80 |
7 | 11-10 | Nicky Henderson60 | Andrew Tinkler | 153 | 147 | 158 | |
| 11 | 15-121 | The New One52 |
8 | 11-10 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | Sam Twiston-Davies | 161 | 147 | 166 | |
| 12 | 2-2251 | Top Notch26 |
5 | 11-10 | Nicky Henderson60 | Daryl Jacob | 158 | 134 | 166 | |
| 13 | 1F-11 | Annie Power27 |
8 | 11-3 | W P Mullins83 | 162 | 144 | 168 | ||
| 4:10 |
OLBG MARES´ HURDLE (REGISTERED AS THE DAVID NICHOLSON MARES´ HURDLE RACE) (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) 45 runners 2m3f200y Soft CH4 Race Conditions: £100,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ fillies & mares Weights 4yo 10st 10lb; 5yo+ 11st 5lb Entries45 pay £ 250 Confirmed 26 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1F-11 | Annie Power27 |
8 | 11-5 | W P Mullins83 | 162 | 142 | 166 | ||
| 2 | 121-49 | Aurore D´Estruval52 |
6 | 11-5 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 142 | 108 | 152 | ||
| 3 | 111FF1 | Ballychorus33 |
7 | 11-5 | Ms Margaret Mullins | — | 69 | 142 | ||
| 4 | 31-1UP | Bitofapuzzle38 |
8 | 11-5 | Harry Fry58 | Noel Fehily | 148 | 107 | 154 | |
| 5 | P-P127 | Desert Queen52 |
8 | 11-5 | Harry Fry58 | Nick Scholfield | 147 | 128 | 155 | |
| 6 | 2-338F | Fairytale Theatre15 |
9 | 11-5 | Dan Skelton54 | 130 | 83 | 145 | ||
| 7 | 35-27 | 1 | Flementime94 |
8 | 11-5 | Martin Keighley67 | 124 | 84 | 134 | |
| 8 | 14161 | Flute Bowl31 |
6 | 11-5 | Gary Moore50 | Joshua Moore | 139 | 118 | 148 | |
| 9 | 732412 | Gitane Du Berlais19 |
6 | 11-5 | W P Mullins83 | 143 | 102 | 149 | ||
| 10 | 411221 | Jessber´s Dream25 |
6 | 11-5 | Harry Fry58 | 140 | 134 | 152 | ||
| 11 | 17-112 | Katie Too25 |
5 | 11-5 | Alan King36 | Wayne Hutchinson | 132 | 126 | 141 | |
| 12 | 16-741 | Keppols Queen77 |
8 | 11-5 | Mrs John Harrington | 141 | 119 | 149 | ||
| 13 | 1114/2 | Legacy Gold27 | 8 | 11-5 | S R B Crawford | 132 | 71 | 143 | ||
| 14 | F61112 | Lily Waugh45 |
9 | 11-5 | Anthony Honeyball75 | David Noonan | 140 | 114 | 151 | |
| 15 | 535233 | 2 | Melbourne Lady27 |
8 | 11-5 | P Fegan | 129 | 89 | 141 | |
| 16 | 1-F418 | Morello Royale73 | 6 | 11-5 | Colin Tizzard42 | Aidan Coleman | 140 | 107 | 152 | |
| 17 | 3-72P4 | Pass The Time29F | 7 | 11-5 | Neil Mulholland63 | 138 | 139 | 147 | ||
| 18 | P21-21 | Polly Peachum73 |
8 | 11-5 | Nicky Henderson60 | David Bass | 149 | 132 | 158 | |
| 19 | 17-625 | Rock On The Moor45 |
8 | 11-5 | Mrs John Harrington | 138 | 98 | 136 | ||
| 20 | 51256 | Rons Dream52 |
6 | 11-5 | Peter Bowen67 | Sean Bowen | 139 | 105 | 150 | |
| 21 | 211311 | Smart Talk45 |
6 | 11-5 | Brian Ellison70 | Paddy Brennan | 149 | 125 | 154 | |
| 22 | 1-82FF | Stephanie Frances113 |
8 | 11-5 | Dan Skelton54 | 138 | 129 | 149 | ||
| 23 | 1/131- | Tara Point441 |
7 | 11-5 | Paul Nicholls50 | Sam Twiston-Davies | 130 | — | — | |
| 24 | 1-3F25 | The Govaness52 |
7 | 11-5 | Dr Richard Newland40 | Richard Johnson | 142 | 91 | 155 | |
| 25 | 11-111 | Vroum Vroum Mag52 |
7 | 11-5 | W P Mullins83 | 154 | 98 | 160 | ||
| 26 | 212214 | Whiteout77 | 5 | 11-5 | W P Mullins83 | 139 | 107 | 147 | ||
| 4:50 |
146TH YEAR OF THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP (AMATEUR RIDERS´ NOVICES´ CHASE) (LISTED RACE) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) 89 runners 3m7f170y Soft RUK Race Conditions: £100,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ Weights 5yo 11st 4lb; 6yo+ 11st 6lb Allowances mares 7lbEntries 89 pay £ 125 Confirmed 33 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2P2PP | 1 | An Poc Ar Buile17 | 7 | 11-6 | Sophie Leech | 109 | 74 | 132 | |
| 2 | P-112F | Avant Tout47 | 6 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 149 | 95 | 153 | ||
| 3 | 116P5 | 12 | Bally Beaufort24 | 8 | 11-6 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | Mr J J Slevin | 139 | 142 | 154 |
| 4 | 1-3321 | Beg To Differ25 | 6 | 11-6 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 143 | 112 | 155 | ||
| 5 | P-2122 | Definitly Red38 |
7 | 11-6 | Brian Ellison70 | 140 | 121 | 158 | ||
| 6 | 153PP | 4 | How About It23 | 7 | 11-6 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 124 | 93 | 139 | |
| 7 | 1561P1 | 8 | Johnny Og10 | 7 | 11-6 | Martin Keighley67 | 132 | 106 | 142 | |
| 8 | 35113 | Katkeau38 |
9 | 11-6 | David Pipe50 | 145 | 70 | 156 | ||
| 9 | 312-11 | Local Show50 | 8 | 11-6 | Ben Pauling | 147 | 133 | 160 | ||
| 10 | 13P-22 | 3 | Lovely Job67 |
6 | 11-6 | Fergal O´Brien70 | 122 | 109 | 139 | |
| 11 | 48-011 | Measureofmydreams30 | 8 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 147 | 99 | 157 | ||
| 12 | 1-3P62 | Minella Rocco24 | 6 | 11-6 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 143 | 99 | 159 | ||
| 13 | 31133 | Native River38 | 6 | 11-6 | Colin Tizzard42 | Mr M Legg | 149 | 144 | 166 | |
| 14 | 5-2312 | Noble Endeavor30 | 7 | 11-6 | Gordon Elliott25 | Mr J J Codd | 141 | 113 | 152 | |
| 15 | 3-3413 | Pleasant Company30 | 8 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 141 | 77 | 144 | ||
| 16 | 13/123 | Pont Alexandre38 | 8 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 149 | 117 | 160 | ||
| 17 | P-6211 | Roi Des Francs59 | 7 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 151 | 117 | 159 | ||
| 18 | F2211 | 13 | Sambremont30 | 6 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 139 | 123 | 140 | |
| 19 | 1-3114 | Shaneshill45 |
7 | 11-6 | W P Mullins83 | 152 | 134 | 161 | ||
| 20 | 21115P | Shantou Flyer30 |
6 | 11-6 | Colin Bowe | 143 | 99 | 152 | ||
| 21 | 1-2112 | Southfield Royale80 | 6 | 11-6 | Neil Mulholland63 | Ms N Carberry | 147 | 126 | 166 | |
| 22 | 3-4124 | Spookydooky24 | 8 | 11-6 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 141 | 85 | 154 | ||
| 23 | 3-3121 | 9 | Subtle Grey34 | 7 | 11-6 | Donald McCain50 | 135 | 101 | 152 | |
| 24 | 340727 | 2 | Undressed108 | 8 | 11-6 | Michael Hourigan | 122 | 74 | 127 | |
| 25 | 11314 | Vicente95 |
7 | 11-6 | Paul Nicholls50 | Mr W Biddick | 153 | 137 | 166 | |
| 26 | 111U2 | Vieux Lion Rouge24 | 7 | 11-6 | David Pipe50 | 146 | 135 | 158 | ||
| 27 | 3-1F42 | 10 | Vintage Vinnie46 | 7 | 11-6 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 136 | 100 | 151 | |
| 28 | 2-1266 | 6 | Viva Steve17 | 8 | 11-6 | Mick Channon | 130 | 123 | 147 | |
| 29 | 4-1123 | 7 | Waldorf Salad24 |
8 | 11-6 | Venetia Williams35 | 131 | 127 | 147 | |
| 30 | 8-41UF | 11 | Warrantor22 | 7 | 11-6 | Warren Greatrex60 | 138 | 66 | 147 | |
| 31 | 111FF1 | Ballychorus33 | 7 | 10-13 | Ms Margaret Mullins | 143 | 94 | 158 | ||
| 32 | P-U211 | Bonny Kate44 | 6 | 10-13 | Noel Meade33 | 142 | 122 | 152 | ||
| 33 | 33231 | 5 | Jennys Surprise25 | 8 | 10-13 | Fergal O´Brien70 | Miss A E Stirling | 127 | 85 | 147 |
| 5:30 |
CLOSE BROTHERS NOVICES´ HANDICAP CHASE (LISTED RACE) (CLASS 1) (5yo+ 0-140) 63 runners 2m4f78y Soft RUK Race Conditions: £65,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ Rated 0-140 Weights highest weight 11st 10lb Minimum weight 10-0 Penalties after February 28th, a winner of a chase 5lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 10lb) Ballyalton’s Handicap Mark 140 Entries 63 pay £ 105 Confirmed 47 |
| NO. | FORM | HORSE | AGE | WGT | TRAINER RTF% | JOCKEY | OR | TS | RPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2/U62F | Ballyalton24 |
9 | 11-10 | Ian Williams100 | 140 | 58 | 148 | ||
| 2 | 6-1113 | Aloomomo24 |
6 | 11-10 | Warren Greatrex60 | Gavin Sheehan | 140 | 83 | 148 | |
| 3 | 5U15P1 | Bridgets Pet45 | 9 | 11-10 | Alan Fleming50 | 140 | 89 | 139 | ||
| 4 | 9-1214 | Germany Calling129 |
7 | 11-10 | Charlie Longsdon25 | 140 | 124 | 149 | ||
| 5 | 6-121U | Thomas Brown17 |
7 | 11-10 | Harry Fry58 | 140 | 105 | 151 | ||
| 6 | 62-313 | Domesday Book51 | 6 | 11-9 | Henry De Bromhead | 139 | 109 | 138 | ||
| 7 | 42U24 | Amore Alato24 | 7 | 11-9 | Johnny Farrelly50 | 139 | 102 | 155 | ||
| 8 | 8-5216 | McKinley38 |
6 | 11-9 | W P Mullins83 | 139 | 107 | 142 | ||
| 9 | F2211 | Sambremont30 |
6 | 11-9 | W P Mullins83 | 139 | 120 | 137 | ||
| 10 | 55-1U1 | Javert94 | 7 | 11-9 | Emma Lavelle50 | Sean Bowen | 139 | 126 | 150 | |
| 11 | F-6311 | Out Sam31 |
7 | 11-9 | Warren Greatrex60 | 139 | 110 | 158 | ||
| 12 | P-1441 | Killala Quay17 |
9 | 11-9 | Charlie Longsdon25 | 139 | 125 | 156 | ||
| 13 | 6/751P | Racing Pulse31 |
7 | 11-9 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 139 | 83 | 147 | ||
| 14 | 80-119 | On Tour45 | 8 | 11-8 | Evan Williams56 | Paul Moloney | 138 | 120 | 151 | |
| 15 | 11/141 | Willow´s Saviour25 |
9 | 11-8 | Dan Skelton54 | Harry Skelton | 138 | 124 | 150 | |
| 16 | 5/1PP2 | Twelve Roses17 |
8 | 11-8 | Kim Bailey42 | 138 | 119 | 148 | ||
| 17 | 11-241 | Double Shuffle90 |
6 | 11-8 | Tom George43 | 138 | 99 | 148 | ||
| 18 | 7-0515 | Bouvreuil45 | 5 | 11-8 | Paul Nicholls50 | Sam Twiston-Davies | 139 | 116 | 145 | |
| 19 | 161U22 | Jayo Time26 |
7 | 11-7 | Kerry Lee100 | Ciaran Gethings5 | 137 | 141 | 149 | |
| 20 | 30311F | Rezorbi45 | 5 | 11-7 | Jonjo O´Neill43 | 138 | — | 143 | ||
| 21 | 610-13 | 27 | Katgary95 |
6 | 11-7 | Paul Nicholls50 | Nick Scholfield | 137 | 95 | 151 |
| 22 | 31F231 | 26 | Fourth Act24 |
7 | 11-7 | Colin Tizzard42 | 137 | 91 | 148 | |
| 23 | 5-1011 | 25 | Five In A Row17 |
8 | 11-6 | Brian Ellison70 | Danny Cook | 136 | 92 | 148 |
| 24 | 605122 | 24 | Killer Crow58 |
7 | 11-6 | Gordon Elliott25 | B J Cooper | 136 | 49 | 145 |
| 25 | 1114P4 | 23 | Ballykan17 | 6 | 11-5 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | Daryl Jacob | 135 | 129 | 149 |
| 26 | 2-7308 | 22 | Thomas Crapper74 |
9 | 11-5 | Robin Dickin100 | Charlie Poste | 135 | 97 | 150 |
| 27 | 312F1 | 21 | Buckhorn Timothy60 |
7 | 11-5 | Colin Tizzard42 | 135 | 107 | 146 | |
| 28 | 8-781P | 20 | Full Shift37 |
7 | 11-5 | Nicky Henderson60 | 135 | 128 | 148 | |
| 29 | 2-3122 | 19 | Minella Present123 |
7 | 11-4 | Neil Mulholland63 | 134 | 111 | 150 | |
| 30 | 4-2122 | 18 | Katachenko77 |
7 | 11-4 | Donald McCain50 | Wayne Hutchinson | 134 | 134 | 146 |
| 31 | 38-311 | 17 | Pairofbrowneyes79 |
7 | 11-3 | Barry John Murphy | M P Fogarty | 133 | 117 | 145 |
| 32 | 12-231 | 16 | Mount Gunnery26 |
8 | 11-1 | P A Fahy100 | 131 | 92 | 134 | |
| 33 | 4-1123 | 15 | Waldorf Salad24 |
8 | 11-1 | Venetia Williams35 | 131 | 132 | 152 | |
| 34 | 261431 | 14 | Orbasa16 |
5 | 11-1 | Paul Nicholls50 | 132 | 108 | 150 | |
| 35 | 1561P1 | 13 | Johnny Og105x | 7 | 10-13 | Martin Keighley67 | 129 | 113 | 149 | |
| 36 | 231F83 | 12 | Empresario95F | 7 | 10-12 | Matthew J Smith | 128 | 111 | 146 | |
| 37 | 3-8311 | 11 | Pressurize40 | 10 | 10-12 | Venetia Williams35 | 128 | 135 | 150 | |
| 38 | 21312P | 10 | Hepijeu138 |
5 | 10-11 | Charlie Longsdon25 | 128 | 120 | 143 | |
| 39 | 14132 | 9 | Wings Attract23 |
7 | 10-11 | Chris Bealby100 | 127 | 131 | 147 | |
| 40 | 581FP3 | 8 | Kilronan High19 |
7 | 10-11 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | 127 | 131 | 147 | |
| 41 | 37433 | 7 | Ballybolley49 | 7 | 10-10 | Nigel Twiston-Davies55 | 126 | 134 | 149 | |
| 42 | 432715 | 6 | Astigos10 |
9 | 10-9 | Venetia Williams35 | 125 | 128 | 156 | |
| 43 | 25115P | 5 | Vikekhal112 | 7 | 10-9 | Gary Moore50 | 125 | 104 | 149 | |
| 44 | 1-81PP | 4 | Imagine The Chat18 | 7 | 10-8 | Rebecca Curtis50 | 124 | 103 | 153 | |
| 45 | 233F21 | 3 | Bodega105x | 8 | 10-2 | Ian Williams100 | 118 | 139 | 154 | |
| 46 | 93-7P | 2 | Portway Flyer71 |
8 | 9-13 | Ian Williams100 | 115 | 74 | 129 | |
| 47 | 3357P4 | 1 | The Society Man14 | 9 | 8-0 | Michael Chapman | 88 | 33 | 128 | |
Long Handicap: Portway Flyer 9-13, The Society Man 8-0
