ATTENDANCE UP FOR THE SECOND DAY AT CHELTENHAM & NEW OPEN RECORD

THE OPEN 2012, CHELTENHAM RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE THE OPEN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Today's attendance came to a pleasing 16,896, up 910 (+6%) on last year's figure for the Sunday of The Open. The total attendance at this year's The Open came to 70,551, beating the previous best total for the three days of the meeting of 70,194 in 2007. Today was a family fun day for the first time. Please see a separate sheet for reaction from Ian Renton, Regional Director, Cheltenham & the South West.   THE OPEN 2010 2011 2012 SUNDAY       n/a         15,986  16,896 SATURDAY  29,371    32,700  33,109 FRIDAY        19,859    20,591  20,456 ......................... totals  69,277  70,551 THOMAS PINK LEADING RIDER AWARD - FINAL STANDINGS Rider       1st  2nd  3rd RUBY WALSH      4  1  1 Tom Scudamore     2  4  - Timmy Murphy      2  -  - Barry Geraghty      1  3  1 Richard Johnson     1  2  - Paddy Brennan      1  1  2 Jamie Moore      1  1  - Sam Twiston-Davies     1  -  2 Danny Mullins      1  -  1 Mattie Batchelor     1  -  - Michael Byrne       1  -  - Mr Mikey Ennis      1  -  - Mr Patrick Mullins     1  -  - A P McCoy      -  1  1 Daryl Jacob      -  1  - Mr Colin Motherway     -  1  - Micheal Nolan      -  1  - Alan O'Keeffe      -  1  - Robert Thornton     -  1  - Peter Carberry      -  -  1 Aidan Coleman      -  -  1 Davy Condon      -  -  1 Dougie Costello     -  -  1 Noel Fehily      -  -  1 Mr Josh Halley      -  -  1 Mr Ryan Hatch      -  -  1 Jason Maguire      -  -  1 Paul Moloney      -  -  1 Joe Tizzard      -  -  1 THOMAS PINK LEADING TRAINER AWARD - FINAL STANDINGS Rider       1st  2nd  3rd DAVID PIPE      4  3  - Paul Nicholls      4  2  1 Nicky Henderson     1  3  1 Philip Hobbs      1  2  - Nigel Twiston-Davies     1  -  3 Tom George      1  -  1 Mark Bradstock     1  -  - Neil Mulholland      1  -  - Margaret Mullins IRE     1  -  - Willie Mullins IRE     1  -  - David O'Meara      1  -  - Michael Scudamore     1  -  - Gordon Elliott IRE     -  1  1 Fergal O'Brien      -  1  1 Peter Bowen      -  1  - Jennie Candlish     -  1  - Francois Cottin FR     -  1  - Alan King      -  1  - Gary Moore      -  1  - Richard Woollacott     -  1  - Oliver Brady IRE     -  -  1 Shane Broderick IRE     -  -  1 Sarah Dawson IRE     -  -  1 John Halley IRE     -  -  1 Dessie Hughes IRE     -  -  1 Charlie Longsdon     -  -  1 Colin Tizzard      -  -  1 Tim Vaughan      -  -  1 Evan Williams      -  -  1 Venetia Williams     -  -  1 THE OPEN 2012 - WINNERS Countryside Day, Friday, November 16 1.15pm STEEL PLATE AND SECTIONS NOVICES' CHASE - DYNASTE (FR) (John White) David Pipe 6-11-02 Tom Scudamore 7/4 1.50pm paddypower.com HANDICAP CHASE - SHOOTERS WOOD (IRE) (Bill Harrison-Allan) Paul Nicholls 8-10-05 Ruby Walsh 7/1 2.25pm OPUS ENERGY NOVICES' HURDLE - DODGING BULLETS (Martin Broughton & Friends) Paul Nicholls 4-11-07 Ruby Walsh 5/4 Fav 3.00pm GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY STEEPLE CHASE - UNCLE JUNIOR (IRE) (Mrs M McMahon) Willie Mullins IRE 11-11-08 Mr Patrick Mullins 9/2         3.35pm IRISH TIMES CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE - BUCK MAGIC (IRE) (Brian Derrick) Neil Mulholland 6-11-05 Michael Byrne 7/1 4.05pm BATES HATS AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP CHASE - SWING BILL (FR) (David Johnson, Martin Pipe) David Pipe 11-11-04 Mr Mikey Ennis (5) 14/1 Paddy Power Gold Cup Day, Friday, November 17 12.45pm JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE TRIAL - FAR WEST (FR) (Axom XXXIX) Paul Nicholls 3-11-02 Ruby Walsh 15/8   1.20pm REWARDS4RACING NOVICES' CHASE - OUR FATHER (IRE) (The Ives & Johnson Families) David Pipe 6-10-13 Timmy Murphy 11/4 1.55pm HENRIETTA KNIGHT HANDICAP CHASE - MONBEG DUDE (IRE) (Oydunow) Michael Scudamore 7-10-00 Jamie Moore 25/1 2.35pm PADDY POWER GOLD CUP - AL FEROF (FR) (John & Lisa Hales) Paul Nicholls 7-11-08 Ruby Walsh 8/1 3.05pm ULTIMA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS HANDICAP HURDLE - GOULANES (IRE) (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 6-10-02 Tom Scudamore 7/1 3.40pm CENTAUR NOVICES' HANDICAP HURDLE - IFANDBUTWHYNOT (IRE) (Claire Hollowood & Henry Dean) David O'Meara 6-11-04 Timmy Murphy 15/2 The Open Sunday, November 18   1.10pm RACING POST ARKLE TRIAL NOVICES' CHASE - CAPTAIN CONAN (FR) (Triermore Stud) Nicky Henderson 5-11-02 Barry Geraghty 11/10 Fav 1.45pm PADDY POWER INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP HURDLE - DOUBLE ROSS (IRE) (Options O Syndicate) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-02 Sam Twiston-Davies 14/1 2.20pm SHLOER CHASE - WISHFULL THINKING (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbst9-11-00 Richard Johnson 8/11 Fav 2.50pm RACING POST HURDLE - OLOFI (FR) (McNeill Family) Tom George 6-10-11 Paddy Brennan 8/1 3.25pm NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES' HURDLE - CONEYGREE (The Max Partnership) Mark Bradstock 5-11-04 Mattie Batchelor 8/1 4.00pm CHELTENHAM STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE - ANONIS (GER) (Barry Connell) Margaret Mullins IRE 6-11-00 Danny Mullins 25/1 RENTON PLEASED WITH HIS CHELTENHAM DEBUT                                                                                 Another successful Open meeting has been the perfect introduction for Ian Renton, the new regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses in the South West and therefore head of Cheltenham. Renton spent three years working at the track when gaining racecourse experience under Edward Gillespie, the recently retired managing director, but he is retracing past steps with a lot more responsibility. He said: "I was a trainee manager here in the late 1980s, which was my first job in racing, and despite having been away for the best part of 25 years it's amazing how familiar it still is. There are lots of things you see with a different eye, but it's fantastic to be back and there is such a buzz with so many people here. "I want to get to know every aspect of the racecourse so I have been taking a good look around during this meeting and walking among the crowds, but Edward did such a brilliant job that I won't be looking at massive changes, just the odd tweak here and there. You just want to make sure there are no pinch points at a busy meeting and make minor alterations where they are needed. "We've got a development planned with regard to the grandstand, and while the timing of any work is very inexact we will be working on a design and putting in for planning permission next year. I would hope in the next few years we will see the next major structural development that will enable us to cope better with the crowds we attract to The Festival. "This meeting has been ideal for me to take a fresh look at Cheltenham, because with 70,000 people on the premises I have been able to see all the facilities working near to capacity. Things have gone extremely well." After a spell as clerk of the course at Wincanton and Salisbury and further heavy involvement in Flat racing at venues under the Arena banner, Renton is now fully engaged in Jump racing at Cheltenham, Exeter and Wincanton, although he will continue to have Flat racing on his agenda at Warwick, which also stages jumping fixtures. He said: "I love Jump racing, and since my grandfather [Bobby Renton] trained Grand National winner Freebooter, and had Red Rum in his stable in his early days, those were my first memories. I have enjoyed Jump racing ever since. "I am incredibly lucky to inherit a wonderful team of people here at Cheltenham - they make it happen and do all the hard work. Edward has left a wonderful legacy for which I am grateful, but there will be new challenges ahead and I am looking forward to them."   CELEBRATING EDWARD GILLESPIE'S 32 YEARS AT CHELTENHAM An event to celebrate Edward Gillespie's 32 years in charge of Cheltenham Racecourse is being held today. About 400 people heard speeches from Robert Waley-Cohen, the Cheltenham Racecourse chairman, journalist Alan Lee who interviewed 17-time champion Jump jockey A P McCoy and spoke about Edward's 32 years as managing director, and from Edward himself.   Waley-Cohen said: "We are all here to celebrate 32 years of outstanding service from Edward Gillespie, who stood down at the end of October, and to whom all of us owe an enormous debt. "So much has happened in those 32 years and I will leave it to others to pick out the highlights but a rather small meeting over three days in Gloucestershire has become an iconic sporting event celebrated right across the country, a honeypot attracting enormous numbers and it has lifted the importance and emphasised the excitement of National Hunt racing."   McCoy commented: "I rode my first winner at Cheltenham in 1994 and Edward had already been here 14 years. It has been a long length of time to be in charge of such a successful place. "I did hear a rumour that he wanted to be a jockey. But in my opinion he had every attribute not to be a good jockey. Obviously, he was too big, much too thoughtful, much too caring and much too charming. Basically, worrying much too much about what everybody else was thinking. Being a jockey, you really need to care about yourself and what you think. "From a jockey's point of view, he has been great to us. He has treated us unbelievably well as professional sports people and helped us out in every way. He had lots of great ideas and was always thinking about how he could improve things and help you. That is why Cheltenham has been as successful as it has been. He will be sorely missed. "Throughout the whole weighing room, everybody had respect for him and he was very much about give and take. Nothing was too much trouble. It was about making sure that everything was as good for you as it was for everybody else on the racecourse. And not everybody thinks about jockeys." Lee explained: "Edward started out with the clear idea that Cheltenham just needed numbers - the volume of people to take it beyond its cosy parochial self into a major sporting venue. And how he did that. "In 1980, the year he arrived, just over 70,000 people attended The Festival and in Edward's final season more than that attended The Open in November while The Festival attracted 230,000. "Every meeting here now is big event and the facilities, though very much a work in progress, have gained The Centaur, The Panoramic Restaurant and The Best Mate Enclosure. "But it hasn't all been about numbers or bricks and mortar. It has been about a decisive mind and common touch. In a recent interview in a business magazine, Edward said: 'Running a racecourse is like live theatre. Everyone has to know their part'. He also spoke of his methods: 'Get out there and meet people so there is no gap between what you think they want and what they are actually telling you'. "He made this place a theatre, with EWG as its director, but he also communicated endlessly, having time for absolutely everyone, never looking flustered and never forgetting anything. "In his time here, he dealt with foot and mouth and steered a course through windy Wednesday and converted even the darkest sceptics to a four-day Festival which now thrives. He has been the ringmaster of this wonderful place for half a lifetime and his retirement even merited a leader in The Times." EDWARD GILLESPIE SAYS HIS THANKS Edward Gillespie, managing director of Cheltenham Racecourse for 32 years until the  end of last month, was feted at an event held today (see page 10 for further information). He said: "Thank you to Sam [Vestey - former chairman of Cheltenham Racecourse] for a fantastic partnership which he and I enjoyed for 20 years together. "Thank you also to the spirit of Miles Gosling and Johnny Henderson who had the temerity to appoint a 27-year-old, long-haired, flared-trousered callow youth who they suspected didn't wear a hat. "I would like thank the fantastic team, past and present, with whom I have worked, Philip [Arkwright], Simon [Claisse], Sheila [Handley], Peter [McNeile] and the incredible Suzanne [Roberts] who managed to work with me for 16 years which is extraordinary. When she arrived, she thought she would do about one and a half years. "Thank you to my family - my wife Alison does exist and is in the room, and my daughter Siobhan, who was indeed named at exactly the time when I got the job and I thought it would be quite good protection when I was held against a wall by some rowdy Irish folk. Thanks go to her for her wisdom and advice along the way also. "But thanks most all for you, for your encouragement, your trust, your constructive criticism and for your shared passion of this extraordinary place and particularly of The Festival. "I am very proud to have helped introduce 10 new Festival races, that ridiculous Cross Country Course, Jump racing's first Sunday, the sisters of Murphy and charity races which have raised well over a million pounds including one that I did indeed ride in myself. "It has been a blast. There has been the odd scary moment, such as losing the 2001 Festival through foot and mouth and falling out with all the local farmers and all of Ireland, and windy Wednesday in 2008 - trying to compile a card of 21 races at 4.30am the following morning but Simon came up with a much better list and we went with his. Those were experiences I would rather have not had but every time this place emerged stronger and more confident, focused on the horses and the riders.   "For three decades we have seen many who have deserved to be called great and thanks to them and those who invest in them and who work tirelessly to deliver them for our entertainment. "All the best to Robert, Ian [Renton] and team for the future - my parting message would be to take as many risks as you expect everybody else to take in this sport that we all love. Try enough new ideas, some will fall flat on their face but a few will prosper and become part of our rich heritage." CAN AL FOLLOW HALL?   A host of winners of the Paddy Power Gold Cup have gone on to high-profile glory, right from the first running of the race in 1960. The first winner Fortria, who also scored in 1962, won two editions of what is now the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival. Another dual Paddy Power winner, Gay Trip, later took a Grand National. Only one horse has gone on from Paddy Power Chase success to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Imperial Commander in 2008 and 2010 respectively. And only one has followed up in the King George VI Chase, Bachelor's Hall in 1977. The seven-year-old, trained by Peter Cundell and ridden by Martin O'Halloran, won as 11/2 favourite under 10st 6lb  at Cheltenham, went on to win the Hennessy Gold Cup under 10st 10lb and completed a unique treble in the Boxing Day feature at Kempton. The latest Paddy Power Chase winner Al Ferof is now 7/1 third favourite, behind Long Run and Silviniaco Conti, with yesterday's sponsors and as short as 5/1 in other lists. The grey seven-year-old, one of last season's smartest novices, was regarded as one of  those in the Paddy Power field with the potential to rise above handicap level and his performance to carry 11st 8lb so easily and powerfully through testing ground bodes well for his future in top company. In the last 20 years, seven horses have tried to add the King George VI Chase to their Paddy Power Gold Cup. The one who came closest to success was Bradbury Star, beaten a head by Barton Bank at Kempton in 1993, after beating Egypt Mill Prince seven lengths under 11st 8lb at Cheltenham. Exotic Dancer also finished second at Kempton in 2006, but was beaten eight lengths by Kauto Star. Bradbury Star, the latest back-to-back Paddy Power winner, ran in the King George again in 1994, finishing fifth. The other Paddy Power winners to attempt the double in the same season in the past 20 years have been Senor El Betrutti (pulled up in 1997), Lady Cricket (8th in 2000), Fondmort (4th in 2003), and Imperial Commander (6th in 2008). AL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR AL AS FEROF DOMINATES PAPERS                 One photogenic horse and a famous jockey dominate Sunday's racing pages.                 Handsome grey Al Ferof is the type to satisfy photographic desk editors looking for a shot to brighten their racing page, and Ruby Walsh - who rode him to victory for trainer Paul Nicholls in yesterday's Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham - is a name familiar beyond the confines of horse racing.                 Put the two together and photograph them in perfect style clearing Cheltenham's final fence - with Cleeve Hill in the background and another grey, Walkon, at Al Ferof's fetlocks - and you have a picture summing up the best of yesterday's action.                 'Al Ferof' powers in for Nicholls' is the Sunday Mirror'ssummary, while The Independent on Sunday devotes more than half a page to the tale of the race, using a large picture, a headline that reads, 'Al Ferof shows promise of youth', and a review by Sue Montgomery that begins: 'You win nothing with kids, so the saying goes.' Montgomery then reflects that while Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges have retired, Nicholls is not short of replacements. 'The kids have grown up - and they seem to be alright', she says.                 'Kauto Star's successors still flying for Nicholls' is The Sunday Telegraph'stake on an article by columnist Marcus Armytage that says even without 'the old brigade of money spinners headed by Kauto Star', Nicholls cannot be underestimated for the trainers' title in which he and Nicky Henderson are the dominant factors.                 The Observer'sGreg Wood touches on that issue in his review of yesterday's Cheltenham action and quotes Walsh saying: 'We looked like we'd win a lot of races three out last year, but they didn't finish.' Pity the opposition if Nicholls' horses are in ruder health and better form this season.                 'Ruby shines in gloom' is The Sunday Times'headline below a photograph of muddy-chested Walkon in vain pursuit of Al Ferof, a shot that makes writer Brough Scott's opening line of, 'Welcome to the winter game', so apt.                 'Grey power' is Daily Star Sunday'stake alongside Jason Heavey's reflections on the contest, while the Sunday Express'sChris Goulding, in an article headlined 'First Gold for Nicholls', does not forget Grands Crus and Hunt Ball, two heavily-touted runners whose owners' aspirations were floored when they pulled up.                 'All powerful' is the Sun's take on the story, while the Sunday People claims it was 'One Al of a victory', and John Lees, writing in the Racing Post, quotes owner John Hales saying: "I think that was as good a performance of any horse my family has ever had." When you think his colours have been worn by Grand National and Cheltenham Festival winners that is some tribute.                 The Racing Post places a photo of Al Ferof on its front page, but also reminds readers that Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly makes his seasonal debut at Punchestown today, while its feature on Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies includes his insight on becoming a middle-aged father to daughter Poppy.                 Nicky Henderson's announcement that Sprinter Sacre would not run in today's Shloer Chase came just in time to save editors wasting space on previews of his seasonal debut - and must have caused plenty of late rewriting by journalists - and in his absence the second most significant story is Frankie Dettori's appearance in France on Tuesday to answer charges relating to a positive drug test.                 'Dettori's despair' is Jonathan Powell's assessment in The Mail on Sunday, while Andrew Longmore's take on the issue in The Sunday Times is headlined, 'Dettori's positive test turns spotlight on British racing'.                 Thank heavens for horses like Al Ferof who put a sparkling spin on the sport. AMAZING GREYS One of the features of The Open meeting has been the prominent showing of grey horses. The 16 runners of that colour during the first two days supplied the first two in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, Al Ferof and Walkon; three other winners in Dynaste, Our Father and Swing Bill; two other runners-up in Vasco De Ronceray and Sire Collonges; and a third, Roc d'Apsis. And Olofi added a fifth hi-ho silver victory on the third afternoon. Because of the workings of genetic inheritance, greys comprise only a small proportion of the thoroughbred population. In very brief, simplistic terms, heredity works thus: for every one of its myriad physical characteristics and quality, every creature has two genes, one from each parent. Each gene can be either dominant or recessive. Dominant does not mean that it will necessarily be passed on, only that if it is, it will be the one that will be expressed in the outward appearance of the animal. Colour is a horse's most instantly noticeable physical characteristic. There are two basic genes for colour in the thoroughbred population - bay (and its variants brown and black) and chestnut. The gene for greyness is an extra factor, transmitted in addition to the base colour. A horse who is not grey owns an equivalent factor for 'non-greyness'. Greyness develops as a 'mask' over the base colour at varying rated through a horse's life. Bay is the dominant colour gene, chestnut recessive. So a horse with two bay genes will be bay; one with a bay gene and a chestnut gene will be bay; one with two chestnut genes will be chestnut. The factor for greyness is also dominant; if it is present, the horse will be grey. It cannot, like chestnut, lurk unexpressed in an individual, and so once it disappears from a pedigree, it is gone until it is reintroduced.   In the history of the thoroughbred, there have in past centuries been a limited source of greyness; all horses of the colour are descended in the male line from just one individual, the  Alcock Arabian, and at one point in the 19th century had become very rare indeed. The prevalence of greys tends to follow breeding fashion and in the modern era there have been some good grey jump sires, particularly horses bred in France, where there have been a series of high-class grey stallions. Horses like Belfonds a century ago, Zeddaan and Misti in the more recent past and Linamix in the modern era all wielded influence, as sires of runners and stallions. The deceased grey Dom Alco is descended from Belfonds and, as sire of Al Ferof and Sire Collonges, and also such as Neptune Collonges and Grands Crus, is currently in vogue. But although most of his best progeny are greys, some - for instance chestnut Silviniaco Conti - are not. Dom Alco has only one gene for greyness, so about half of his offspring will receive his gene for 'non-greyness'. GOING NEWS The going today at Cheltenham has changed to Soft from Soft, Heavy in places. It was dry overnight. A dry, bright and sunny day is forecast. The GoingStick Reading at 6.30am was 5.5. Yesterday's GoingStick reading was 5.8 at 9:30am and it came to 6.9 on Friday at 9am. MORE GOING NEWS Simon Claisse, Head of Racing & Clerk of the Course, said: "There was a frost last night, with temperatures getting down to minus 1 Celsius. When the sun comes up, it gets even colder and at 8.30am at the main course crossing it was minus 4 Celsius. "But I never had any anxieties about it because John Kettley, who does our weather forecasts, sent me a message this morning to say temperatures would rise to plus 8 Celsius at noon. "What a gorgeous morning - it is absolutely beautiful. The ground looked white and pretty for a bit but that has gone. "We have pushed the rail out on the hurdle course by two yards and there is better ground on the outside. I feel it might ride a little less testing today on both the hurdle and chase courses so I have given the ground as Soft. "It got to heavy in places yesterday in two places - down the back straight and a little bit coming down the hill. The rain early on Saturday morning tended to find its way into the hollows a little bit during the afternoon. "We had the wettest summer for 100 years. Last night I looked up my records and the last time we had heavy in a going description was nearly three years ago. "The drainage has really proved its worth at this meeting because without it we might have had some waterlogged ground. "I would expect to see today all the hurdlers run on the outer rail because that is where the better ground is. Some of that ground on the outside is almost good to soft - it is the same on the chase course too. "What we have done for the last six or seven years now is not run chases between 2.40pm and 4pm at this time of year to try and avoid problems with the sun "The sun is slightly left-handed in the home straight at this time of year and I think we will be OK but I cannot say that with 100 per cent certainty."  NON-RUNNERS AT 11.30AM 1.10pm  RACING POST ARKLE TROPHY TRIAL NOVICES' CHASE      no 4.       NEAREST THE PIN (Going) 1.45pm                  PADDY POWER INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP HURDLE           no 4.       IFYOULETMEFINISH (Going) no 11.     BEACHDALE LAD (Going) no 16.     MISTER DILLON (Going) no 17.     WELL SHARP (Going) 2.20pm                  SHLOER CHASE                no 1.       SPRINTER SACRE (Going) 2.50pm                  RACING POST HANDICAP HURDLE             no 1.       DARLAN (Going) no 14.     VENDOR (Going) no 16.     TED SPREAD (Going) no 22.     GREY SOLDIER (Self Certificate - Not Eaten Up) no 23.     THE TIDDLY TADPOLE (Self Certificate - Lame) THE OPEN 2012, CHELTENHAM RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE PADDY POWER GOLD CUP DAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 First race - Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase Winner's quotes CONAN THE DESTROYER Captain Conan took the first step towards a bid for Cheltenham Festival's Racing Post Arkle Trophy when winning the same sponsor's trial for that contest. The Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old - a tall bay with scope for improvement - was making his chasing debut in today's race, but he jumped immaculately and eased clear of runner-up Sire De Grugy, who was beaten two lengths. Third Intention was a further six lengths back in third. After Barry Geraghty had steered Captain Conan into the winner's circle Henderson said: "We've had seconds and thirds over the past couple of days so it's nice to get one on the board, but we had been waiting for him. I've got confidence in the horse and I don't think he touched a fence on the way round. "He's very brave, and while Barry was just trying to get him to 'pop' the occasional one that's not something he does yet. He's got such scope." The Henderson-trained Sprinter Sacre won last year's Racing Post Arkle Trophy, so when asked to compare the two, he said: "Captain Conan is not as flashy as Sprinter Sacre, but he has got gears. No horse is going to show you gears in this ground - they are not going to come on the bridle and quicken up to win with a burst of foot, but he's not a slow horse. "He was second to [stablemate] Darlan at Aintree so he's proved that and I think he's a two-mile horse. He won the Tolworth in soft and he'd won at Auteuil in France where it is nothing but soft, so I wasn't worried about the ground. "The ground may be a tad better today than yesterday, but I've no regrets at pulling Sprinter Sacre and Darlan out today. It meant I was able to go to sleep last night not worrying about them." Geraghty commented: "It is a big ask for a horse to win here first time over fences. He was in front sooner than I wanted to be at the third last but he just came a live with me down the hill. He jumped brilliantly. He has the pace for two miles." Captain Conan's victory gives Henderson another string to his two-mile novice chasers' squad, but the grey Simonsig is another for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy in March. For that race Paddy Power make Captain Conan a 7/1 shot, while Coral offer 8/1 and Ladbrokes leave him unchanged at 10/1. Race 1 - Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase - runner-up quotes GRUGY GOOD, BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH In the absence of trainer Gary Moore, rider Jamie Moore was refreshingly realistic after his mount Sire De Grugy chased home the favourite Captain Conan in the opening Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase. "He was a bit bold early," he said, "but he settled down and got his jumping together by half-way. "He's a nice horse and he tried hard, but he just wasn't good enough and was beaten fair and square. He's a good horse, but not good enough today, and not top-class. I should think we'll find a smaller race for him and make a plan from there." GOING AFTER FIRST RACE - JOCKEYS' VIEWS The jockeys in the first race were unanimous that the ground is providing a real test. Barry Geraghty: "Very tacky" James Reveley: "A gluepot" Tom Scudamore: "It has dried out, not as wet as yesterday. Tacky and holding." Jamie Moore: "Gluey and sticky." Race 2 - Paddy Power Intermediate Hurdle - winner quotes EASY WHEN YOU'VE GOT HELP                                Sam Twiston-Davies showed excellent judgement to make nearly every yard of the running to take the Paddy Power Intermediate Hurdle by eight lengths, but was quick to give the credit to his mount Double Ross. "He's very tough," he said, "and when the going gets tough he gets going and sticks his head out. And when they try for you like that, its half the job. "Making the running on a horse like that is pretty easy. He can go a gallop and he can maintain it, and Carl [Llewellyn, trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies' assistant] always says when you've got one who can do that, make use of it. He had a pretty easy time in front and I was able to let him fill up again down the hill, and so he had plenty left at the end." Double Ross, a 14/1 shot who had been classy enough to finish third in last term's Swinton Hurdle, came to the race almost by default after a heavy fall in a chase last month, but will next be seen back over fences. "It was a nasty fall, but it didn't seem to affect his confidence," said Nigel Twiston-Davies, "as he's schooled well since. He bounced back well, but we spotted this race for last season's novices and it seemed a nice opportunity. And he's done us proud. But I should think the handicapper will take note and he'll be going chasing again." Twiston-Davies reported 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander, absent with leg problems since The Festival showpiece last year, in good form ahead of his comeback in the Betfair Chase on Saturday at Haydock. "He's been back with us since September 21st. He was ready to canter when he arrived and hasn't taken a lame step. He's as fit as we can get him without having had a run; it's risky to run a horse with a history of leg trouble unless he is pretty fit. He still seems to have the right attitude and everything seems fine." Second race - Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle Placed quotes CLOSE CONTACT PAYING OFF FOR HOUSE Leading all the way, Double Ross proved too strong for his rivals in the Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle, but runner-up Close House made a promising seasonal debut. Conceding 3lb to the winner, Close House went down by eight lengths, but he was two and three-quarter lengths ahead of third-placed Black Benny, a challenger from Ireland trained by Shane Broderick. Close House was bought at Cheltenham's Brightwells' sales centre in January last year for £100,000 by his current owner, Roger Brookhouse, who is a regular fixture at auctions held at the racecourse. On Friday evening, at Brightwells' November sale, Brookhouse spent £750,000 on five potential jumping stars, and also announced he is to stand a stallion for the first time. He owns the Mark Johnston-trained, five-time winner Yorgunnabelucky, a full-brother to top-class Shamardal, and who has been retired to stand at Worcestershire's Throckmorton Court Stud in the New Year. Brookhouse keeps a number of horses with David Pipe, including Close House, who has an entry for Saturday's Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock, but the trainer said: "I doubt he will be running there. "We've taken a softly-softly approach with him and it's beginning to pay off. He was fourth in the Neptune Investment Hurdle here at the Festival, and while he's run well today he wants three miles." Third race - Shloer Chase Winner's quotes FIRST-FENCE BLUNDER CANNOT HALT WISHFULL A birch-parting mistake at the first fence could not prevent Wishfull Thinking justifying favouritism and running out an easy winner of the Shloer Chase. Aided by the overnight withdrawal of likely hot favourite Sprinter Sacre, Wishfull Thinking was in no trouble once turning for home and won by 18 lengths and eight lengths from Doeslessthanme (who conceded 4lb) and Imperial Shabra (conceding 2lb). The early mistake, in which Wishfull Thinking may have been distracted by rival Kinkeel who was upsides, gave jockey Richard Johnson an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to sit tight in rodeo style, but it left trainer Philip Hobbs wondering why it happened. Hobbs said: "I have no idea what happened there - he fell at the first in his first novice chase, but they can all do that and normally he's a very good jumper. It was alright in the end. "I'm sure he wants further to be at his best, but this seemed the right race, especially with Sprinter Sacre not running. "He's had three operations for breathing problems and we've never really got it sorted out - the last one, which was done last year, didn't seem to help at all and after the Paddy Power Gold Cup last season his head was down and he was choking, but for whatever reason it seems to have improved. "I'm sure he has a problem, but it's manageable in the right conditions and it's good to get a win into him. He ran a couple of very good races last season, including when a close second to Finian's Rainbow at Aintree.   "The Tingle Creek Chase [December 8] is possible, but he'd be going there for place money and I'm sure he wants two and a half miles. The Peterborough Chase is an obvious target, but I'm not sure what penalty he gets for winning this so I'll have to look." Johnson added: "He is just jumping much better this year which gives him a chance to run his race. Last year, even at home schooling, you could hardly ride him, and at the races he was the same - just bolting off. He had a break - he always goes off to Aiden Murphy's - and got relaxed again." Graham Whateley, whose wife Diana owns Wishfull Thinking, said: "We got back from South America this morning at 7am and it is wonderful to be here after a special holiday.  He is a different horse this year - we have got him relaxed and let's hope it continues." Diana added: "Richard did well to stay on at the first fence. Wishfull Thinking fell at the first at Aintree last year at the beginning of the season. It is just thrilling to win here." Race 4 - Racing Post Hurdle - winner quotes UNLUCKY OLOFI FINALLY GETS IT RIGHT Olofi had not won for nearly three years before taking the £100,000 Racing Post Hurdle, but had endured his share of bad luck along the way, including when second in the Grade Three contest last year. "He's earned me so many bollockings, more than any horse," said rider Paddy Brennan. "He's the sort that has had to be held up, he's been too keen for his own good in the past, and if you have to come late then there's always going to be a fair chance of getting into trouble on the way through. But as he's got older he become more settled and today he showed what he can do. And I'm going to enjoy it." The six-year-old, an 8/1 shot, had two and a half lengths to spare over Cash And Go. "Things have gone wrong for him over the years," said trainer Tom George, "and when they do the jockey gets blamed, the trainer gets blamed, even the horse gets blamed. But there hasn't been any one thing, it's just been circumstances each time. And it all came right today. "We've had him since a yearling so we know him pretty well. He's improving, but he's relatively low-mileage and is still a bit of a baby. Despite the rough passage he's sometimes had, his brilliance is still there and he showed it today. He'll have to improve to win something like the Champion Hurdle, but he travels very well and can co with any horse, and the one thing I'd guarantee he's still be with those good horses at the second last. "He'll have to improve, yes. But you have to aim high. And I don't particularly want to keep running him in big-field two-mile handicaps. There are just too many hard luck stories and you can only do that to a horse so often. But today he's got his confidence and belief in himself. If it hadn't gone right, I think he's have gone novice chasing. But as it is he's showed what he can do and he'll stick to hurdles." Fourth race - Racing Post Hurdle Placed quotes CASH AND CAUSES RUN WITH CREDIT Olofi landed today's feature race at day three of the Open, the Racing Post Hurdle, but placed horses Cash And Go, Cause Of Causes and Bothy were snapping at his heels on the run-in. Cash And Go, carrying the colours of Robin Geffen, was beaten two and a half lengths by the winner after making a mistake at the last, but trainer Nicky Henderson said: "I thought he might quicken up to the winner, but they just can't do that in this sort of ground. "Despite that he's run a great race. He's entered in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but he won't go there and we have Darlan for that race. This horse doesn't need clattering up with races - we need to look after him this season." Geffen added: "Don't forget he's only five. However you look at it he's going to make a wonderful chaser next year and that's what he was bought to do. Anything he does over hurdles is a bonus." Gordon Elliott, the trainer of Cause Of Causes, said: "He's entered in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in a couple of week's time, and also in next week's Betfair Hurdle for four-year-olds only at Haydock. He's owned by the Timeform Betfair Racing Club so I'll have to talk to his owners and make a decision about that race. "He's a great little horse, he was second in the Galway Hurdle and he goes on any ground so he's giving us all a lot of fun. He's there for his owners to have a bit of crack and that's what they are having." TWO-DAY BAN FOR COOK Danny Cook has picked up a two-day ban after an incident coming off the home turn in the Racing Post Hurdle. After an enquiry into possible interference, the Cheltenham stewards judged that Cook's mount, fourth-placed Bothy, had interfered with the winner Olofi, ridden by Paddy Brennan. Cook was found to be in breach of Rule (B) 54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he manoeuvred right-handed when not clear. His suspension will run on Sunday December 2 and Monday December 3. Fifth race - Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle Winner's quotes CONEYGREE ANOTHER CREDIT TO LORD OAKSEY He bred a wonderful horse in Hennessy Gold Cup winner Carruthers, but it is possible the late and badly-missed Lord Oaksey may have produced a brilliant one, too. Coneygree is the name, and after he made all and quickened clear to win the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle there must be hope of further victories at higher levels. A half-brother to Carruthers, having been foaled by the mare Plaid Maid, Coneygree is also in the same stable under the tutlelage of trainer Mark Bradstock and his wife Sara, Lord Oaksey's son-in-law and daughter. Bradstock said: "Mattie [Batchelor] gave him a super ride because the ground out there is tiring and he did everything right. This horse is a very different stamp to Carruthers, who is only just 16 hands and has never been able to carry big weights, while Coneygree, touching every piece of wood, has the size to do that. "After he won his recent hurdle race at Uttoxeter I said that anything he did over hurdles would be a bonus because he's a proper chaser in the making. "It's a long way to go but he could be back here for The Festival and run in either the three-miler [Albert Bartlett Hurdle] or the two-miles-five-furlongs [Neptune Investment Management Hurdle]. It's lovely to have a winner at any Cheltenham meeting and so this is special - and I'm sure John [Oaksey] is looking down on us now." Batchelor said: "If you compare Coneygree to Carruthers at the same age you would say today's winner has more class. Carruthers has guts and determination but this fellow oozes class. It was hard work out there but he made it look easy and I'm sure he will handle faster ground. "The other jockeys said I went a strong gallop in front, but he was running in my hands and I kept trying to take a pull, and when I jumped the last he went away from them." Race 5 - Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle - placed quotes BONDAGE STRAPPED BY THE GROUND Bondage, seven-length runner-up in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, will be back for the Group One equivalent at The Festival, with the hope of quicker underfoot conditions. "Look at him," said trainer Gordon Elliott of the Flat-bred son of Whipper, "he's only a pony. He couldn't get out of the ground, absolutely hated it. So he's run a great race, under the circumstances. We'll give him a break now and we'll be back here in March." Third-placed According To Trev will also return for the two mile, five furlong feature, under the same sponsorship as today's race, at The Festival. "He was giving weight today and I'm delighted with him," said trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. Race 6 - Cheltenham Standard Open NH Flat Race - winner quotes YET ANOTHER MULLINS                 A fine Cheltenham tradition was continued in the concluding bumper when Margaret Mullins became the latest of her family to walk into the hallowed winner's circle in triumph. She led in Anonis, who was not only her first winner at Cheltenham but her first in Britain. The six-year-old was ridden by her 20-year-old son Daniel. Although the German-bred son of Tiger Hill, who was third at Thurles in March last year on his only previous run, started at 25/1, his victory was not a total surprise to his trainer. "He's shown us a lot at home," she said. "And though we don't run that many - we've got only 15 in - the ones that we have run have been running well. "When I got here I heard lots of good words for some of the others, like you do. But though I was a little bit worried, I wasn't that worried. I like him a lot and he's done nothing wrong at home at all. He's a big powerful horse, a great galloper and this ground didn't concern me at all. He'll be a proper chaser down the road." Co Kilkenny-based Mullins provided the Irish with a second winner of the meeting, after Uncle Junior - trained by her ex brother-in-law Willie - in the cross-country race on Friday. Mullins used to be married to Willie's brother Tony. Danny Mullins was winning at The Open meeting for the second year in succession, having taken the Jardine Lloyd handicap Hurdle on Dorset Square for his uncle Willie on the Saturday in 2011. "It's a nice habit to have," he grinned. "This horse handled the ground really well - he's a great big Irish galloping type, except he's German. My only worry was that AP [McCoy, on trailblazing Westward Point] didn't give me a lead for long enough and that I'd be in front too soon, but that wasn't too bad a problem to have."   THE OPEN 2012, CHELTENHAM RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE THE OPEN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 1.10pm RACING POST ARKLE TRIAL NOVICES' CHASE Class 1, Grade 2, £25,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m. Weights 4yo.10st 9lb; 5yo+ 11st 2lb. Penalties after April 28th, a winner of a Class 3 chase 4lb; of a Class 1 or 2 chase 6lb. Allowances fillies and mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £14,237.50 2nd £5,342.50 3rd £2,675.00 4th £1,332.50 5th £670.00 6th £335.00 1)  CAPTAIN CONAN (FR) (Triermore Stud) Nicky Henderson 5-11-02 Barry Geraghty 11/10 Fav 2)  SIRE DE GRUGY (FR) (The Preston Family & Friends) Gary Moore 6-11-02 Jamie Moore 7/2 3)  THIRD INTENTION (IRE) (Robert & Sarah Tizzard) Colin Tizzard t5-11-02 Joe Tizzard 4)  REBEL REBELLION (IRE) (Potensis Limited & Chris Giles) Paul Nicholls 7-11-06 Daryl Jacob 5)  HIS EXCELLENCY (IRE) (Jo Tracey) David Pipe 4-11-01 Tom Scudamore 6)  INOOGOO (IRE) (EBB Racing) George Bewley 7-11-02 James Reveley 6 ran Non-Runner: NEAREST THE PIN (Going) Distances: 2, 6, 2¾, 8, 53    Breeder: Woodcote Stud Limited Breeding: b g Kingsalsa (USA) - Lavandou (Sadler's Wells (USA)) Tote Win: £2.10 Places: £1.50; £2.80  Exacta: £5.70 Winning Trainer: NICHOLAS (NICKY) JOHN HENDERSON Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth: 10/12/50 Background: The son of financier and amateur jockey John Henderson MBE, Nicky attended Eton before working in the City for stockbrokers Cazenoves. Ended up in their Sydney office and rode out each morning prior to work before deciding to study farming at Cirencester. Also spent six years as an amateur, riding 78 winners including the Imperial Cup and the Foxhunters Chase at Liverpool. He was assistant to the legendary Fred Winter from 1974 to 1978. In July 1978 he first took out a trainer's licence and trained from Windsor House in Lambourn. He moved to Seven Barrows in 1992. Aintree Festival wins: John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2011 Spirit Son, 2012 Simonsig),Tangle Teezer Top Novices' Hurdle (2010 General Miller, 2012 Darlan), totepool Manifesto Novices' Chase (2010 Mad Max), John Smith's Mares Only Open NHF (2008 Carole's Legacy), John Smith's 250th Anniversary 4YO Novices' Hurdle (2008 Binocular), totepool Handicap Chase (2008 Oedipe), John Smith's Fox Hunter's Chase (2007 Scots Grey), betafir.com Handicap Chase (1985 Green Bramble, 2004 Lord Of The River), John Smith's Champion NH Flat Race (1987 Rustle), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices' Hurdle (1988 Rustle), John Smith's Melling Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 2012 Finian's Rainbow), John Smith's Topham Chase (1990 Wont Be Gone Long, 2006 Liberthine), matalan.co.uk Mildmay Novices' Chase (1991 Sparkling Flame, 2003 Irish Hussar, 2010 Burton Port), John Smith's Extra Smooth H'cap Hurdle (1995 Thinking Twice), John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (2012 Sprinter Sacre), John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2011 & 2012 Oscar Whisky)  Cheltenham Festival wins (46): Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (2011 Long Run), Coral Cup (2010 Spirit River), Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2009 Andytown), County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur), Byrne Group Plate (1985,1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine, 2006 Non So), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), William Hill Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), sportingbet.com Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man, 2012 Finian's Rainbow), Racing Post Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev, 2012 Sprinter Sacre), Stan James Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then, 2009 Punjabi, 2010 Binocular),JCB Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino, 2009 Zaynar, 2010 Soldatino), JLT Specialty H'cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), RSA Chase (2005 Trabolgan, 2012 Bobs Worth), Ryanair Chase (2006 Fondmort), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2006 Greenhope, 2012 Bellvano), Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2011 Bobs Worth), Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2012 Simonsihg), Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2012 Une Artiste), Ryanair Chase (2012 Riverside Theatre)  Other major wins include: Adonis Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (1999 Katarino, 2007 Punjabi, 2008 Binocular), Altcar Novices' Chase (2002 Ifni Du Luc), Amlin 1965 Chase (2008 My Petra), Aon Chase (2002 Bacchanal, 2012 Long Run)), Ascot Chase (2001 Tiutchev, 2011 & 2012 Riverside Theatre), Ascot Hurdle (2008 Chomba Womba, 2009 Zaynar), Berkshire Novices' Chase (2001 Katarino, 2008 The Market Man, 2009 Punchestowns), Bet365 Gold Cup (1989 Brown Windsor), December Gold Cup (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal & 2011 Quantitativeeasing), StanJames.com International Hurdle (2000 Geos, 2008 Binocular), Bristol Novices' Hurdle (1989 Remittance Man, 2010 Mossley), Champion Hurdle Trial (2007 Afsoun), Champion Irish National Hunt Flat Race (2003 Royal Rosa), Charlie Hall Chase (2002 Marlborough), Christmas Hurdle (2000 Geos, 2001 Landing Light, 2010 & 2011 Binocular), Classic Novices' Hurdle (2008 Aigle d'Or, 2011 Bobs Worth), Contenders' Hurdle (2008 Afsoun, 2010 Binocular), December Novices' Chase (1990 Sparkling Flame, 1997 Fiddling The Facts, 2009 Burton Port), Desert Orchid Chase (2009 Petit Robin & 2011 Finian's Rainbow), Doncaster Mares' Hurdle (2008 Chomba Womba), Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (1988 Over The Counter, 1992 Flown, 1996 Kimanicky, 1999 Premier Generation, 2007 Shatabdi), Elite Hurdle (2008 Chomba Womba), Feltham Novices' Chase (1990 Sparkling Flame, 1991 Mutare, 1997 Fiddling The Facts, 2000 Bacchanal, 2009 Long Run), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2001 Landing Light, 2008 Punjabi), Finesse Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (2000 Mister Banjo), Future Champions Finale Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (1999 Mister Banjo, 2002 Nas Na Riogh, 2005 Blue Shark), Game Spirit Chase (2011 French Opera & 2012 Sprinter Scare), Haldon Gold Cup (1993, 1994 & 1995 Travado), Hennessy Gold Cup (2005 Trabolgan), Henry VIII Novices' Chase (1990 Acre Hill, 2001 Fondmort), Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2002 Iris Royal), International Hurdle (2000 Geos, 2008 Binocular & 2011 Grandouet) Imperial Cup (2009 Dave's Dream), Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (1998 Hidebound, 2003 Perle De Puce & 2011 Molotof), Kerrygold Champion Chase (1998 Big Matt, 2000 Get Real), King George VI Chase (2010 Long Run), Kingmaker Novices' Chase (2010 Long Run, 2011 Finian's Rainbow), Kingwell Hurdle (2012 Binocular) Lanzarote Hurdle (2003 Non So), Lightning Novices' Chase (2012 Kid Cassidy) Long Distance Hurdle (1995 Conquering Leader, 2002 Bacchanal, 2008 Duc de Regniere), Long Walk Hurdle (2008 Punchestowns), National Spirit Hurdle (1993 Flown), Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2004 Isio), November Novices' Chase (1990 Black Amber), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2003 Fondmort), Pendil Novices' Chase (1991 Remittance Man, 1992 Tinryland, 1999 Makounji, 2000 Serenus, 2004 Calling Brave), Peterborough Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 1993 & 1995 Travado), Prestbury Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (1998 Katarino, 2001 Greenhope), Punchestown Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (1999 Katarino, 2007 Punjabi), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2008 Punjabi), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Relkeel Hurdle (2009 Zaynar & Oscar Whisky 2011)), Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (2001 Bacchanal, 2010 Burton Port, 2011 Master Of The Hall), Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (2000 Dusk Duel, 2004 Mon Villez, 2007 Amaretto Rose), Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (1987 First Bout, 2010 Punchestowns), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2000 Tiutchev), Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (1992 New York Rainbow, 2011 Minella Class, 2012 Captain Conan), Totesport Trophy Handicap Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 & 2004 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), Victor Chandler Clarence House Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio, 2006 Tysou), Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (1990 Remittance Man, 2000 Dusk Duel, 2001 Fondmort, 2003 Caracciola, 2006 Jack The Giant, 2009 Riverside Theatre, & 2011 Sprinter Sacre), West Yorkshire Hurdle (1999 Silver Wedge), Winter Bumper (2008 Mad Max, 2011 Ericht), Future Champion Novices' Chase (2010 French Opera), Swinton Handicap Hurdle (2010 Eradicate), Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (2010 Duc de Regniere), AES Champion 4yo Hurdle (2011 Grandouet) 32Red.com Mares Hurdle (2012 Kells Belle) Number of Winners (1982/83-2011/12): 40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 92, 69, 79; 53; 85; 74; 83; 115; 136; 153; 167 Wins this Season: 40 Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: Barry Geraghty will forever be associated with the great Moscow Flyer who provided him with his first Cheltenham Festival victory in the 2002 Arkle Chase and went on to add the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2003 and 2005, as well as a host of other championship races including the Grade One John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree in 2004 and 2005. Geraghty is one of six children from a "horse-mad" family that hails from Drumree in Co Meath. His father 'Tucker' was a useful amateur and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brother Ross, who won the 2002 Irish National on The Bunny Boiler, and sister Jill, an amateur, are both jockeys. Geraghty has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that sphere in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride in October, 1996. He has twice been champion jump jockey in Ireland in the seasons 1999/2000 and 2003/04. It was for Moscow Flyer's trainer Jessica Harrington that he first sprang to prominence, partnering her 1998 Midlands National winner Miss Orchestra. He crowned the 2002/03 season with victory in the John Smith's Grand National aboard Monty's Pass, something which contributed to him being voted RTE Sports Personality of the year by Irish television viewers. Took up the offer of becoming Nicky Henderson's number one jockey following the retirement of Mick Fitzgerald at the end of the 2007/08 season, and he now divides his time between Britain and Ireland.  Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares' Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Achievements: Champion jockey in Ireland in 1999/2000 and 2003/04  Cheltenham Festival Wins (25): Stan James Champion Hurdle (2009 Punjabi), Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (2008 Finger OnThe Pulse), Racing Post Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer, 2009 Forpadydeplasterer, 2012 Sprinter Sacre), JLT Speciality Handicap Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer, 2010 Big Zeb, 2012 Finian's Rainbow), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope, 2009 Zaynar, 2010 Soldatino), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris's Gift), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (2005 Kicking King), RSA Chase (2006 Star de Mohaison, 2012 Bobs Worth), Coral Cup (2006 Sky's The Limit, 2010 Spirit River), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2007 Cork All Star), Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2011 Bobs Worth), Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2012 Simonsiog), Ryanair Chase (2012 Riverside Theatre)  Leading Rider at The Festival: 2003 (5). Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2011 Spirit Son, 2012 Simonsig), John Smith's Grand National (2003 Monty's Pass); John Smith's Top Novices' Hurdle (2010 General Miller) totepool Manifesto Novices' Chase (2010 Mad Max), totesport Bowl (2002 Florida Pearl), Martell Cognac Sefton Novices' Hurdle (2000 Sackville, 2003 Iris's Gift), Liverpool Hurdle (2004 Iris's Gift), John Smith's Melling Chase (2004 & 2005 Moscow Flyer, 2012 Finian's Rainbow), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2006 Star de Mohaison, 2010 Burton Port), John Smith's smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2011 Battle Group), John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (2012 Sprinter Sacre), John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2011 & 2012 Oscar Whisky)  Other Big Race Wins: AIG Europe Champion Hurdle (2005 Macs Joy), Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup (2003 Bust Out, 2004 Kicking King), Ascot Chase (2010 Monet's Garden, 2011 Riverside Theatre), Navan Novices' Hurdle (2000 Harbour Pilot, 2003 Newmill), Betdaq.com Champion Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), December Gold Cup (2011 Quantitativeeasing) December Festival Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer, 2002 Liss A Paoraigh, 2004 Macs Joy), Evening Herald Champion Novices' Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2008 Punjabi), Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2002 Limestone Lad), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Ireland) (2002 Alexander Banquet), John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2004 Kicking King, 2006 In Compliance), Kerrygold Champion Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), King George VI Chase (2004, 2005 Kicking King), Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle (2003 Sacundai, 2004 Emotional Moment), Long Walk Hurdle (2008 Punchestowns), Morgiana Hurdle (1997 Cockney Lad, 2003 Back In Front), Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (2002 & 2003 Moscow Flyer, 2010 Big Zeb), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2002 Cyfor Malta), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2001 Moscow Flyer, 2006 MacsJoy, 2008 Punjabi), Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle (2000Moscow Flyer, 2007 Clopf), Punchestown Gold Cup (2001 Moscow Express, 2002 Florida Pearl, 2005 Kicking King, 2012 China Rock), Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Tingle Creek Chase (2003, 2004 Moscow Flyer), Tolworth Hurdle (2011 Minella Class, 2012 Captain Conan), Totesport Trophy Hurdle (2005 Essex), Ryanair Novice Chase (2012 Lucky William) AES Champion 4yo Hurdle (2011 Grandouet), Boylesports.com Champion Chase (2011 Big Zeb) Wins in Britain (2001/02-2011/12): 4; 26; 13; 10; 8; 1; 1; 65; 78; 61; 63  Wins in Britain this Season: 8 1.45pm PADDY POWER INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP HURDLE Class 3, £20,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+ Rated 0-140 which, prior to April 24th, 2011, had not won a hurdle, 2m 5f. Minimum weight 10-0. Penalties after November 10th, each hurdle won 7lb. Secret Edge's Handicap Mark 140. Penalty value 1st £12,512.00 2nd £3,696.00 3rd £1,848.00 4th £924.00 5th £462.00 6th £232.00 1)  DOUBLE ROSS (IRE) (Options O Syndicate) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-02 Sam Twiston-Davies 14/1 2)  CLOSE HOUSE (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 5-11-05 Tom Scudamore 5/1 3)  BLACK BENNY (IRE) (Barry Connell) Shane Broderick IRE t1 7-11-02 Danny Mullins 33/1 4)  SAN TELM (IRE) (The Tyringham Partnership) Renee Robeson 7-10-12 Tom O'Brien 16/1 5)  CLOUDY BOB (IRE) (Men Of Stone) Pat Murphy 5-10-10 Colin Bolger 6)  MART LANE (IRE) (Barry Connell) Shark Hanlon IRE 7-10-09 Brian Hayes (5) 7)  CAPTAIN SUNSHINE (Mrs Julien Turner) Emma Lavelle 6-11-06 Dominic Elsworth 8)  PERSIAN SNOW (IRE) (D R & B K Peppiatt) Philip Hobbs t6-11-02 Richard Johnson 9)  RUBEN COTTER (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 6-11-03 Daryl Jacob 4/1 Fav 10)  FISHOUTOFWATER (IRE) (JP McManus) Rebecca Curtis 8-9-07 Patrick Corbett (10) 11)  HADA MEN (USA) (Gay & Peter Hartley) Venetia Williams 7-11-00 Aidan Coleman 12)  BARESI (IRE) (Richard Downes) John Long IRE 7-10-04 Harley Dunne (7) 13)  MALLER TREE (Favourites Racing) Jessica Harrington IRE 5-11-10 Barry Geraghty 14)  PSI (USA) (Nick Peacock) Gary Moore p7-10-00 Jamie Moore 15)  SECRET EDGE (Nigel Bunter & David Anderson) Alan King 4-11-12 Robert Thornton 16)  REGGIE PERRIN (Ermyn Lodge Stud) Pat Phelan v4-10-06 Mattie Batchlor 17)  ZAMA ZAMA (ARC) Evan Williams 5-11-02 Paul Moloney PU)  STACCATO VALTAT (FR) (Ruth Nelmes) John O'Shea 6-10-06 Doanal Fahy 18 ran Non-Runner: IFYOULETMEFINISH (Going), BEACHDALE LAD (Going), MISTER DILLON (Going), WELL SHARP (Going) Distances: 8, 2¾, 2¼, 5, 1, 5, 5, ½, 7, nose, 2, 4½, 3, 22, 1¼, 23  Breeder: T McIlhagga Breeding: ch g Double Eclipse (IRE) - Kinross (Nearly A Hand) Tote Win: £15.40 Places: £3.40; £1.90; £6.40; £3.80 Exacta: £102.20 Winning Trainer: NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES Based: Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Date of birth: 16/5/57 Background: Rode as an amateur for Fred Winter, Fred Rimell and Kim Bailey. The Gloucestershire handler combined training as a permit-holder with his farming interests throughout the 1980s, having his first winner with Last Of The Foxes, who he also rode, at Hereford in March, 1982, before the agricultural recession prompted him to make training his full-time profession. He took out a full training licence in 1989, recording his first win as a public trainer in December of that year with Babil at Newbury. Born on May 16, 1957, as an amateur jockey Twiston-Davies rode 17 winners under Rules and gained a further 17 point-to-point victories, and served as assistant trainer to Richard Head and Fred Rimell. A childhood neighbour and friend of Peter Scudamore, he went into partnership with the former champion jump jockey to set up stables at Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Gloucestershire, although Scudamore is no longer involved in the venture. Twiston-Davies has adopted and developed the pioneering techniques of Martin Pipe, such as interval training and regular blood tests for his string, enabling him to rapidly raise his profile among the training ranks. An essentially shy man, he momentarily shocked Des Lynam after Earth Summit's Grand National success in 1998 by telling the BBC presenter in front of millions of viewers "I don't do interviews". Trained his 1,000th winner at Stratford in October 2006. Big Race Wins Include: Albert Bartlett (Bristol) (1998 Bosuns Mate, 1999 Bindaree), Albert Bartlett (River Don) Novices' Hurdle (2008 Battlecry), Bet365 Gold Cup (2000 Beau), Boylesports.com International (2009 Khyber Kim), Challow Novices' Hurdle (1999 King's Road, 1999 Bindaree), Champion Irish National Hunt Flat Race (1998 King's Road), Charlie Hall Chase (1992 Tipping Tim, 1994 Young Hustler, 2005 & 2007 Ollie Magern), Christmas Hurdle (1997 Kerawi), Classic Chase (2005 Baron Windrush), Cleeve Hurdle (1998 Mistinguett), Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (2008 Pigeon Island), Elite Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Feltham Novices' Chase (1992 Dakyns Boy, 2004 Ollie Magern), Finesse Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (2010 Baccalaureate), Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (2009 Khyber Kim), Haydock Park Gold Cup (2001 Frantic Tan), Hennessy Gold Cup (2000 King's Road), Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish), Hyde Novices' Hurdle (2007 Razor Royale), Kingmaker Novices' Chase (1996 Arctic Kinsman), Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish), Letheby & Christopher Cotswold Chase (2008 Knowhere), Long Walk Hurdle (1993 Sweet Duke, 1996 Ocean Hawk), November Novices' Chase (1997 Queen Of Spades, 1998 Mister Morose, 2004 Fundamentalist), Old Roan Handicap Chase (2008 Knowhere), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1992 Tipping Tim, 2008 Imperial Commander, 2010 Little Josh), Persian War Novices' Hurdle (2003 Champagne Harry, 2004 Knowhere, 2005 Rimsky), Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (1995 Earth Summit), Punchestown Gold Cup (1998 Mahler), Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (1995 Sweet Duke, 2000 Beau), Rising Stars Novices' Chase (1994 Sweet Duke, 2000 Bindaree), Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (1993 Young Hustler, 1998 Jack Doyle), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1994 Corrouge, 2000 Mister Morose), Scottish Grand National (1992 Captain Dibble, 1994 Earth Summit, 2009 Hello Bud), Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase (2003 Shardam), totesport.com Becher Chase (1993 Indian Tonic, 1995 Young Hustler, 1998 Earth Summit, 2010 Hello Bud), Towton Novices' Chase (2005 Ollie Magern), Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (2007 Mahogany Blaze), Welsh National (1997 Earth Summit, 2003 Bindaree), West Yorkshire Hurdle (2006 Redemption, 2008 Pettifour), Winter Bumper (1998 Frantic Tan), Worcester Novices' Chase (1991 Captain Dibble, 1998 Ocean Hawk), Betfair Chase (2010 Imperial Commander) Cheltenham Festival wins (13): totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2010 Imperial Commander),Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2010 Pigeon Island), Christie's Foxhunter Chase (2010 Baby Run),Ryanair Chase (2009 Imperial Commander), 139th Year Of The National Hunt Chase (2009 Tricky Trickster), William Hill NH Chase (1992 Tipping Tim), Royal & SunAlliance Hdle (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1993 Young Hustler), Letheby & Christopher Supreme H (1994 Arctic Kinsman), JCB Triumph Hurdle (1998 Upgrade), Pertemps Final H'cap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish, 2008 Ballyfitz) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith's Fox Hunter's Chase (2011 Baby Run), John Smith's Topham Chase (2009 Irish Raptor), John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle (1987 Mrs Muck), betfair.com Handicap Chase (1994 Grange Brake), John Smith's Topham Chase (1994 Indian Tonic), John Smith's Red Rum Handicap Chase (1996 Arctic Kinsman), John Smith's Extra Cold H'cp Hurdle (1998 The Proms), John Smith's Grand National (1998 Earth Summit, 2002 Bindaree), John Smith's Champion Standard NH Flat Race (1998 King's Road, 2005 The Cool Guy, 2012 The New One), Citroen C5 Sefton Novices' Hurdle (1999 King's Road, 2008 Petitfour), S&N Aintree Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose, 2010 Khyber Kim), John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2001 Docklands Limo) Wins (1982/3-2011/12): 0, 0, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 8, 19, 31, 76, 72, 81, 74, 52, 69, 65, 87, 47, 35, 31, 79 ; 69; 59; 60; 87; 83; 70; 97; 70  Wins this Season: 35 Winning Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Born: October 15, 1992 Background: son of Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies - turned professional on April 17, 2010. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Christie's Foxhunter Chase (2010 Baby Run) Other big race wins: Paddy Power Gold Cup (2010 Little Josh), totesport.com Becher Chase (2010 Hello Bud) E.B.F High Sheriff Of Gloucester's "Junior" Standard Open Juvenile NHF Race (2012 The New One), John Smith's Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2012 The New One) First Winner under Rules: Baby Run, Magnus All-croft Memorial Hunters' Chase, Ludlow, February 18, 2009 Wins (2008/09-2011/12): 2; 15; 59; 81 Wins This Season:39 2.20pm SHLOER CHASE Class 2, £50,000 guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights 11st. Penalties after September 30th, 2011, a winner of a Class 3 weight-for-age chase or a Class 2 handicap chase 4lb; of a Class 2 weight-for-age chase or a Class 1 handicap chase 6lb; of a Class 1 weight-for-age chase10lb (half penalties for wins achieved in Novices' and Beginners' chases in Great Britain and Ireland). Allowances mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £31,280.00 2nd £9,240.00 3rd £4,620.00 4th £2,310.00 5th £1,155.00 6th £580.00 1)  WISHFULL THINKING (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs t9-11-00 Richard Johnson 8/11 Fav 2)  DOESLESSTHANME (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Paul Nicholls b8-11-04 Daryl Jacob 2/1 3)  IMPERIAL SHABRA (IRE) (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE 8-11-02 Jason Maguire 4)  LANCETTO (FR) (R J Gambarini) Evan Williams 7-11-03 Paul Moloney 5)  FINCH FLYER (IRE) (Aytach Sadik) Aytach Sadik p5-11-00 Mr Jamie Jenkinson 6)  KINKEEL (IRE) (Group 1 Racing (1994) Ltd) Tony Carroll 13-11-00 Mattie Batchelor 6 ran Non-Runner: SPRINTER SACRE (Going) Distances: 18, 8, 10, 68, 4½ Breeder: Cobhall Court Stud Breeding: ch g Alflora (IRE) - Poussetiere Deux (FR) (Garde Royale) Tote Win: £1.60 Places: £1.30; £1.50 Exacta: £2.30 Winning Trainer: PHILIP HOBBS Based: Sandhill, Bilbrook, Minehead, Somerset Date of Birth: 26/7/55 Background: Philip was brought up surrounded by horses. His father Tony Hobbs farmed, and had a permit to train for many years, breeding several good horses to run in the family colours. After school at Kings College, Taunton, Philip went on to Reading University and achieved a BSc honours degree. He rode at Hickstead, show jumping as a junior, and rode several point-to-point winners and winners under National Hunt rules as an amateur before turning professional at the age of 21. Rode 160 winners in a 10 year career including The Black and White Gold Cup at Ascot, The Killiney Novice Chase and The Midlands Grand National on such good horses as West Tip and Artifice. Date of first Trainer's Licence: August 1, 1985 Cheltenham Festival Wins (16): Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (2010 Copper Bleu), William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2010 Menorah),Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (1990 Moody Man, 2002 Rooster Booster), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase(1996 Kibreet), Coral Cup H'cap Hurdle (2000 What's Up Boys, 2004 Monkerhostin), sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), Stan James Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), RSA Chase (2003 One Knight), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made In Japan, 2006 Detroit City), Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2007 Massini's Maguire), Racing Post Arkle Trophy Novices' Chase (2011 Captain Chris), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2011 Cheltenian), Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase (2012 Balthazar King)  Aintree Festival wins: Betfred Manifesto Novices' Chase (2011 Wishfull Thinking, 2012 Menorah), John Smith's Novices' Handicap Chase (2007 Private Be), John Smith's Topham Chase (1997 Bells Life, 2001 Gower-Slave), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices' Hurdle (1996 Pleasure Shared), John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle (1996 Pleasure Shared), John Smith's Extra Cold H'cap Hurdle (1999 Papo Kharisma), John Smith's Top Novices' Hurdle (2000 Phardante Flyer, 2001 Ilico II, 2002 In Contrast), John Smith's Fox Hunters' Chase (2000 Bells Life), John Smith's Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle (2000 Lord Brex, 2006 Detroit City), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2001 What's Up Boys), John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2006 Wellbeing, 2008 Pearl King) Other major wins include: Adonis Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (1995 Greenback), Albert Bartlett (Prestige) Novices' Hurdle (2009 Tarablaze), Aon Chase (2005 Farmer Jack), Bet365 Gold Cup (2006 Lacdoudal, 2008 Monkerhostin), December Gold Cup (2004 Monkerhostin), StanJames.com International Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster, 2006 Detroit City, 2010 Menorah), Champion Hurdle Trial (2004 Rooster Booster), Challow Novices' Hurdle (2011 Fingal Bay) Contenders' Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster, 2007 Detroit City), Dipper Novices' Chase (2008 Lead On), Elite Hurdle (2010 Nearby), Future Champion Novices' Chase (1999 Bouchasson), Galway Plate (1998 Amlah), Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster, 2006 Detroit City, 2010 Menorah), Haldon Gold Cup (2005 Monkerhostin, 2009 Planet Of Sound), Hennessy Gold Cup (2001 What's Up Boys), Henry VIII Novices' Chase (2006 Fair Along), Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2005 Supreme Serenade, 2011 Kilcrea Kim), Hyde Novices' Hurdle (2006 Massini's Maguire), Imperial Cup (1990 Moody Man), Kerrygold Champion Chase (2003 Flagship Uberalles), Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2000 What's Up Boys), Neptune Invest Management (winter) Novices' Hurdle (2011 Fingal Bay) Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2005 Supreme Prince), Noel Novices' Chase (2003 Supreme Prince), November Novices' Chase (2006 Fair Along), Old Roan Handicap Chase (2004 Farmer Jack), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1989 Joint Sovereignty), Pendil Novices' Chase (1998 Stormy Passage, 2011 Captain Chris), Persian War Novices' Hurdle (2001 One Knight, 2002 Supreme Prince), Prestbury Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (2005 Fair Along), Racing Post Chase (1999 Dr Leunt, 2002 Gunther McBride, 2005 Farmer Jack, 2011 Quinz), Rendlesham Hurdle (2004 Monkerhostin), Rising Stars Novices' Chase (2002 One Knight, 2003 Brother Joe, 2010 Wishfull Thinking), Scottish Champion Hurdle (2003 In Contrast, 2006 Noble Request), Sharp Novices' Hurdle (2000 Reiziger, 2005 Boychuk), Swinton Handicap Hurdle (1994 Dreams End), Tingle Creek Chase (2001 Flagship Uberalles), totesport.com Becher Chase (1997 Samlee), Towton Novices' Chase (2009 Kornati Kid), Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (1996 Greenback), Welsh National (2009 Dream Alliance), West Yorkshire Hurdle (2002 Brother Joe, 2009 & 2010 Fair Along), Winter Novices' Hurdle (1999 What's Up Boys), Worcester Novices' Chase (1996 Pleasure Shared, 2006 Boychuk), Elite Hurdle (2010 Nearby), Punchestown Gold Cup (2010 Planet Of Sound) Number of Winners (1990/91-2011/12): 33; 51; 37; 64; 86; 77; 64; 71; 84; 120; 82; 119; 134; 121; 121; 112; 111; 108; 103; 86; 86; 73 Winners this Season: 25     Winning Jockey: Richard Johnson Date of birth: 21/07/77, Madley, Hereford Background: Richard Johnson attended Belmont Abby school, the alma mater of Peter Scudamore, before leaving at 16 to take a job with then champion trainer David Nicholson. He was born and raised at Madley, Herefordshire,. where his parents have a farm. Johnson comes from racing stock as his mother Sue holds a licence to train, while his father Keith, who won the 1982 Midlands Grand National on Bridge Ash, and his grandfather Ivor were both good amateur riders. Johnson is unlucky to be riding in the same era as Tony McCoy as he has finished runner-up to his rival in the jockeys' championship on 11 occasions. In 2007 he married Fiona Chance, daughter of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Noel Chance. First winner 30 April 1994, Rusty Bridge, Exeter Cheltenham Festival wins: (18) Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (2010 Copper Bleu), William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2010 Menorah), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1999 Anzum), Byrne Group Plate (2000 Dark Stranger,  2003 Young Spartacus), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (2000 Looks Like Trouble), sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster), Stan James Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), RSA Chase (2003 One Knight), Cathcart Chase (2003 La Landiere), Coral Cup (2004 Monkerhostin), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made in Japan, 2006 Detroit City), Neptune Investment Managment Novices' Hurdle (2007 Massini's Maguire), Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (2011 Captain Chris), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2011 Cheltenian), Glenfarclasd Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase (2012 Balthazar King) Leading Rider At the Festival: 2002 (2). Aintree Festival Wins: BetfredlManifesto Novices' Chase (2011 Wishfull Thinking, 2012 Menorah), John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2008 Pearl King), John Smith's Top Novices' Hurdle (1997 Midnight Legend, 2000 Phardante Flyer, 2002 In Contrast, 2005 Mighty Man), John Smith's Sefton Novices' Hurdle (1997 Forest Ivory, 2011 Saint Are), Martell Cup Chase (1998 Escartefigue), Heidsieck Monopole Mildmay Novices' Chase (1999 Spendid, 2001 What's Up Boys), Matalan Anniversary 4yo Novices' Hurdle (2000 Lord Brex, 2006 Detroit City), John Hughes Trophy Chase (2001 Gower-Slave) Red Rum Handicap Chase (2002 Dark N' Sharp), John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle (2006 & 2007 Mighty Man) Other Big Race Wins: Bet365 GoldCup (2006 Lacdoudal, 2008 Monkerhostin), BMW Chase (2003 Flagship Uberalles), December Gold Cup ( 1999 Legal Right, 2004 Monkerhostin) Future Champions Finale Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (2007 Franchoek), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup(Ireland) (2001 & 2004 Florida Pearl), Henry VIII Novices' Chase (2006 Fair Along), JNWine.com Champion Chase (2000 Looks Like Trouble), Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2000 What's Up Boys),, Long Walk Hurdle (1999 Anzum, 2006 Mighty Man), Punchestown Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (1998 Zafarabad), Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle (1997 Midnight Legend), Punchestown Champion Stayers' Hurdle (1999 Anzum), Punchestown Gold Cup (1996 Billygoat Gruff, 2010 Planet Of Sound), Tingle Creek Trophy (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Welsh National (1999 Edmond)  Number of Wins (1993/94-2011/12): 1; 12; 53; 102; 120; 133; 143; 161; 132; 147; 186; 135; 167; 154; 122; 132; 160; 151; 153 Wins This Season: 80 2.50pm RACING POST HURDLE Class 1, Grade 3, £100,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m 110yds. Minimum weight 10-0. Penalties after November 4th, a winner of a hurdle 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb). Darlan & Snap Tie's Handicap Mark 151. Penalty value 1st £56,950.00 2nd £21,370.00 3rd £10,700.00 4th £5,330.00 5th £2,680.00 6th £1,340.00 1) OLOFI (FR) (McNeill Family) Tom George tp6-10-11 Paddy Brennan 8/1 2)  CASH AND GO (IRE) (Robin Geffen) Nicky Henderson 5-11-02 Barry Geraghty 6/1 3)  CAUSE OF CAUSES (USA) (Timeform Betfair Racing Club Ltd) Gordon Elliott IRE 4-11-00 Davy Condon 12/1 4)  BOTHY (Dan Gilbert, A Marucci) Brian Ellison 6-11-01 Danny Cook 12/1 5)  GLAM GERRY (IRE) (Barry Connell) Colm Murphy IRE 8-10-01 Brian Hayes (5) 6)  RATTAN (USA) (J A Coleman) Willie Mullins IRE 7-11-03 Danny Mullins 7)  DARK LOVER (GER) (Des Nichols & Peter Hart) Paul Nicholls 7-10-03 Ryan Mahon (3) 8)  STAR OF ARAGON (IRE) (Holly's Buddies Syndicate) James Nash IRE 6-10-0 Conor O'Farrell 9)  ONE COOL SHABRA (IRE) (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE p4-10-03 Ryan Treacy (7) 10)  PROSPECT WELLS (FR) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Paul Nicholls t7-11-00 Harry Derham (7) 11)  SNAP TIE (IRE) (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 10-11-12 Richard Johnson 12)  CONSTANT CONTACT (Delboy & Rodney) Donald McCain 5-10-11 Jason Maguire 13)  BLUE BAJAN (IRE) (Dr John Hollowood) David O'Meara 10-11-05 Timmy Murphy 14)  KAZLIAN (FR) (Twelve Pipers Racing) David Pipe 4-10-11 Tom Scudamore 15)  HUNTERS BELT (IRE) (R A Fisher & John Blair) George Bewley vt8-9-12 Jonathon Bewley (7) 16)  MOON DICE (IRE) (Three Friers Cross Syndicate) Paul Flynn IRE 7-11-06 Tom O'Brien 17)  HI DANCER (R Tocher) Ben Haslam 9-9-11 Craig Gallagher (10) 18)  DOMINATION (Patrick Wilmott/Ms C Cleary) Charles Byrnes IRE 5-10-08 Rob Jones (3) 9/2 Fav 18 ran Non-Runners: DARLAN (Going), VENDOR (FR) (Going), TED SPREAD (Going), GREY SOLDIER (IRE) (Self Cert (Not Eaten Up)), THE TIDDLY TADPOLE(Self Cert (Lame)) Distances: 2½, 1¼, nk, 1¼, sh, 2½, 1¼, 1, 6, 8, 1, 5, 8, 13, 12, 22, 4  Breeder Catherine Niederhauser Breeding: gr g Slickly (FR) - Dona Bella (FR) (Highest Honor (FR)) Tote Win: £8.80 Places: £2.50; £2.20; £3.50; £2.60 Exacta: £63.70 Winning Trainer: TOM RICHARD GEORGE Born: June 4, 1967 Based: Springbank Stables, Slad, Stroud, Gloucestershire Background: lives in his childhood home with wife Sophie (daughter of former leading national hunt trainer John Edwards). Having left Gordonstoun school in 1984, worked for Arthur Moore, followed by a spell at the privately owned Kingwood Stud. worked for The British Bloodstock Agency and gaining a diploma in Stud Management at The National Stud before becoming assistant to Gavin Pritchard-Gordon and then Michael Jarvis.  Spent a year working in France for Francois Doumen, and finally a year working for champion National Hunt trainer, Martin Pipe. Starting training in 1993 and sent out his first winner, Newton Point, at Worcester on 11th September 1993. Date of First Trainer's Licence: August 4, 1993 Aintree Festival Wins: totesport Bowl (2011 Nacarat), John Smith's Manifesto Novices' Chase (2009 Tartak) Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2002 Galileo) Other Major Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2012 Baby Mix) Albert Bartlett (Prestige) Novices' Hurdle (2001 Historic), Hyde Novices' Hurdle (2009 Tell Massini), Lanzarote Hurdle (2002 Majlis), Long Distance Hurdle (2001 Historic), Racing Plus Chase (2009 & 2012 Nacarat), Bristol Novices' Hurdle (2009 Tell Massini), bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (2010 Nacarat), totesport Peterborough Chase (2010 Tartak), victorchandler.com Handicap Chase (2011 Tartak), Racing Post Hurdle (2012 Olofi) Number of Winners (1993/94-2011/12): 4; 2; 4; 6; 11; 18; 21; 19; 30; 22; 50; 46; 34; 30; 32; 37; 35; 18; 40 Wins this Season: 9 Winning Jockey: Paddy J Brennan Born: Ardrahan, Galway,April 13, 1981 Background: Brennan spent the summer of 1995 working for County Kildare handler Gerry Stack before embarking on a five season apprenticeship with the leading Irish trainer Jim Bolger, for whom he rode eight winners. The first of those came on Ivory Isle at Gowran Park in August, 1998. He became too heavy and tall for the Flat and moved to Paul Nicholls' stable as a conditional jockey in 2001. He stayed there for two and a half years, riding winners for Nicholls and Jeff King, before joining Philip Hobbs in the 2003/4 season as one of that yard's conditionals. Brennan was appointed as retained rider to owners Andrea and Graham Wylie for the 2006/7season after dropping by trainer Howard Johnson's County Durham yard for a cup of tea and toast. He rewarded those connections when guiding Inglis Drever to victory in the 2007 Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham. Brennan, who wanted to return to the south of England, left Johnson at the end of the 2006/07 season and joined Naunton-based handler Nigel Twiston-Davies at the start of the 2007/08 campaign. Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): totseport Cheletenham Gold Cup (2010 Imperial Comander), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2010 Pigeon Island), Ryanair Chase (2009 Imperial Commander), Pertemps Final (2008 Ballyfitz), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2006 Shamayoun), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2007 Inglis Drever) First Winner: Ivory Isle (Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap, Gowran Park, August 12, 1998) Aintree Festival Wins: totesport Bowl (2011 Nacarat),John Smith's Topham Chase (2009 Irish Raptor), John Smith's Manifesto Novices' Chase (2009 Tartak), Citroen C5 Sefton Novices' Hurdle (2008 Petitfour), John Smith's Citroen C4 Picasso Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2007 Tidal Bay), John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (Ashley Brook 2005), John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2006 Wellbeing), John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2010 Khyber Kim) Totesport Bowl Chase (Nacarat 2011)  Other Big Race Wins: Scottish Grand National (2009 Hello Bud), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2008 Imperial Commander), Racing Post Hurdle (2009 Khyber Kim, 2012 Olofi), Betfair Chase (2010 Imperial Commander) Number of Wins (2000/01-2011/12): 3;9; 15; 19; 67* (*Champion Conditional Jockey); 60; 80; 104; 84; 67; 78; 82  Wins This Season: 31 3.25pm NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES' HURDLE Class 1, Grade 2, £25,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m 5f. Weights 11st. Penalties a winner of a Class 4 hurdle 4lb; of a Class 1 to 3 hurdle 7lb. Allowances fillies and mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £14,237.50 2nd £5,342.50 3rd £2,675.00 4th £1,332.50 5th £670.00 6th £335.00 1)  CONEYGREE (The Max Partnership) Mark Bradstock 5-11-04 Mattie Batchelor 8/1 2)  BONDAGE (IRE) (Bodhran Makers Syndicates) Gordon Elliott IRE t5-11-07 A P McCoy 4/1 3)  ACCORDING TO TREV (IRE) (Fred & Wayne Mills) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-07 Sam Twiston-Davies 10/1 4)  CREEPY (IRE) (M Boothwright, T Hanlon, S Harman) Martin Keighley 4-11-00 Alain Cawley 5)  VILLAGE VIC (IRE) (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 5-11-00 Richard Johnson 15/8 Fav 6)  FOX RUN (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Daryl Jacob 7)  OUR JOEY (IRE) (John Gibson, Kevin Twentyman & Bewley) George Bewley 4-11-00 Jonathon Bewley 8)  AWAYWITHTHEGREYS (IRE) (W Bryan) Peter Bowen p5-11-04 Tom O'Brien PU)  I SHOT THE SHERIFF (IRE) (Malcolm Denmark) David Pipe 5-11-04 Tom Scudamore 9 ran Distances: 7, 5, 1, ¾, 27, 5, 22 Breeder: Lord Oaksey Breeding: b g Karinga Bay - Plaid Maid (Executive Perk) Tote Win: £8.20 Places: £2.60; £1.50; £2.30 Exacta: £42.70 Winning Trainer: MARK FITZHERBERT BRADSTOCK Born: November 5, 1957 Based: Old Manor Stables, Letcombe Bassett, Wantage, Oxon Date of First Trainer's Licence: 1988/89 - formerly five years as assistant to Fulke Walwyn. Married to Sara Lawrence, daughter of Lord Oaksey Cheltenham Festival Winners (1): Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (2005 King Harald) Other Big Race Wins: Leamington Novices' Hurdle (2008 Carruthers), Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (2009 Carruthers), Hennessy Gold Cup (2011 Carruthers) Number of Winners (2002/03-2011/12): 7; 9; 5; 2; 2; 8; 4; 4; 3; 3 Wins this Season: 2 Winning Jockey: Matthew Alexander Batchelor Born: May 23, 1976 Based: Brighton, West Sussex Riding Weight: 8st 12lb Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (2005 King Harald) Aintree Festival Wins: Oddbins Hcap Hurdle (2000 Quakers Field) Other Big-race wins: Hennessy Gold Cup (2011 Carruthers)  Reynoldstown Chase (2009 Carruthers),  Leamington Novices' Hurdle (2008 Carruthers) Number of Wins (1996/1997-2011/12): 5; 9; 20; 20; 20; 17; 8;10; 12; 11; 6; 18; 10; 12; 3; 5 Wins This Season: 3      4.00pm CHELTENHAM STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE Class 1, Listed Race, £12,000 guaranteed. For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except NH/INH Flat races or French AQPS Flat races, 2m 110yds. Weights 11st. Penalties a winner of a race 4lb. Allowances fillies and mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £6,834.00 2nd £2,564.40 3rd £1,284.00 4th £639.60 5th £321.60 6th £160.80         1)  ANONIS (GER) (Barry Connell) Margaret Mullins IRE 6-11-00 Danny Mullins 25/1 2)  THE LIQUIDATOR (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 4-11-00 Tom Scudamore 4/1 3)  HANNIBAL THE GREAT (IRE) (The Pantechnicons) Charlie Longsdon t1 4-11-04 Noel Fehily 20/1 4)  FASCINO RUSTICO (John & Lisa Hales) Paul Nicholls 4-11-04 Daryl Jacob 5/2 Fav 5)  WESTWARD POINT (J F F White) Warren Greatrex 5-11-04 A P McCoy 6)  PERFECT CANDIDATE (IRE) (ISL Recruitment) Fergal O'Brien 5-11-00 Timmy Murphy 7)  MONKEY KINGDOM (G Costelloe) Rebecca Curtis 4-10-08 Patrick Corbett (10) 8)  MAKETHEDIFFERENCE (IRE) (Valerie Osborne) Eddie Hales IRE 4-11-00 Barry Geraghty 9)  CLONDAW KNIGHT (IRE) (Sandy Seymour) Lucinda Russell 4-10-07 Steven Fox (7) 10)  MYSTIFIABLE (Graham & Alison Jelley) Fergal O'Brien 4-11-00 Paddy Brennan 11)  LITTLE POP (Mrs S Such) Nigel Twiston-Davies 4-11-00 Sam Twiston-Davies 11 ran Distances: 5, 13, hd, 8, 3¼, 7, 1½, 1¼, 1, 33 Breeder: Gestut Schlenderhan Breeding:  b g Tiger Hill (IRE) - Akanta (GER) (Wolfhound (USA))) Tote Win: £29.10 Places: £4.90; £2.50; £3.40 Exacta: £198.80 Winning Trainer: MARGARET (MAG) MULLINS Based: Gowran, Co Kilkenny Background: Started riding out for Paddy Mullins and took out an amateur licence, also former champion lady rider twice. Split from husband, fellow trainer Tony Mullins Big race wins: Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle (2005 Travino) Winners in Britain this season: 1 Winning Jockey: Danny Mullins Background: Son of trainer Tony Mullins. Started out on the Pony Racing circuit before joining Jim Bolger as apprentice at the age of 15 in 2008. Rides both on the Flat and over hurdles. Winners in Britain this season: 3 END