Seven
Barrows, Lambourn, Berkshire
HENDERSON
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The trainer commented
today: "We all hope for a really good week, great weather and excellent
ground while, as always, there will be fantastic racing.
"The Festival is not
only the pinnacle of our year but it is one of the highlights of the whole
racing and sporting calendar.
"If it goes well, the
week is even better but we will enjoy it anyway. We will take the week as it
comes and what falls into place will fall into place. If it happens, it happens
and if it doesn't that is the not the end of the world.
"I would settle for
one winner - you don't dare hope for more but you don't want the dreaded blank.
Anything that comes along is gratefully received. The best thing is to have a
winner on the first day and it is amazing then how confidence grows - I don't
know why as it won't make the other horses go any faster but at least it gives
everybody confidence.
"We have had 35 to 40
runners over the four days of The Festival for the last few years and I imagine
it will be the same this time.
"It was a freak four
days last year (with seven winners) and we are unlikely to be lucky enough to
repeat it but we will try."
BACKGROUND
Synopsis - Nicky
Henderson is the all-time leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival with 46
successes after gaining a record seven successes last year. Twice the winner of
the Jump trainers' championships, in 1985/86 and 1986/87, he has sent out
approaching 2,500 winners and is hot favourite to capture another trainers'
title this season.
Born -
Lambeth, London, on December 10, 1950
Background - The
son of financier and amateur jockey John Henderson MBE, who founded the
Racecourse Holdings Trust, the forerunner for Jockey Club Racecourses, Nicky
was educated at Eton and the Royal Agricultural College. He worked for
stockbrokers Cazenove in London and Australia, where he gained experience
riding work at Randwick, before devoting himself full-time to racing.
First
made his name in Britain as an amateur rider, finishing runner-up three times
in the non-professional championship. Main wins as a jockey came on Happy
Warrior in the 1977 Fox Hunters Chase at Aintree and on Acquaint in Sandown's
Imperial Cup in the same year. Recorded his 78th and final win on Rolls Rambler
in the Horse & Hound Cup at Stratford in June, 1978.
He became
assistant trainer to Fred Winter in 1974 and received his own training licence
in July, 1978, taking over from Roger Charlton at Windsor House Stables in
Lambourn. Moved to Seven Barrows, to the north of the village, in 1992.
First
Winner As A Trainer - Dukery at Uttoxeter, October 14, 1978.
CHELTENHAM
FESTIVAL WINS
William
Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown)
Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000
Tiutchev, 2012 Sprinter Sacre)
JLT
Speciality Handicap Chase (2000 Marlborough)
Stan
James Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986 & 1987 See You Then, 2009 Punjabi, 2010
Binocular)
Neptune
Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2012 Simonsig)
RSA Chase (2005
Trabolgan, 2012 Bobs Worth)
Sportingbet
Queen Mother Champion Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 2012 Finian's Rainbow)
Coral Cup
(2010 Spirit River)
Fred
Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2012 Une Artiste)
Ryanair
Chase (2006 Fondmort, 2012 Riverside Theatre)
Ladbrokes
World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal)
Byrne
Group Plate (1985 & 1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine, 2006 Non So)
Fulke
Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur)
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino, 2009 Zaynar,
2010 Soldatino)
Vincent
O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (1993 Thumbs Up, 1997 Barna Boy)
Albert
Bartlett Novices Hurdle (2011 Bobs Worth)
Betfred
Cheltenham Gold Cup (2011 Long Run)
Martin
Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2009 Andytown)
Johnny
Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (2006 Greenhope, 2012 Bellvano)
Cathcart
Chase (1990 Brown Windsor, 1994 Raymylette, 1999 & 2000
Stormyfairweather)
CHELTENHAM
FESTIVAL WINS BY YEAR
1985: 3 - Stan
James Champion Hurdle (See You Then), Byrne Group Plate (The Tsarevich), JCB
Triumph Hurdle (First Bout)
1986: 3 -
William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (River Ceiriog), Stan James Champion
Hurdle (See You Then), Byrne Group Plate (The Tsarevich)
1987: 2 - Stan
James Champion Hurdle (See You Then), JCB Triumph Hurdle (Alone Success)
1988: no
winners
1989: 1 -
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Rustle)
1990: 2 - Fulke
Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (Master Bob), Cathcart Chase (Brown Windsor)
1991: 1 - Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (Remittance Man)
1992: 2 -
William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1992 Flown), Sportingbet Queen Mother
Champion Chase (Remittance Man)
1993: 2 - Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (Travado), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (Thumbs Up)
1994: 1 -
Cathcart Chase (Raymylette)
1995: no
winners
1996: no
winners
1997: 1 -
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Barna Boy)
1998: no
winners
1999: 2 - JCB
Triumph Hurdle (Katarino), Cathcart Chase (Stormyfairweather)
2000: 4 - Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (Tiutchev), JLT Specialty Handicap Chase (Marlborough),
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Bacchanal), Cathcart Chase (Stormyfairweather)
2001: no
winners
2002: 1 - Fulke
Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (The Bushkeeper)
2003: no
winners
2004: no
winners
2005: 3 - RSA
Chase (Trabolgan), Byrne Group Plate (Liberthine), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase
(Juveigneur)
2006: 3 -
Ryanair Chase (Fondmort), Byrne Group Plate (Non So), Johnny Henderson Grand
Annual Handicap Chase (Greenhope)
2007: no
winners
2008: no
winners
2009: 3 - Stan
James Champion Hurdle (Punjabi), JCB Triumph Hurdle (Zaynar), Martin Pipe
Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle (Andytown)
2010: 3 - Stan
James Champion Hurdle (Binocular), Coral Cup (Spirit River), JCB Triumph Hurdle
(Soldatino)
2011: 2 - Albert
Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Bobs Worth), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Long Run)
2012: 7 - Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (Sprinter Sacre), Neptune Investment Management
Novices' Hurdle (Simonsig), RSA Chase (Bobs Worth), Sportingbet Queen Mother
Champion Chase (Finian's Rainbow), Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Une
Artiste), Ryanair Chase (Riverside Theatre), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap
Chase (Bellvano)
OTHER BIG
RACE WINS INCLUDE
JUMP
RACING: Ascot Chase (2001 Tiutchev, 2011 & 2012 Riverside Theatre), bet365
Gold Cup (1989 Brown Windsor), Betfair Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 & 2004
Geos, 2001 Landing Light), Christmas Hurdle (2000 Geos, 2001 Landing Light,
2010 & 2011 Binocular, 2012 Darlan), 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), Hennessy Gold Cup
(2005 Trabolgan, 2012 Bobs Worth), International Hurdle (2000 Geos, 2008
Binocular & 2011 Grandouet), John Smith's Melling Chase (1992 Remittance
Man, 2012 Finian's Rainbow), John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2011 & 2012 Oscar
Whisky), King George VI Chase (2010 & 2012 Long Run), Paddy Power Gold Cup
(2003 Fondmort), Victor Chandler Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio, 2006 Tysou,
2013 Sprinter Sacre).
FLAT
RACING:Queen Alexandra Stakes (2009 Caracciola), Ascot Handicap (2011 Veiled),
Cesarewitch (2003 Landing Light, 2008 Caracciola).
JUVENILE
HURDLERS
MEGALYPOS
(FR)
4 b/br g
Limnos (JPN) - Bourbonnaise (FR) (Mansonnien (FR))
Form: 1-37433 Owner:
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede Breeder:
E A R L Ecurie Villebruyere
Summary
Won first
of his five starts for Guillaume Macaire in France, the last two of which were
over fences; returned to hurdles on British debut at Chepstow on January 5,
coming home third.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money:
£26,762
Last Run
Third in
the Grade One Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle over an extended two
miles at Chepstow (heavy) on January 5, beaten six and a quarter lengths by
Ruacana.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
JCB Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
ROLLING
STAR (FR)
4 b g
Smadoun (FR) - Lyli Rose (FR) (Lyphard's Wish (FR))
Form: 11 Owner:
Michael Buckley & the Vestey Family Breeder: Laurent Deniel
Summary
Ran seven
times on the Flat in France without success; won a maiden hurdle at Auteuil in
October when trained by Tatiana Puitg. Made winning British debut for new
connections at Cheltenham in January.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 2; Wins: 2; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£39,085
Last Run
Won Grade
Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial Juvenile Hurdle over an extended two miles at
Cheltenham (heavy) by two and a quarter lengths from Irish Saint on January 26.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
JCB Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He is a lovely horse and did it very well at Cheltenham. We decided not
to run him again as he was professional and thorough. He is working and jumping
well."
VASCO DU
RONCERAY (FR)
4 gr g Al
Namix (FR) - Landza De Ronceray (FR) (Chamberlain (FR))
Form: 3-21123
Owner: Simon Munir Breeder: E A R L Rubin Herve
Summary
Ran three
times in AQPS National Hunt Flat races in France when trained by Guy Cherel and
was successful in the last over them over 13 furlongs at Chateaubriant in
August. Won by 32 lengths on British debut in a juvenile hurdle at Hereford on
November 1 before placed efforts in Grade Two company at Cheltenham and
Doncaster.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money:
£20,298
Last Run
Third
behind Kashmir Peak in the Grade Two Summit Juvenile Hurdle over an extended
two miles at Doncaster (good to soft) on December 15, beaten three and a quarter
lengths by Kashmir Peak.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
JCB Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
NOVICE
HURDLERS
MY TENT
OR YOURS (IRE)
6 b g
Desert Prince (IRE) - Spartan Girl (IRE) (Ela-Mana-Mou))
Form: 122-1211
Owner: J P McManus Breeder: Frank Dunne
Summary
Classy
bumper performer last season & finished second to The New One in Champion
Bumper at Aintree. Has won three of his four starts over hurdles this term
including the Grade Three Betfair Hurdle impressively at Newbury.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 7; Wins: 3; 2nd: 4; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£116,181
Last Run
Won
Britain's richest handicap hurdle, the £152,500 Grade Three Betfair Hurdle over
an extended two miles, comfortably by five lengths from Cotton Mill at Newbury
(soft) on February 9.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £120,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He is a bull of a horse and needs lots of work - yo daren't leave him for
long. A P (McCoy) thinks the world of him. We are going for Supreme with him.
He has not run in a Grade One and it seems th best route."
RIVER
MAIGUE (IRE)
6 b
gZagreb (USA) - Minor Tantrum (IRE) (Executive Park (IRE))
Form: 31-212
Owner: Michael Buckley Breeder: James Keegan
Summary
Point-to-point
winner in Ireland; won a bumper at Ayr in April on his second start under
Rules. Chased home Dodging Bullets in a Grade Two hurdle at Cheltenham in
November. Got off the mark over hurdles in a novices' race at Kempton Park on
Boxing Day and second at Ascot on Saturday.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 5; Wins: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£21,722
Last Run
Beaten
two and a half lengths by Far West in a falsely-run novices' hurdle at Ascot
(soft) on Saturday, February 16.
Entries so
far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £120,000
Henderson said:
"His recent run was just about the most stupid race I've ever seen and he
will go to the Supreme."
UTOPIE
DES BORDES (FR)
5 b m
Antarctique (IRE) - Miss Berry (FR) (Cadoudal (FR))
Form: 2622811793-353214111
Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede Breeder: G Hanquiez and E
Hanquiez
Summary
Top-class
four-year-old chaser in France for Francois Cottin, winning a Grade One at
Auteuil in November. Joined current connections after selling at Arqana in
November for 255,000 euros and made a winning British debut in a two-mile
mares' novices' hurdle at Doncaster on February 4. Stepped up in trip to land a
Listed hurdle at Sandown on Friday.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 19; Wins: 6; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money:
£338,227
Last Run
Won
Listed Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle, over two and a half miles, by a
length and three quarters from She Ranks Me at Sandown (heavy) on February 15.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle (March 12) 2m £120,000
Grade One
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (March 13) 2m 5f £120,000
Grade One
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (March 15) 3m £120,000
Henderson said:
"She is two out of two for me and won a nice Listed race at Sandown the
other day over two and a half miles and we are going to up the trip to three
miles because it seems she stays.
"We
will go to the Albert Bartlett with her."
NOVICE
CHASERS
CAPTAIN
CONAN (FR)
6 b g
Kingsalsa (USA) - Lavandou (Sadler's Wells (USA))
Form:
3411622-111 Owner: Triermore Stud Breeder: Woodcote
Stud
Summary
Three
starts over hurdles in France for Antoine Lamotte D'Argy, winning final one at
Auteuil in June, 2011; made a winning British debut in the Grade One Tolworth
Hurdle before running second in Grade Two company at Kelso and Aintree.
Unbeaten in three starts over fences, including two Grade Ones at Sandown, this
season.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 10; Wins: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£118,514
Last Run
Won Grade
One Scilly Isles Novices' Chase, over an extended two and a half miles, by a
neck from Third Intention at Sandown (heavy) on February 2.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (March 12) 2m £150,000
Grade Two
Jewson Novices' Chase (March 14) 2m 4f £100,000
Hendersonsaid:
"Captain Conan will go for the Jewson. He is a good horse - he just wasn't
that impressive last time in the Scilly Isles and I think you will see the
proper Captain Conan come the Jewson."
HADRIAN'S
APPROACH (IRE)
6 b g
High Chaparral (IRE) - Gifted Approach (IRE) (Roselier (FR))
Form:
1/1F-1F22 Owner: Richard & Elizabeth Kelvin Hughes Breeder:
Marie Gavin
Summary
Irish
point-to-point winner in April, 2011; won maiden on first of two hurdle starts
at Ascot in December, 2011, and made a successful chase debut at the same
course in November, 2012. Fell in a Grade Two novices' chase at Newbury when
still in contention before chasing home Dynaste in the Grade One Feltham Novices'
Chase over Christmas and runner-up again at Newbury recently.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£22,819
Last Run
Second to
Unioniste in a three-mile novices' chase at Newbury (soft) on February 9, beaten
a short-head.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance
Value
Grade One
RSA Chase (March 13) 3m 110y £150,000
Grade Two
Jewson Novices' Chase (March 14) 2m 4f £110,000
SIMONSIG
(GB)
7 gr g
Fair Mix (IRE) - Dusty Too (Terimon)
Form: 112111-11
Owner: Ronnie Bartlett Breeder: Simon Tindall
Summary
Top Irish
point-to-pointer in the spring of 2011; developed into last season's leading
novice hurdler with effortless victories in the Grade One Neptune Investment
Management Novices' Hurdle at The Festival and at Aintree's Grand National
meeting. Made an equally impressive start to his chasing career with very easy
wins at Ascot and Kempton Park.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 7; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£163,347
Last Run
Won Grade
Two williamhill.com Novices' Chase, run over two miles, by 49 lengths at
Kempton Park (heavy) on December 27.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance
Value
Grade One
Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (March 12) 2m £150,000
Henderson
said: "Simsonsig is very good. He is in good form and does not take a huge
amount of work. He has been very good in his two runs over fences and I think
he knows what he has to do.
"He
has tremendous ability and enthusiasm for racing. It will do him no harm for
Overturn to give him a lead - he has wonderful pace."
HURDLERS
BINOCULAR
(FR)
9 b g
Enrique - Bleu Ciel Et Blanc (FR) (Pistolet Bleu (IRE))
Form: 1121/113/5311/3114/32114-3
Owner: J P McManus Breeder:
Elie Lellouche
Summary
Placed at
Listed level on the Flat in France when trained by Elie Lellouche; has won 11
of his 21 starts over hurdles including the 2010 Stan James Champion Hurdle and
two Christmas Hurdles at Kempton Park. Also placed in 2008 William Hill Supreme
Novices' Hurdle (second) and 2009 Stan James Champion Hurdle (third) at The
Festival.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 21; Wins: 11; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 5; Win & Place Prize Money:
£747,578
Last Run
Third to
Hurricane Fly in the Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown (soft to
heavy) on January 27, beaten five lengths.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Stan James Champion Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £400,000
Henderson said:
"He worked last Saturday with Long Run on Mandown. We boxed them both up
and drove them around village twice so they did not where they were going. He
worked well. Hurricane Fly beat Binocular comfortably in Ireland but he won't
beat us so comfortably at Cheltenham. The run has brought him along a lot.
"He
was lame after last year and then late in which explains the one run this
season - I was tempted to run him last Saturday but the ground was heavy.
"He
will go to Kempton on Saturday and work after racing. His schooling sessions
tell us how he is."
GRANDOUET
(FR)
6 b/br g
Al Namix (FR) - Virginia River (FR) (Indian River (FR))
Form: 331/52113B/1F11-2
Owner: Simon Munir Breeder: Dominique Le Baron
Summary
Won once
(April, 2010) from three starts over hurdles in France when trained by
Guillaume Macaire; developed into a leading juvenile hurdler for current
connections in the spring of 2011, finishing third in the JCB Triumph Hurdle
and winning a Grade One at Punchestown. Made a smooth transition to open
company with a four-length success in 2011 StanJames.com International Hurdle
and returned from injury in the same contest this season.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 14; Wins: 6; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money:
£226,754
Last Run
Second to
Zarkandar in the Grade Two StanJames.com International Hurdle, run over an
extended two miles, at Cheltenham (heavy) on December 15, beaten two lengths.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Stan James Champion Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £400,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He is clean-winded and does not need as much work so he won't be going to
Kempton on Saturday (to work after racing). He ran very well in The
International and does not need to find an awful lot on that form.
"I
would like Darlan back, but sadly I cannot have him, because he might have been
the one - that is the way it goes."
OSCAR
WHISKY (IRE)
8 b g
Oscar (IRE) - Ash Baloo (IRE) (Phardante (FR))
Form: 1/1114/1131/F11151-112
Owner: Walters Plant Hire Ltd Breeder: Stephanie Hanly
Summary
Started
in National Hunt Flat races & two from two in that sphere in 2009. Has won
10 of his 15 starts over hurdles; effective from two miles to three miles. Dual
winner of Grade One John Smith's Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles, and
also third in 2011 Stan James Champion Hurdle at The Festival. Has won on two
of his three starts this term including the Grade Two Coral Hurdle at Ascot
over just short of two and a half miles.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 18; Wins: 13; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£405,071
Last Run
Second to
Reve De Sivola in Grade Two Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle over three miles at
Cheltenham (heavy) on January 26, beaten a neck.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance
Value
Grade One
Stan James Champion Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £400,000
Grade One
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (March 14) 3m £275,000
Henderson said:
"He is going to go for the World Hurdle with no Big Buck's around. We
really need a Ryanair Hurdle but in the absence of that he goes for the
three-miler.
"We
are going to be more positive with him that we were in the Cleeve Hurdle now
that we know he stays three miles. His form with Reve De Sivola is the best around."
UNE
ARTISTE (FR)
5 b m
Alberto Giacometti (IRE) - Castagnette III (FR) (Tin Soldier (FR))
Form: 931111411R-11Owner:
Simon Munir Breeder: E Clayeux & D Clayeux
Summary
Won two
of four bumpers in 2011 and her only start over hurdles (Jan, 2012) in France
for Emmanuel Clayeux. Successful in five of her seven starts over hurdles for
current connections including the Grade Three Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap
Hurdle at last year's Festival, and three Listed contests.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 8; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£109,219
Last Run
Won
Listed 32Red.Com Mares' Hurdle, over two and a half miles, by a length and
three quarters from Alasi at Sandown on January 5.Likely to be aimed at the
OLBG Mares' Hurdle at The Festival.
Henderson said:
"She is a mare I like. She is going to have to take on Quevega which will
be tough but she is undoubtedly the best of the home team. We will give it a
go."
CHASERS
BOBS
WORTH (IRE)
8 b g Bob
Back (USA) - Fashionista (IRE) (King's Theatre (IRE))
Form: 21/1111/1321-1
Owner: The Not Afraid Partnership Breeder: Mrs L Eadie
Summary
Unbeaten
in four starts at Cheltenham; won the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
at The Festival in 2011 and followed up in the Grade One RSA Chase last year.
Annexed the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury in
early December & is ante-post favourite for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold
Cup.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 11; Wins: 8; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£264,911
Last Run
Carrying
11st 6lb, he won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, run over three and a quarter
miles at Newbury (good to soft), by three and a quarter lengths from Tidal Bay
on December 1.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 15) 3m 2f 110y £550,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He has really got a bit to prove in that he has only really had one run
outside novice chasing and that was in a handicap so he has got to do it
against the big boys. It was a good performance in the Hennessy as it was in
the RSA last year.
"It
is a step up and I would have liked to have run him more on the way. He had one
little hiccup himself and the whole winter has been the same - the ground has
been desperate. His one opportunity to run came when the ground was bottomless
and I am glad we did not go for that.
"He
is a horse who is a bit more fragile than some of them and he wouldn't want a
hard race in heavy ground beforehand."
FINIAN'S
RAINBOW (IRE)
10 b g
Tiraaz (USA) - Trinity Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale)
Form: F/1/1315/11121/1211-46
Owner: Michael Buckley Breeder: J O'Keefe
Summary
Won and
Irish point-to-point in 2008, won a National Hunt Flat race & was two from
four over hurdles. Has won seven of his 11 starts over fences; runner-up in the
Racing Post Arkle Chase at The Festival in 2011 and landed the Sportingbet
Queen Mother Champion Chase 12 months later. Rounded off last term with a
seven-length success in the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree over two and a
half miles. Could only finish fourth of four on his seasonal reappearance at
Ascot in November and disappointed again at the same course on Saturday.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 16; Wins: 10; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£464,139
Last Run
Last of
six to Cue Card in the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase at Ascot on Saturday,
February 16.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (March 13) 2m £350,000
Grade One
Ryanair Chase (March 14) 2m 5f £275,000
Grade One
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 15) 3m 2f 110y £550,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He has had a difficult season, mostly because of the ground. He has not
coped with it but will do better when there is good going.
"He
is likely to defend his crown in the Queen Mother Champion Chase."
LONG RUN
(FR)
8 b/br g
Cadoudal (FR) - Libertina (FR) (Balsamo (FR))
Form: 21211113/1211113/311/2213-21
Owner: Robert Waley-Cohen Breeder: Marie-Christine Gabeur
Summary
Has never
finished out of the first three in 24 career starts; top-class three-year-old
hurdler and novice chaser in France for Guillaume Macaire, winning two Grade
Ones. Has won on six of his 12 starts since moving to Seven Barrows and became
first six-year-old since Mill House in 1963 to win the Betfred Cheltenham Gold
Cup when triumphant in 2011 and third in same race last year. Also captured the
Grade One King George VI Chase in 2010 (scheduled in early 2011) and 2012.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 24; Wins: 14; 2nd: 6; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money:
£1,419,537
Last Run
Won the
three-mile King George VI Chase by a neck from Captain Chris at Kempton Park
(heavy) on December 16.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 15) 3m 2f 110y £550,000
Henderson said:
"His preparation is all going to plan. We didn't run at Newbury the other
day because the ground had gone completely. Both Robert and I felt that a hard race
in very, very soft ground would not achieve anything and I think that was the
right decision.
"He
is going to have gallop after racing on Saturday at Kempton on grass which
should get him spot on. He was only six when he won the Cheltenham Gold
Cup and then wasn't just at his very best last season. I cannot tell you that
he is completely different this year but he is in very good order.
"I
boxed him and Binocular up last Saturday and drove them twice around the
village before going to Mandown for a good gallop.
"Some
cheek-pieces might just sharpen him up - there is no point being proud - they
are not the prettiest things in the world but if they make him go faster
why not."
"He
has regained the King George and maybe he can regain the Gold Cup."
RIVERSIDE
THEATRE (GB)
9 b g
King's Theatre (IRE) - Disallowed (IRE) (Distinctly North (USA))
Form: 13/12114/3115F/121/11P-6
Owner: Jimmy Nesbitt Partnership Breeder: Goldford Stud
Summary
Placed in
Grade One company over hurdles; has won 6 of his 11 starts over fences
including two Grade One Ascot Chases and a thrilling renewal of the Grade One
Ryanair Chase at The Festival last year. Came home last of seven at Aintree a
month later in the Betfred Bowl and finished down the field on his return this
season in the King George VI Chase.
Jump Race
Record: Starts:19; Wins:10; 2nd: 2; 3rd 2; Win & Place Prize Money:
£434,179
Last Run
Sixth of
nine in the Grade One William Hill King George VI Chase over three miles at
Kempton Park (heavy) on December 26, beaten 27 lengths by Long Run.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Ryanair Chase (March 14) 2m 5f £275,000
Hendersonsaid:
"He will go back to the Ryanair Chase and is in good form.
"We
thought he had a wind issue after running in the King George. We sent him to
Bristol University to be checked out - they discovered that his wind was fine
but he had bad ulcers which have now been successfully treated."
SPRINTER
SACRE (FR)
7 b/br g
Network (GER) - Fatima (FR) (Bayolidaan (FR))
Form: 11/2113/11111-11
Owner: Caroline Mould Breeder: Christophe Masle
Summary
High-class
novice hurdler in 2011 & third in the Grade One William Supreme Novices'
Hurdle at The Festival. Unbeaten in seven phenomenal starts over fences since,
with four Grade One wins headed by a spectacular success Racing Post Arkle
Chase at The Festival last year. Returned this season to another impressive
victory in the Grade One Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 13; Wins: 11; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£302,701
Last Run
Won the
re-scheduled Grade One Victor Chandler Chase over an extended two miles at
Cheltenham easily by 14 lengths on January 26 and is a very short-priced
favourite for the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Grade One
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (March 13) 2m £350,000
Henderson said:
"He is in good form - we have those rather nasty three weeks to go. There
is work to be done and there is a lot that can go wrong but at the moment
everything is going well with him.
"He
looks great and is very fresh and well in himself. He seems to be enjoying it
and has had a good freshen up since the Victor Chandler Chase. The pressure is
on because everybody will expect one of his flashy performances and I hope he
can deliver again.
"He
has not jumped anything since the Victor Chandler - we will just remind him
what to do and not to get complacent. He finds it ridiculously easy but
Cheltenham is Cheltenham and the course takes plenty of jumping.
"Barry
(Geraghty) will go out and enjoy himself on Sprinter Sacre, who is as good
looking a horse as I have ever had. He is a hugely-talented natural
athlete.
"He
and Simsonsig are two of the best work horses I have ever had. Sprinter Sacre
will not go to a racecourse to work before Cheltenham.
"Sprinter
Sacre is the one we would be disappointed with if he doesn't win. He has more
than a chance - England expects!"
Fact
If
Sprinter Sacre starts at shorter than 4/11 and wins, he will be the shortest-priced
winner at The Festival since Arkle scored at 1/10 in 1966.
THE
FESTIVAL 2013
First Day
- Champion Day
Tuesday,
March 12, 2013 (Old Course) Distance Prize
Money
1.30
William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 110y
£120,000
2.05 Racing
Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade One) 2m £150,000
2.40 JLT
Specialty Chase (Handicap) (Grade Three) 3m 110y £90,000
3.20 Stan
James Champion Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 110y £400,000
4.00
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase (Handicap) 3m 7f £50,000
4.40 OLBG
Mares' Hurdle (Grade Two) 2m 4f £85,000
5.15
Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed) 2m 4f 110y
£60,000
TOTAL £955,000
Second
Day - Ladies Day
Wednesday,
March 13, 2013 (Old Course) Distance Prize Money
1.30 John
Oaksey National Hunt Chase (Amateurs) 4m £85,000
2.05
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 5f £120,000
2.40 RSA
Chase (Grade One) 3m 110y £150,000
3.20
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One) 2m £350,000
4.00
Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade Three) 2m 5f £80,000
4.40 Fred
Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 110y £75,000
5.15
Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade One) 2m 110y £60,000
TOTAL £920,000
Third Day
- St Patrick's Thursday
Thursday,
March 14, 2013 (New Course) Distance Prize Money
1.30
Jewson Novices' Chase (Grade Two) 2m 4f £100,000
2.05
Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed) 3m £80,000
2.40
Ryanair Chase (Grade One) 2m 5f £275,000
3.20
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £275,000
4.00
Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade Three) 2m 5f
£90,000
4.40
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateurs) 3m 1f 110y
£60,000
5.15 St
Patrick's Derby (Charity Flat Race) 1m 5f -
TOTAL £880,000
Fourth
Day - Gold Cup Day
Friday,
March 15, 2013 (New Course) Distance Prize Money
1.30 JCB
Triumph Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 1f £120,000
2.05
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 1f £80,000
2.40
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade One) 3m
£120,000
3.20
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Chase) (Grade One) 3m 2f 110y
£550,000
4.00 CGA
Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup (Amateurs) 3m 2f 110y £40,000
4.40
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f 110y
£50,000
5.15
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (Grade Three) 2m 110y
£90,000
TOTAL £1,050,000
TOTAL
PRIZE MONEY AT THE FESTIVAL OF £3,805,000
(UP
£425,000 ON 2012 TOTAL OF £3,380,000)
AVERAGE
RACE VALUE £140,925
(£125,000
IN 2012)
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