The trainer said at a
media stable visit organised by Cheltenham Racecourse ahead of The Festival -
March 12-15: "This time last year we were in a bit of a different place -
I had to cancel the media visit because the horses were coughing and we went
into the 2012 Festival on the back of having a nightmare.
"This year, things
have been totally different. We have had loads of winners, the horses are
really well and healthy. We are much happier going into The Festival. It is
exciting to have a lot of nice young horses coming along."
Manor Farm Stables,
Ditcheat,
Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Synopsis -
Champion Jump trainer for the past seven seasons in Britain (2005/06, 2006/07,
2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12); became the first trainer to
accrue more than £4 million in a season in 2007/08; recorded his 2,000th winner
at Down Royal on November 5, 2011, 20 years after taking out his training
licence, making him the quickest to reach this landmark figure in Jump racing.
Has sent
out 32 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including enjoying four victories in
each of the meeting's showpiece contests - the Sportingbet Queen Mother
Champion Chase, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle
- and he is the fourth most successful trainer of all time at The Festival and
the second most successful current trainer.
Won two
of the biggest races missing from his glittering CV last season as Rock On Ruby
captured the Stan James Champion Hurdle at The Festival and Neptune Collonges
clinched the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in thrilling fashion,
enabling the trainer to gain his seventh title in succession.
Big
Buck's, the four-time winner of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, is out of action
this year because of injury, while other stable stars, such as the great Kauto
Star, have retired from racing.
Born -
Lydney, Gloucestershire, April 17, 1962 and grew up in Olveston near Bristol.
Background
- son of a policemen, he partnered 119 winners as a Jump jockey
between 1980 and 1989, with his biggest British successes coming in the
Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Broadheath (1986) and Playschool (1987), who
also captured the 1988 Vincent O'Brien (Irish) Gold Cup with Paul up.
Having
struggled to keep his weight down, he retired from race riding after breaking
his left leg and, from 1989 to 1991, assisted Devon handler David Barons,
trainer of not only Broadheath and Playschool but also Seagram, who won the
1991 Grand National at Aintree.
He took
out a licence to train at Manor Farm Stables, owned by Paul Barber, in
Ditcheat, Somerset, on November 1, 1991 and started with just eight horses.
First
winner as a trainer - Olveston, owned by his parents, at Hereford, December 20, 1991.
CHELTENHAM
FESTIVAL WINS (32)
William
Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2006 Noland, 2011 Al Ferof)
Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop)
Stan
James Champion Hurdle (2012 Rock On Ruby)
Pulteney
Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (2009 Chapoturgeon)
RSA Chase (2006
Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman)
Sportingbet
Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008
& 2009 Master Minded)
Fred
Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2010 Sanctuaire)
Ryanair
Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis)
Ladbrokes
World Hurdle (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Big Buck's)
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo, 2011 Zarkandar)
Vincent
O'Brien County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest, 2009
American Trilogy)
Betfred
Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 & 2009 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman)
CGA
Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night)
Johnny
Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas)
CHELTENHAM
FESTIVAL WINS BY YEAR
*1999-3 Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase(Flagship Uberalles), Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion
Chase (Call Equiname), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (See More Business)
2000- No
winners
2001-
cancelled
2002- No
winners
2003-1 Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase(Azertyuiop)
*2004-4 CGA
Foxhunter Chase (Earthmover), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (St Pirran),
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Azertyuiop), Vincent O'Brien County
Hurdle (Sporazene)
2005-2 CGA
Foxhunter Chase (Sleeping Night), Ryanair Chase (Thisthatandtother)
*2006-3 William
Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Noland), RSA Chase (Star De Mohaison), Vincent
O'Brien County Hurdle (Desert Quest)
*2007-4 Johnny
Henderson Grand Annual (Andreas), RSA Chase (Denman), Ryanair Chase (Taranis),
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Kauto Star)
*2008-3
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Master Minded), JCB Triumph Hurdle
(Celestial Halo), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Denman)
*2009-5 Pulteney
Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (Chapoturgeon), Sportingbet Queen
Mother Champion Chase (Master Minded), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's),
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (American Trilogy), Betfred Cheltenham Gold
Cup (Kauto Star)
2010-2 Fred
Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Sanctuaire), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big
Buck's)
2011-3 William
Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Al Ferof), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's),
JCB Triumph Hurdle (Zarkandar)
2012-2 Stan
James Champion Hurdle (Rock On Ruby), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's)
*winner
of The Irish Independent Leading Trainer Award
OTHER BIG
RACE WINS INCLUDE
Argento
Chase (1998 See More Business, 2001 See More Business, 2010 Taranis, 2011
Neptune Collonges)
Ascot
Chase (2000 Rockforce, 2008 Kauto Star)
Bet365
Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc, 2012 Tidal Bay)
Betfair
Hurdle (2012 Zarkandar)
Betfair
Chase (2006, 2007, 2009 & 2011 Kauto Star, 2012 Silviniaco Conti)
Betfred
Bowl (2010 What A Friend, 2000 See More Business)
BGC
Partners Liverpool Hurdle (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Big Buck's)
Cleeve
Hurdle (2009 & 2012 Big Buck's),
December
Gold Cup (2009 & 2010 Poquelin, 2012 Unioniste)
Feltham
Novices' Chase (1993 See More Indians, 2003 Strong Flow, 2008 Breedsbreeze)
Galway
Plate (2008 Oslot)
Hennessy
Cognac Gold Cup (Ireland) (2009 Neptune Collonges)
Hennessy
Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow, 2007 & 2009 Denman)
JNWine.com
Champion Chase (2007 Taranis, 2008 & 2010 Kauto Star, 2012 Kauto Stone)
John
Smith's Grand National (2012 Neptune Collonges)
John
Smith's Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko, 2011 Master Minded)
John
Durkan Memorial Chase (2008 Noland)
Kerrygold
Champion Chase (2008 Twist Magic, 2009 Master Minded)
King
George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
& 2011 Kauto Star)
Lexus
Chase (2007 Denmab, 2009 What A Friend, 2012 Tidal Bay)
Long Walk
Hurdle (2009, 2010 & 2011 Big Buck's)
Matalan
Anniversary 4-y-o Novices' Hurdle (2003 Le Duc, 2011 Zarkandar)
Paddy
Power Gold Cup (2012 Al Ferof)
Punchestown
Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (2003 Sporazene)
Punchestown
Gold Cup (2007 & 2008 Neptune Collonges)
Racing
Post Handicap Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole, 2011 Brampour)
Scottish
Grand National (1997 Belmont King)
StanJames.com
International Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole, 2012 Zarkandar)
Tingle Creek
Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Cenkos, 2005 & 2006 Kauto Star, 2007
& 2009 Twist Magic, 2008 & 2010 Master Minded)
Victor
Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2009 & 2011 Master Minded, 2010 Twist
Magic)
Welsh
National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L'Aventure)
JUVENILE
HURDLERS
FAR WEST
(FR)
4 b g
Poliglote - Far Away Girl (FR) (Cadoudal (FR))
Form: 3-1111
Owner: Axom XXXIX Breeder: Ecurie D
Summary
Third on
sole hurdle start in France for Thomas Trapenard in April, 2012. Four from four
over hurdles in Britain for current connections, scoring by 12 lengths on debut
at Chepstow before two comfortable successes at Cheltenham in November (Grade
Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial) and December. Beat highly-regarded River Maigue
in a novices' hurdle at Ascot on February 16.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 5; Wins: 4; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£47,349
Last Run
Won a
slowly-run novices' hurdle over an extended two miles at Ascot (soft) by two
and a half lengths from River Maigue on February 16.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He is vying for favouritism for the Triumph and has
won all four of his starts this season. He won at Ascot on Saturday in a very
tactical affair. He stays and he jumps and he has a devastating turn of
foot as well. Ruby (Walsh) was very impressed with him on Saturday. We had gone
out with a plan thinking that River Maigue would go off in front but Barry
Geraghty wanted to follow us and we ended up in front. Far West sprinted away
in the straight. He jumps great and has been working with Zarkandar and has
improved enormously over the winter. He has got everything and is a proper
little racehorse. Ruby is looking forward to the Triumph. Far West would
compare favourably with Zarkandar. I suspect he will end up remaining over
hurdles next season and could be really interesting."
IRISH
SAINT (FR)
4 b/br g
Saint Des Saints (FR) - Minirose (FR) (Mansonnien (FR))
Form: 112
Owner: Mrs Johnny De La Hey Breeder: S C E A Haras Du Ma
Summary
Won a
Listed hurdle at big odds on debut at Auteuil, France, in September, 2012, when
trained by Guy Cherel. Scored by 18 lengths for his new yard in a juvenile
hurdle at Kempton Park on December 27 before chasing home Rolling Star in a
Grade Two contest on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham, January 26.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 3; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£38,259
Last Run
Second to
Rolling Star in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial Juvenile Hurdle over two
miles and a furlong at Cheltenham (heavy) on January 26, beaten two and a
quarter lengths but finished well clear of the third.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
LAC
FONTANA (FR)
Shirocco
(GER) - Fontaine Riant (FR) (Josr Algarhoud (IRE))
Jump
Form: 2 Owner: Potensis Limited & Chris Giles Breeder:
S C A La Perrigne
Summary
Progressive
in six starts on the Flat in France for Nicolas Clement, winning once and
finishing fourth in a Listed contest. Ran on to take second after encountering
trouble in running on his hurdling debut at Newbury on February 9.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 1; Wins: -; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £1,908
Last Run
Second of
12 to Chatterbox in an extended two-mile novices' hurdle at Newbury (soft) on
February 9, beaten two lengths, after being hampered two out.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
SAMETEGAL
(FR)
4 b g
Saint Des Saints (FR) - Loya Lescribaa (FR) (Robin Des Champs (FR))
Form: 21-1213 Owner:
John & Barbara Cotton Breeder: Pierre De Maleissye Melun Et Al
Summary
Scored on
his second start over hurdles in France for Guillaume Macaire in April, 2012.
Made a winning British debut in a Listed contest at Wetherby in November,
before coming home second in a Grade Two at Doncaster in December. Returned to
winning ways in a competitive contest at Musselburgh on February 3 but third in
his first handicap at Taunton yesterday.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 3; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£51,782
Last Run
Kept on
when third, beaten just over three lengths, at Taunton (heavy) in two mile, one
furlong handicap hurdle on February 19.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
JCB
Triumph Hurdle (March 15) 2m 1f £120,000
NOVICE
HURDLERS
AAIM TO
PROSPER (IRE)
9 br g
Val Royal (FR) - Bint Al Balad (IRE) (Ahonoora)
Jump
Form: 232 Owner: CGA Racing Partnership 2 Breeder:
Stephanie Hanly
Summary
Formerly
trained by Brian Meehan and a useful stayer on the Flat. The only horse to win
the famous Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket twice (2010 and 2012). Has shaped
encouragingly on three starts over hurdles with placed efforts, when staying
on, at Newbury, Doncaster and Ascot.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 3; Wins: -; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £6,617
Last Run
Second,
beaten six lengths by Up And Go, over two miles and three furlongs at Ascot
(soft) on February 16.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Albert
Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (March 15) 3m £120,000
DODGING
BULLETS (GB)
5 b g
Dubawi (IRE) - Nova Cyngi (USA) (Kris S (USA))
Form: 246-113
Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends Breeder: Frankie Dettori
Summary
Bred by
Frankie Dettori. Won two of his nine starts on the Flat for Andy Oliver in
Ireland, handicaps at Galway and Sligo in the summer of 2011; high-class form
without winning as a juvenile hurdler last season, finishing second in the
Grade Two Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton Park and fourth in the JCB Triumph
Hurdle at The Festival. Two from two (Masterson Holdings Hurdle and Grade Two
Opus Energy Novices Hurdle) at Cheltenham at the start of this season and then
good third in Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£53,348
Last Run
Kept on
when third of seven to Darlan, beaten just over seven lengths, in the Grade One
williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle over two miles at Kempton Park (heavy) on
December 26, 2012.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
William
Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £120,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "I think he is almost the forgotten horse of the
Festival. He runs in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and is a second-season novice.
He was fourth in the Triumph Hurdle at The Festival last year. He won his first
two starts this season at Cheltenham. He gave 7lb and beat River Maigue on the
second of them. We were then a little bit ambitious to run him in the Christmas
Hurdle. I wanted to give him a run over Christmas and have him really fresh for
The Festival. He came third to Darlan and finished ahead of Countrywide Flame
who was fourth. That is not bad form. I think he has a mark of 157 and he would
compare favourably with Al Ferof and Noland who won the Supreme for us. He goes
well fresh and has not really had his ground which is not worse than good to
soft. He is really well. He wants a fast-run race so he can come from behind. I
think he has a great chance and is a big price for the Supreme - we have
trained him just for that race and everything is going to plan. It looks a hot
race this year but always does."
PAY THE
KING (GB)
6 b g
King´s Theatre (IRE) - Knocktartan (IRE) (King´s Ride)
Form: 1
Owner: Robin Geffen Breeder: M Doran
Summary
Won only
start, a two-mile bumper at Gowran Park, Ireland, on October 6 for trainer John
Hassett. Subsequently sold for £150,000 at Brightwells Cheltenham Sale in
December.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 1; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £4,600
Last Run
Won
20-runner two-mile bumper at Gowran Park, Ireland, (Good) on October 6 by two
and a quarter lengths.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Neptune
Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (March 13) 2m 5f £120,000
Albert
Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (March 15) 3m £120,000
NOVICE
CHASERS
FAGO (FR)
5 b/br g
Balko (FR) - Merciki (FR) (Villez (FR))
Form: 3122P3-1521FOwner:
Andrea & Graham Wylie Breeder: Gildas Blain
Summary
Successful
over hurdles and scored once (Auteuil in September 2012) in seven progressive
chase outings when trained by Guillaume Macaire in France, ending with second
in a Grade One over two miles & six furlongs at Auteuil in November, 2012 .
Made a winning start for new connections in a two mile & one furlong
novices' chase at Newbury in January, but fell when travelling best in a Grade
Two at Warwick recently.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 11; Wins: 3; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money:
£138,068
Last Run
Fell two
out when looking the winner in the Grade Two Racing Post Arkle Trial Novices'
Chase over two miles at Warwick (heavy) on February 9.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Racing
Post Arkle Trophy Chase (March 12) 2m £150,000
Jewson
Novices' Chase (March 13) 2m 4f £100,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He has got two entries. We bought him just before
Christmas and he had some form around Auteuil. He won over two mile and five
furlongs there and led at the last in a Grade One over two mile, six furlongs
but faded. I think he is likely to be more of a two-mile horse like Master
Minded who came to us after running over further as well. He won well at
Newbury over two miles and went to Warwick and was hard on the bridle when he fell
at the second last - just what I did not want to happen before the Festival. He
runs at Sandown on Friday over two miles as we want to get another run into
him. I think he wants to run in the Arkle because he has loads of speed. If
Simonsig and Overturn go a good gallop in front, you are not going to be taking
them on and the race may be run to suit him as he has plenty of speed. He is a
really decent horse and I think he will be a lot stronger next season when he
should be a really good two-mile chaser."
ROCKY
CREEK (IRE)
7 b g Dr
Massini (IRE) - Kissantell (IRE) (Broken Hearted)
Form: 218-2111
Owner: The Johnson & Stewart Families Breeder: Colm Griffin
Summary
Point-to-point
winner in Ireland; won at Grade Two hurdle over an extended three miles at
Doncaster last season before finishing eighth in the Grade One Albert Bartlett
Novices' Hurdle at The Festival. Three from four over fences this term, winning
decisively at Doncaster and Warwick before stepping up in class to land the
Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot on February 16.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 7; Wins: 4; 2nd: 2; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£51,540
Last Run
Won the
three-mile Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices' Chase by a length and three quarters
from Houblon Des Obeaux at Ascot (soft) on February 16.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
RSA Chase
(March 13) 3m 110y £150,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "I think Rocky Creek needs the ground really testing and we
will probably leave him until Aintree."
SIRE COLLONGES
(FR)
7 gr g
Dom Alco (FR) - Idylle Collonges (FR) (Quart De Vin (FR)
Form: 1/93F/P-112
Owner: Angela Tincknell & Bill Tincknell Breeder: Gaec
Delorme Freres
Summary
French
import, successful over hurdles at Auteuil in April 2010, who did not win in
four starts over hurdles when tried highly by Paul Nicholls. Has proved more
successful as a chaser, winning novice events at Fontwell and Cheltenham this
season before running second at the latter course in November.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£37,408
Last Run
Runner-up
to Our Father, beaten 20 lengths, at Cheltenham on November 17 in novices'
chase over an extended three miles.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
John
Oaksey National Hunt Chase (March 13) 4m £85,000
RSA Chase
(March 13) 3m 110y £150,000
UNIONISTE
(FR)
5 gr g
Dom Alco (FR) - Gleep Will (FR) (Cadoudal (FR)
Form: 2422165-11311
Owner: John Hales Breeder: Haras De Saint-Voir Et Al
Summary
Consistent
over hurdles in France, winning once, and triumphed on first start over fences
at Auteuil in May 2012 when trained by Guillaume Macaire. Has won on three of
his four starts for new connections including the valuable Grade Three Paul
Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup Handicap Chase over two miles and
five furlongs at Cheltenham in December. Returned from a small break to win a
competitive three-mile novices' chase at Newbury on February 9.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 5; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money:
£130,631
Last Run
Won a
three-mile novices' chase by a short-head from Hadrian's Approach at Newbury
(soft) on February 9.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
RSA Chase
(March 13) 3m 110y £150,000
Jewson
Novices' Chase (March 14) 2m 4f £100,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "I bought him in the summer from France, where he won
an ordinary race over fences at Auteuil, and he has had a very good season.He
won for us first time out at Aintree and then was placed at Cheltenham behind
Dynaste after we made the running with him. I thought he had a really nice
handicap mark and he won the Paul Stewart Gold Cup at Cheltenham in December -
stayed on strongly and jumped well. I gave him the rest of the winter off and
went to Newbury the other day. He won a three-mile novice chase, the race
Denman won before taking the RSA Chase at The Festival. He is only five, has
kept on improving and jumps great. He was probably 80 per cent right last time
and had a good blow afterwards. We knew the Newbury race was going to be tricky
with a small field. He was in front too soon and idled up the straight
and eventually won by a short-head. I always remember Kauto Star winning the
Aon Chase by a head and then going on to win the Gold Cup. Unioniste has
improved enormously for that prep race. He will be better with plenty of
runners and a true gallop. He stays jumps, goes well at Cheltenham, and is
definitely in with a chance. He is likely to go for the RSA - he is still in
the Jewson and if we had torrents of rain and the ground was bottomless
we could switch him and bring Rocky Creek into the RSA. Unioniste has been
trained with The Festival in mind."
HURDLERS
WONDERFUL
CHARM (FR)
5 b g
Poliglote - Victoria Royale (FR) (Garde Royale)
Form: 442512-1
Owner: Robin Geffen Breeder: Jean-Philippe Dubois
Summary
Six
starts over hurdles in France for Tatiana Puitg, winning once at Auteuil in
March, 2012 and finishing second in a Grade Two at the same course the
following month. Impressed on only start for new connections when winning a
Grade Two novices' hurdle at Chepstow in October.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 7; Wins: 2; 2nd: 2; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£92,881
Last Run
Won Grade
Two Persian War Novices' Hurdle over two and a half miles by six lengths in
good style at Chepstow (good to soft) on October 27.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Ladbrokes
World Hurdle (March 14) 3m £275,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He was choking on and off during the Persian War
Novices Hurdle at Chepstow which he won. Straight afterwards we decided to sort
his breathing out and he had an operation. He is in the Coral Cup and I would
think that race is the favourite for where he runs at The Festival. His rating
is 149 at the moment and I don't know whether that is good, bad or indifferent.
He had good Graded form at Auteuil and in a normal year we would have been able
to give him a couple of more runs and he could have been heading down the World
Hurdle route. We will try him in a handicap first now. He is a horse we like a
lot and he is going to Kempton on Saturday to have a racecourse gallop as is
Fascino Rustico."
ZARKANDAR
(IRE)
6 b g
Azamour (IRE) - Zarkasha (IRE) (Kahyasi)
Form: 111/15F-111
Owner: Chris Giles & Potensis Limited Breeder: His Highness The
Aga Khan's Studs S C
Summary
Half-brother
to 2008 Horse Of The Year on the Flat Zarkava; won once from three starts on
the Flat in France. Leading juvenile hurdler during 2010/2011 season, winning
the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival and a Grade One at Aintree. Won a very
competitive Betfair Hurdle on his reappearance last season but could only
finish fifth in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at The Festival after an
interrupted preparation. Unbeaten in three starts this season, winning a pair
of Grade Twos at Wincanton either side of a game two-length success from
Grandouet in the Grade Two Stan James International Hurdle at Cheltenham in
December.
Jump Race
Record: Starts: 9; Wins: 7; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money:
£363,444
Last Run
Won Grade
Two Kingwell Hurdle over two miles by four and a half lengths from Khyber Kim
at Wincanton (heavy) on February 16.
Entries
at The Festival Distance Value
Stan
James Champion Hurdle (March 12) 2m 110y £400,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He has been totally different to how he was a year
ago. He had just won the Betfair Hurdle and was coughing. He wasn't quite right
and we really struggled with him. He had a tiny little scar fracture of a hind
leg in the autumn so we could not run him then. We rushed him for the Betfair
Hurdle which he won. Then he started coughing and was nowhere near himself when
he ran in the Champion Hurdle last year when he finished fifth after running a
bit flat. Then he fell at Aintree. Otherwise he has won every race he has run
in. He was three from three as a juvenile and has won all three this season. He
keeps on winning and is the right age now, six. He has done nothing wrong this
season. He have 17lb and beat Prospect Wells first time, then went to The
International and won, galloping up the hill at Cheltenham. He idled on
Saturday but won nicely. He is never going to flashy - he could have done on
Saturday with a quicker pace. He jumps nicely and loves the Cheltenham hill. I
think there is not a lot between Hurricane Fly, Rock On Ruby, this lad and
possibly Grandouet. He prefers the New Course at Cheltenham but the Champion
Hurdle is over almost a furlong less on the Old Course which is sharper. I
would like to see the ground on the slow side and a fast-run race. He has got a
great chance. Ruby (Walsh) was always going to have to ride Hurricane Fly this
season and Daryl (Jacob) has won plenty of races on him. Daryl was always going
to ride him but it makes no difference who rides him. Zarkandar is a good form
and we are very happy with him."
CHASERS
SILVINIACO
CONTI (FR)
7 ch g
Dom Alco (FR) - Gazelle Lulu (FR) (Altayan)
Form: 11/11134/31241-111
Owner: Chris Giles & Potensis Limited Breeder: Patrick
Joubert
Summary
Ditcheat's
leading contender for Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup honours in 2013. Two from two
over hurdles in France for Guillaume Macaire, he won a brace of Grade Two
hurdles after joining Paul Nicholls in 2010 before being sent chasing last
season, when he was successful in Grade Two events at Wincanton and Aintree.
Began the current campaign by taking the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at
Wetherby on November 3 before registering the first Grade One victory of his
career in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on November 24, defeating Long Run
by two and a half lengths. Warmed up for The Festival by winning the Grade Two
Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on February 9.
Jump Race
Record: Starts:15 ; Wins: 10; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money:
£376,524
Last Run
Won the
Grade Two Betfair Denman Chase over three miles by seven lengths from The Giant
Bolster at Newbury (soft) on February 9.
Entries
at The Festival Distance Value
Betfred
Cheltenham Gold Cup 3m 2f 110y£550,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He has done incredibly well this season. He got beat
at Ascot last season and was not right when the horses were coughing. We
thought we were not going to Cheltenham with him and went to Aintree instead.
He won nicely. This year he won the Charlie Hall, the Betfair Chase from Long
Run and then the other day he had his prep race at Newbury which he won nicely.
We had left plenty to work on and the ground was testing - I was nervous that
he was going to get a bit tired but he stayed on strongly. He jumps well and I
keep reading that he cannot win at Cheltenham because he has not won at
Cheltenham. We have not avoided Cheltenham with him. He ran in The
International over hurdles and ran incredibly well for a three-mile horse
against a lot of two-milers. He missed the RSA last year and was never going to
run in the Argento. He has been around loads of different tracks on different
ground. I have always thought he wanted good ground but he has coped well with
soft ground this season. You can ride him any way you like. We did not plan to
make the running in the Betfair Chase at Haydock but Long Run did not want to
go on. Ruby decided at the start to bowl along in front. He would be suited by
a real fast end-to-end gallop where he can sit in third or fourth and use his
jumping and hopefully stay on strongly. He has progressed nicely, done
everything right and come out of Newbury well. He was fresh and well this
morning. My view is that the three novices from last season - Bob's Worth,
Silviniaco Conti and Sir Des Champs might be the three - Long Run obviously you
can never rule out because he has been such a good horse. Any Gold Cup is hard
to win but we think we are going there with a nice chance. He is workmanlike
and does the job right - we have a chance of winning."
SANCTUAIRE
(FR)
7 b/br g
Kendor (FR) - Biblique (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR))
Form:
53113/F371P/855111-314 Owner: Potensis Limited/Chris Giles Breeder:
S C A De Lageneste-Har De St Voir
Summary
Ex-French,
placed third once from two starts over hurdles before coming to Britain in
2009. A three-time winner over hurdles, including the Grade Three Fred Winter
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at The Festival in 2010 and the Grade Two Scottish
Champion Hurdle in 2011. Sent chasing at the start of 2012, he won his
first two starts in novice company before recording an emphatic 17-length
success over seasoned rivals in the Grade Two Celebration Chase at Sandown on
the final day of the season in April. Has run three times this season and won
the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park on December 27 but found
Sprinter Sacre too good in the other races.
Jump Race
Record: Starts:19 ; Wins:7 ; 2nd: -; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money:
£196,753
Last Run
Finished
fourth, beaten 29 lengths behind Sprinter Sacre, in the Grade One Victor
Chandler Chase over two miles and one furlong at Cheltenham (heavy) on January
26.
Entries
so far at The Festival Distance Value
Sportingbet
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2m £350,000
Paul
Nicholls said: "He has not had the best of seasons. He is in the
Champion Chase and basically, with Sprinter Sacre a red-hot favourite, we are
playing for crumbs. He did not run particularly well in the Victor Chandler
Chase at Cheltenham when the ground was very soft. He is never very good at
this time of year. If the ground dries up and we ride him a bit handier, he
could pick up a bit of place money on his best form in the Champion Chase. His
Gold Cup is at Sandown at the end of the season when the ground is fast - he
loves it there. Sanctuaire looks way better than he did in the middle of
January. He is probably not a Grade One horse - he has won Grade Twos and that
is his level."
OTHER
HORSE
Paul
Nicholls said: "Ptit Zigis a four-year-old and in the Fred Winter
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at The Festival and at the moment is the favourite. He
is a horse by Great Pretender and he had three runs at Auteuil. He was second
one day and we bought him before Christmas, thinking he would be a Fred Winter
horse. He went to Ludlow the other day and won quite nicely. He was quite green
that day and showed plenty of promise. He had a handicap mark that day of 126
and went up 4lb for winning the race. 130 is a nice mark to be running in the
Fred Winter on and he has a definite chance. The handicaps at The Festival are
hard to win - we have won the Fred Winter before with Sanctuaire. He wants
plenty of cut in the ground as he is a big chasing type of horse. He has
pleased since Ludlow. He is a big green baby and different type of horse to
Sanctuaire who went on to win a Grade Two over hurdles."
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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