Record attendance of 71,336 at The Open @cheltenhamraces McCoy & Pipe on top, last race details

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT THE OPEN

A record attendance of 71,336 at The Open 2013 was seen over the three days of the meeting.

Record crowds on the first two days of 20,626 and 34,869 added to 15,841 today produced the best figure ever at The Open.

The previous highest of 70,551 happened last year, while the third-best attendance was 70,194 back in 2007.

 

Ian Renton, regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses and in charge of Cheltenham, said: "It has been a fantastic three days and it is lovely to have a record attendance of over 71,000n.

"David Pipe has enjoyed a great day today, while the legend that is A P McCoy has gained another accolade, the Thomas Pink leading rider award at The Open 2013.

"We are now looking forward to the next meeting at Cheltenham, The International over two days in December."

TODAY'S CROWD

Today's crowd figure was 15,841 - down on the 16,896 in 2012 and 15,986 in 2011.

RECORD CROWD OF 34,869 YESTERDAY

A record crowd of 34,869 attended a thrilling Paddy Power Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham yesterday, Saturday, November 16.

The attendance figure was 1,760 up on the 2012 total of 33,109, while 32,700 were present in 2011 and 29,371 in 2010.

HIGHEST ON COUNTRYSIDE DAY

Friday's crowd figure at Cheltenham on Countryside Day of 20,626 has not been bettered. The 2012 total came to 20,456, the 2011 attendance was 20,591 and the 2010 crowd reached 19,859.

SHERLOCK HOMES IN ON VICTORY

Red Sherlock landed an emotional victory in the colours of the late David Johnson in the Fairlawne - Festival Jockey Club Fine Dining Bumper at Cheltenham this afternoon, the final race of The 2013  Open meeting.

Jockey Timmy Murphy went the shortest way on the course, scraping paint as the rest of the field shunned the inside rail to steer a wider course.

It proved to be an inspired move as the 7/2 joint-favourite was always in the vanguard and he battled bravely up the hill to record a length and a half victory over the other joint-favourite Carningli.

The victory was made even sweeter for the Pipe and Johnson families as the late owner bred Red Sherlock from his great racemare Lady Cricket, who won several big races at Cheltenham including the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2000.

It was trainer David Pipe's fourth winner of the day at cumulative odds of 5,995/1 and the Wellington handler was quick to pay tribute to his old friend after the race.

"It's strange being at this meeting without David but I'm sure he was watching from up above with a smile on his face," said Pipe.

"Timmy has given him a lovely ride as he went in search of the better ground on the inside and it's paid off. He's a very exciting horse and it's even sweeter as David bred him out of Lady Cricket who was a great servant for us.

"I have to thank the Johnson family, most of whom are here today but sadly Lisa (David Johnson's daughter) had to go home so she's missed this.

"DJ made this his meeting in the past and it's great that his legacy is carried on through this horse. These days don't come along often and we've got to enjoy them while we can."

Jockey Timmy Murphy has a long history with this horse, as he broke him as a youngster and looks after him every summer.

"It's always a bit of a risk when you do something that the others aren't and sometimes it pays off and other times it doesn't," said Murphy.

"He's won it very nicely and it's a testament to the patience that the Pipes and the Johnsons have had with him. We broke him at ours and we also look after him every summer. He won nicely at Towcester and I asked David to send him to a bigger track to see what he could do. He wasn't as impressive as I thought he would be at Ascot so we gave him a nice long break and it's done him the world of good.

"Sometimes you need to be patient with horses like this and he's really improved and strengthened up over the summer - sometimes they need a bit of TLC.

"I'll never come across a man like David again. He was so good to me and never put me under pressure - though God knows what amounts of money he used to put on when I was riding! I'd like to thank the Johnson family as they have given me so much over the years and this victory is fantastic."

3.50pm Fairlawne - Festival Jockey Club Fine Dining Bumper (Listed)

£20,000 total prize fund. For 4-6yo, which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except NH/INH Flat races or French AQPS Flat races, 2m 110y. Weights: 11st. Penalties: a winner of a Class 1 race 4lb. Allowances fillies and mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £11,390.00 2nd £4,274.00 3rd £2,140.00 4th £1,066.00 5th £536.00 6th £268.00

1) RED SHERLOCK (Exors of the late David Johnson) David Pipe 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy 7/2 Jf

2) CARNINGLI (IRE) (The Newport Partnership) Rebecca Curtis 4-11-00 Barry Geraghty 7/2 Jf

3) OUR KAEMPFER (IRE) (Swanee River Partnership) Charlie Longsdon 4-10-11 Kielan Woods (3) 25/1

4) CHAMPAGNE AT TARA (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-00 A P McCoy

5) SOUTHFIELD VIC (IRE) (Angela Yeoman) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Daryl Jacob

6) COGRY (Graham and Alison Jelley) Nigel Twiston-Davies 4-11-00 Sam Twiston-Davies

7) WADSWICK COURT (IRE) (The Chosen Few) Charlie Longsdon 5-11-00 Noel Fehily

8) NECK OR NOTHING (GER) (Roger Brookhouse) Tom Hogan IRE 4-11-00 Denis O'Regan

9) STORM OF SWORDS (IRE) (The McKilocon Partnership) Dan Skelton 5-11-00 Harry Skelton

10) IT'S ALL AN ACT (IRE) (A Mee) Shark Hanlon 5-11-00 Andrew McNamara

11) COUNT DANILO (IRE) (B Kilpatrick) David Pipe 4-11-00 Tom Scudamore

12) PINK GIN (Mrs J Fowler & Mr C Jenkins) Jim Old t5-11-00 Jason Maguire

13) FOOLSANDORSES (IRE) (De Best Racing) William de Best-Turner 5-10-09 James Banks (5)

13 ran

Non-runners: Arthur Mc Bride (Self Cert - Rash), Gunner Fifteen (Self Cert - Not Eaten Up, Upsanddowns (Other)

Distances: 1½, hd, 4, 3¾, nse, 2, sh, 20, 1¾, 8, 32, 8

Breeder: David Johnson Breeding: ch g Shirocco (GER) - Lady Cricket (FR) (Cricket Ball (USA))

Tote Win £4.80 Place £2.30 £1.70 £5.80 Exacta £13.10

Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Born: February 7, 1973 Based: Pond House, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset Background: David Pipe is the son of 15-times champion jump trainer Martin Pipe. Started out riding in point-to-points in 1992, recording 22 wins, plus two under Rules, including victory aboard Bonanza Boy in the Ludlow Gold Cup. After finishing as a rider, had spells with Michael Dickinson in the US, Criquette Head-Maarek in France and Joey Ramsden in South Africa, before setting up as a point-to-point trainer, handling the likes of Horus, Lord Atterbury and Celestial Gold, who went on to have successful careers under Rules when transferred to his father's yard. Based at Purchas Farm, a mile away from his father's Pond House, he sent out 164 point-to-point winners over six seasons, with Well Armed successful 15 times. Took over the reins at Pond House in Somerset following the retirement of his father on the last day of the 2005/06 jump season - Saturday, April 29. First Trainer's Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the 'Persimmon Homes Novices' Chase' at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith's Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), totesport Bowl (2008 Our Vic, 2009 Madison Du Berlais), John Smith's smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2011 Battle Group), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2013 Dynaste) Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Byrne Group Plate (2010 Great Endeavour, 2012 Salut Flo), Pertemps Final (2010 & 2011 Buena Vista), Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), JLT Specialty Chase (2008 An Accordion), Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurde (2007 Gaspara), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (2011 Junior) Big Race Wins: Champion INH Flat Race (2013 The Liquidator), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2011 Great Endeavour), December Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu), International Hurdle (2007 Osana), Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic), Dipper Novices' Chase (2010 Seven Is My Number), Eider Chase (2008 Comply Or Die), Game Spirit Chase (2007 Well Chief), Feltham Novices' Chase (2011 Grands Crus, 2012 Dynaste) Haldon Gold Cup (2007 Pablo du Charmil), Hennessy Gold Cup (2008 Madison du Berlais), Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg, 2010 Mamlook), Imperial Cup (2007 Gaspara, 2008 Ashkazar), Kingwell Hurdle (2009 Ashkazar), Long Walk Hurdle (2007 Lough Derg), National Spirit Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg), Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2007 Madison du Berlais), Peter Marsh Chase (2010 Our Vic), Victor Chandler Clarence House Chase (2008 Tamarinbleu), bet365 Celebration Chase (2010 I'm So Lucky), Betfair "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2010 Grand Crus, 2011 Dynaste), Cleeve Hurdle (2011 Grand Crus), Midlands Grand National (2011 Minella Four Star, 2012 Master Overseer, 2013 Big Occasion), Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Trial (Sharp Novices' Hurdle (2013 The Liquidator)), StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle (2013 Dell' Arca) Wins (2006/07-2012/13): 134; 100; 76; 102; 65; 101; 104 Wins This Season: 38, This was a 5,995/1 four-timer for the trainer

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 Background: Father Jimmy was a leading amateur and manager of Newberry Stud. Timmy began working for Noel Chance during weekends when still at school, and rode for the trainer as an amateur, as well as for Mick Halford and Michael Hourigan. Opted to relocate to England after turning professional and began riding for Kim Bailey. Began riding for Paul Nicholls in 1998, before being overtaken as first choice jockey for the trainer by Joe Tizzard. Returned to Nicholls as number one rider in May 2001, but following a lengthy battle with alcoholism, Murphy was jailed for four months in July 2002 for assaulting an air stewardess. Returned to the saddle on his release in October 2002, and has enjoyed considerable success since. Became the retained jockey for the late David Johnson after the departure of Tony McCoy from the Martin Pipe stable. Has written critically acclaimed autobiography "Riding The Storm". First winner: Gayloire (Kilmuckridge point to point, Co Wexford) General: Rode the last ever winner over jumps at Nottingham - Dominie (29/2/96) Aintree Festival Wins: John  Smith's Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), Cordon Bleu Hcap Hurdle (1999 Kinnescash),  Unwins Wine Group Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle (2004 Al Eile), Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle (2005, 2007 & 2008 Al Eile), Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold, 2008 Our Vic) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (8) Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (2009 Chapoturgeon), Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), Mildmay of Flete Chase (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), Vincent O'brien County Hcap Hurdle  (1999 Sir Talbot, 2005 Fontanesi), Pertemps Final (2004 Creon), Irish Independent Arkle (2005 Contraband) Other major wins: Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup (2005 Ulaan Baatar), Ascot Chase (2006 Our Vic), Bet365 Gold Cup (2011 {Poker De Sivola) Challow Novices' Hurdle (2008 Diamond Harry), December Festival Hurdle (2007 Al Eile), Drinmore Novices' Chase (2010 Jessies Dream), Fjnale Juvenile Hurdle (2011 Hollow Tree) Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Ireland) (2003 Beef Or Salmon), Hennessy Gold Cup (1999 Ever Blessed, 2004 Celestial Gold), Henry VIII Novices' Chase (2004 Contraband, 2005 Racing Demon), Irish Grand National (2001Davids Lad), JNWine.com Champion Chase (2004 Beef Or Salmon), John Durkan Memorial Chase (2003 Beef Or Salmon), Lexus Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon),  Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold, 2005 Our Vic, 2011 Great Endeavour), Powers Gold Cup (2004 Hi Cloy), Punchestown Gold Cup (2004 Beef Or Salmon), Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2005 Marcel), Victor Chandler Chase (2005 Well Chief), Scottish Grand National (2010 & 2012 Merigo) Number of Wins (1995/96-2012/2013): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57; 143; 87; 98; 70; 63; 55; 32; 42; 32  Wins This Season: 6

PIPE AND McCOY ON TOP AT THE OPEN

David Pipe and A P McCoy were leading trainer and jockey respectively at The Open 2013.

Pipe, without a winner after two days, dominated today's card when recording a 5,995/1 four-timer that carried him past Nicky Henderson, Jonjo O'Neill, Philip Hobbs and Fergal O'Brien, who each enjoyed two winners.

McCoy won the Thomas Pink Leading Jockey Award with two winners. Tom Scudamore was also successful in two races, but McCoy finished top by virtue of a single second and third, while the runner-up had two thirds.

Thomas Pink Leading Jockey Award -

final standings

       

Name    1st   2nd   3rd

A P McCoy    2   1   1

Tom Scudamore   2   -   2

Barry Geraghty   1   2   2

Daryl Jacob   1   1   3

Paddy Brennan   1   -   2

Noel Fehily    1   -   2

Ian Popham   1   -   1

James Best   1   -   -

Kieron Edgar   1   -   -

Richard Johnson   1   -   -

Mr Michael Legg   1   -   -

Richie McLernon   1   -   -

Paul Moloney   1   -   -

Timmy Murphy   1   -   -

Charlie Poste   1   -   -

Mark Quinlan   1   -   -

Ruby Walsh   1   -   -

Tom O'Brien   -   2   -

Denis O'Regan   -   1   1

Leighton Aspell   -   1   -

Mr Harry Bannister  -   1   -

Bryan Cooper   -   1   -

Harry Derham   -   1   -

Jan Faltejsek   -   1   -

Rachel Green   -   1   -

Wayne Hutchinson  -   1   -

Maurice Linehan   -   1   -

Jamie Moore   -   1   -

Mr Patrick Mullins  -   1   -

Robert Thornton   -   1   -

Joe Tizzard    -   1   -

Mr Jamie Bargary  -   -   1

Andrew McNamara  -   -   1

Micheal Nolan   -   -   1

Kevin Smith    -   -   1

Kieran Woods   -   -   1

Leading Trainer - final standings

Name    1st   2nd   3rd

David Pipe       4    1      2

Nicky Henderson     2      1      1

Jonjo O'Neill      2      1      1

Philip Hobbs      2      1      1

Fergal O'Brien      2      -      1

Paul Nicholls      1     2      3

Emma Lavelle      1      1      -

Colin Tizzard      1      1      -

Martin Keighley     1      -      1

Tony Martin IRE     1      -      1

Robin Dickin      1      -      -

Nigel Hawke      1      -      -

Rebecca Curtis      -      1     1

John Ferguson      -      1      1

Kim Bailey       -      1      -

Ben Case       -      1      -

George Charlton     -      1      -

Anthony Honeyball    -      1      -

Dessie Hughes IRE    -      1      -

Alan King    -   1   -

Gary Moore   -   1   -

Willie Mullins IRE     -      1      -

Richard Woollacott    -      1      -

Henry de Bromhead IRE -   -   1

Alex Hales    -   -   1

John Hanlon IRE     -      -      1

Charlie Longsdon   -   -   1

Matthew Smith IRE  -   -   1

Nigel Twiston-Davies    -      -      1

TWISTON-DAVIES FINED FOR MOOSE INCIDENT

Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was fined by the stewards after an incident at the start of the Shloer Chase.

The starter noted that Twiston-Davies had taken a belt to the start and waved it to encourage the reluctant gelding to jump off. He did so, but many lengths behind his rivals and could not get back into contention.

Twiston-Davies was found in breach of Rule (B)42 and was fined £140.

The stewards also considered the performance of Toughness Danon who lined up, but refused to jump off for the opening Mallard Pawnbrokers Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle.

They interviewed rider Kielan Woods and trainer Ian Williams, and warned that future similar behaviour by the gelding could result in him being reported to the British Horseracing Authority.

THE OPEN 2013 - WINNERS

Countryside Day, November 15, 2013

1.05pm Opus Energy Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

HANDY ANDY (IRE) (Brocade Racing) Colin Tizzard t7-10-05 Mr Michael Legg (5) 15/2

 

1.35pm Paddy Power Handicap Chase

ANAY TURGE (FR) (Mrs K Wetherall) Nigel Hawke tp8-10-07 Mark Quinlan (3) 9/1

 

2.05pm Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase

TAQUIN DU SEUIL (FR) (Martin Broughton & Friends 1) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 A P McCoy 3/1

2.40pm David Johnson Memorial Intermediate Handicap Hurdle

THOMAS CRAPPER (Apis.uk.com) Robin Dickin 6-11-03 Charlie Poste 16/1

3.15pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

BALTHAZAR KING (IRE) (The Brushmakers) Philip Hobbs 9-11-08 Richard Johnson 5/4 Fav

3.50pm Countryside Raceday Novices' Handicap Hurdle

QUICK JACK (IRE) (John Breslin) Tony Martin IRE 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh 15/8 Fav

Paddy Power Gold Cup Day, November 16, 2013

12.40pm JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Grade Two)

ROYAL IRISH HUSSAR (IRE) (Triermore Stud) Nicky Henderson 3-11-06 Barry Geraghty 10/11 Fav

1.15pm Roy Blandford 65 Years At Cheltenham Novices' Chase

LE BEC (FR) (T Syder) Emma Lavelle 5-11-04 Noel Fehily 3/1

1.50pm Murphy Group Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

ALVARADO (IRE) (William & Angela Rucker) Fergal O'Brien 8-10-00 Paul Moloney 12/1

2.30pm Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3 Handicap)

JOHNS SPIRIT (IRE) (Christopher Johnston) Jonjo O'Neill 6-10-02 Richie McLernon 7/1

3.00pm Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

RETURN SPRING (IRE) (D Jones) Philip Hobbs 6-9-13 James Best (3) 20/1

3.35pm Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Grade Two)

CREEPY (IRE) (Mark Boothwright, T Hanlon, S Harman) Martin Keighley 5-11-00 Ian Popham 9/2

4.05pm Ukash Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed)

THE GOVANESS (C Brookes) Fergal O'Brien 4-11-00 Paddy Brennan 28/1

Open Sunday, November 17, 2013

1.00pm Mallard Pawnbrokers And Family Jewellers Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

HOME RUN (GER) (Bill Frewen) David Pipe b5-11-01 Kieron Edgar (6) 40/1

1.35pm Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Grade Two)

THE LIQUIDATOR (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 5-11-04 Tom Scudamore 6/4

2.10pm Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade Two)

DODGING BULLETS (Martin Broughton & Friends) Paul Nicholls 5-11-02 Daryl Jacob 2/1

2.40pm Shloer Chase (Listed)

KID CASSIDY (IRE) (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 7-11-00 A P McCoy 4/1

3.15pm StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap)

DELL' ARCA (IRE) (Professor Caroline Tisdall) David Pipe 4-10-05 Tom Scudamore 12/1

3.50pm Fairlawne - Festival Jockey Club Fine Dining Bumper (Listed)

RED SHERLOCK (Exors of the late David Johnson) David Pipe 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy 7/2 Jf