Ladbrokes Trophy Chase,
Newbury, Berks
CLOTH CAP added his name to the roll of honour for jump racing’s most prestigious handicap chase outside Aintree, when he ran away with the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.
His owner, Trevor Hemmings, has already won the Grand National three times with Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds. Cloth Cap, named after Hemmings’ favourite headwear, was bought with that race in mind but not for one moment did the owner think he would win a Ladbrokes Trophy in such style.
When the horse was going through the ring as a three-year old, Hemmings initially said he was not going to buy another son of Beneficial because he already had two, but Mick Meagher, his racing manager, liked him and Hemmings told his team they had better bid for it “otherwise Mick will go off in a sulk”.
The eight-year-old is closely related to Irish National winner Niche Market and Aintree will be his aim now. One imagines, however, having won the Ladbrokes by 10 lengths, he will get a hefty hike in the weights and that Jonjo O’Neill, his trainer, will not want to inflate his new rating before April.
The key to Saturday’s race, apart from just scraping into the handicap on 10 stone, was good ground and it was the first time he had had that going since finishing third in the Scottish National over 18 months ago.
But he may have quickened up a bit too and thinking he would get left if he did not get a flyer, Tom Scudamore jumped him out and, once the race settled after three fences, found himself in a nice rhythm out in front.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 03, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 03, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"