Countryside Day is the first of 3 days of the Cheltenham November Meeting. It began on pretty desperate ground after the forecast deluge arrived in spades and continued for most of the day.
The eleven years young Eldorado Allen took the second race on the card, the Veterans Middle Distance Chase under Brendan Powell as he rolled back the years jumping really well and making most to win by over 4 lengths. The Novice Chase over 3 miles was won by Wade Out after a never say die ride by Champion Sean Bowen. The winner ran in snatches and on numerous occasions looked beaten but his rider never gave in and ended up taking the race going away after the last.
Jonbon was looking for his third Shloer Chase success but came up against the Skelton’s L’eau Du Sud who won as he liked by 15 lengths with Jonbon not fencing particularly well. Post race Nicky Henderson said Jonbon would have needed that and the Tingle Creek in three weeks was the main objective for the first part of the season. Nevertheless, the winner was very, very impressive to the Major’s eye.
Another taking performance came in the next, the Grade 2 Hyde Novices Hurdle when No Drama This End won readily for Paul Nicholls and Hary Cobden beating the Irish trained favourite Heads Up by three lengths. The winning trainer said the next stop would be the Challow at Newbury.
The Handicap Hurdles that top and tailed the card were won by A Pai De Nom for Harry Skelton and Tristan Durrell while the closing event victor was the James Bowen ridden French Emperor trained by Nicky Martin. A good first day even under the extreme conditions.
Super Saturday went ahead as scheduled on ground described as Soft (Heavy in Places)
The first race, the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial (Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle) saw Harry Derhams One Horse Town make it four wins from four starts under a front running ride from Paul O’Brien. The favourite Precious Man made a real hash of the last hurdle and some would argue it made the difference to the eventual result.
The Arkle Trial was won by Irish raider July Flower with her allowance beating off the determined Be Aware. The Henry De Bromhead trained mare was expertly handled by stable jockey Darragh O’Keefe to win a length and a half.
The Paddy Power Gold Cup was run in the memory of trainer Edward O’Grady who loved a winner at Prestbury Park. A nice touch by the sponsors. In the race Dan Skeltons Panic Attack won well after joining favourite Vincenzo approaching the last and securing victory by four lengths under brother Harry. Congratulations on this high-profile winner for owner Brian Drew who has invested heavily into ownership over recent years.
The closing Bumper was taken in good style by Celestial Tune who followed up her Listowel Festival win under Sean Bowen. This filly trained by Tom Cooper in Ireland looks a nice prospect for sure.
The two feature races did not disappoint on Day 3 of the meeting known as Carnival Sunday.
The staying Handicap Chase over three miles and three furlongs saw Marble Sands try an extreme trip for the first time and at the age of nine he relished every yard. Pushed along entering the straight he stayed on well to win four lengths from Irish challenger Fascile Mode who was given a patient ride having been dropped out early. The winner ridden by Kielan Woods and trained by the Killahena and McPherson combination has lots of options now for the season.
The Greatwood Hurdle saw favourite Alexei win readily and is fast improving. He followed up his Ascot victory in no uncertain terms under Brendan Powell Jr and connections have decisions to make around his future engagements. Joe Tizzard, his trainer will see how he recovers from this race and no doubt make a plan.
That’s a wrap and Cheltenham race again 12th/13th December for their Christmas Meeting.