Friday saw day one of the Coral Gold Cup Meeting and saw Irish raider Highland Crystal take the Listed Fillies Juvenile for Gordon Elliott and Jordan Gainford. This filly won nicely by six lengths from the Dan Skelton trained Tralee Girl. The first Grade 2 event the John Francome Novices Chase Wendigo continue the great current form of Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan. On only his second start over fences this six-year-old picking up a race like this was no mean feat. The Long-Distance Hurdle also a Grade 2 event provided a close finish as favourite Impose Toi stayed on dourly to see off last years winner of this race Strong Leader. The J P McManus owned gelding followed up his Aintree handicap success to make it two from two this season.
Saturday and day two of the Newbury Coral Gold Cup meeting again saw the Jamie Snowden / Gavin Sheehan combination got off to a flyer when La Conquiere took the Listed Mares Novice Hurdle easily to justify favouritism. The Handicap Hurdle registered as the Gerry Fielden Hurdle was won nicely by Tutte Quanti for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden landing a punt in the process having been a much bigger price than the returned starting price of 85/40.
The Coral Gold Cup who to many is still referred to as the Hennessey was won by the fast-improving Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Panic Attack by six lengths. This victory was off a mark of 139 and it will be interesting to see how the Skeltons campaign the winner going forward.
Over at Fairyhouse Talk The Talk owned by the “double green” of Suede and Munir won the Grade 3 Hurdle by seven and a half lengths. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Sam Ewing this winner looks smart. Earlier on the card the Listed Handicap Chase was won by Drumgill for owner/trainer John Patrick Ryan.
Back in the UK at Newcastle, and the much-anticipated BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle provided a story than could not be written. At the second hurdle Constitution Hill led the way but blundered away his chance and fell again leaving The New Lion in front. He took up the running but at the fourth he wandered around and nearly ran out. The leader turned in and was given the office by Harry Skelton to go win the race using his proven stamina but jumping two out his mount edged left and fell to leave just three runners in contention going to the last.
Last year’s Champion Hurdler Golden Ace who couldn’t pick her feet up on her reappearance at Wetherby in a match went on to take this famous prize for Jeremy Scott and jockey Lorcan Williams. One and a half lengths and a neck were the distances back to the other two finishers Anzadam and Nemean Lion. A truly remarkable horse race!
BAR 1 the bookmakers sponsored the whole card at Fairyhouse on Sunday which included 2 Listed Races and 4 Graded Races, a fantastic day’s racing for all to enjoy.
The Listed Porterstown Chase over three miles and six furlongs was won by 3/1 favourite Better Times Ahead under Mark Walsh while the Listed Handicap Hurdle was won readily by the Willie Mullins trained Zillow under Paul Townend.
The Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle went to the unbeaten over hurdles Mange Tout for owners Robcour, trainer Elliott and jockey Kennedy. This victory set the tone as Gorden Elliot and Jack Kennedy went on to win the other three Graded Races.
The Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle over two and a half miles went to the Gigginstown Stud owned Koktail Brut while the Grade 1s went to Romeo Coolio owned by KTDA Racing in the Drinmore Novice Chase who won by eight lengths. The stable stalwart Teahupoo won the Hattons Grace Hurdle by the smallest of margins from Ballyburn who was reverting back to the smaller obstacles. Judged on this will the runner up head for the Stayers Hurdle next March too?
After this afternoon Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy should take a bow. Outstanding training and riding.