Cheltenham Gold Cup
Many predicted that Kauto Star and Denman would fill the first two places in the Gold Cup.
Few, however, would have predicted that Denman would have beaten his stable mate by a convincing seven lengths.
Those who expected a close race were disappointed as the writing was on the wall from two out. However the disappointment does absolutely nothing to detract from Denman’s victory.
Punters were surprised by he result if the bookies prices were anything to go by with most of the money coming in for Kauto Star resulting in him being sent of an odds on favourite.
Denman, on the other hand, was drifting like a rudderless boat, drifting out to 9/4.
Neptunes Collonges, Paul Nicholls “third string” set the pace on the first circuit, closely attended by Denman with Kauto Star happy to track the leaders along with last years runner up Exotic Dancer and supplemented Irish contender Afistfullofdollars.
After the first circuit Denman took up the running and set a strong pace to take the sting out of the opposition and the tactic worked well.
Once in the lead Denmans power told. Kauto Star looked to be closing but he had too much to do, indeed on the run-in Neptunes Collonges managed to get a second wind and really pushed Kauto Star for second place as once again the judge had to earn his money.
As for Exotic Dancer, coming down the hill it seemed he would be joining Kauto Star in his challenge but a mistake at the second last put paid to any remote chance he may have had.
In truth the relentless pace set by Neptunes Collonges and Denman took the sting out of the potential challengers.
So Paul Nicholls great season continues with a very impressive 1-2-3 in the Gold Cup.
Denman is owned by the chalk and cheese combination of Paul Barber and Harry Findlay.
Barber, a Wiltshire farmer is the quiet astute racing brains of the partnership, his reaction to the victory was just a repetition of the word “awesome” and few would argue.
Findlay, on the other hand is an exuberant professional gambler who is never short of a word or four.
Speaking at the post race news conference he said, “I had you guys in my house all week and I told you what would happen.
“It has gone perfectly, it’s unbelievable.
“We’ve had to do everything right to break Kauto Star’s heart and that is what we did.”
Pilot Sam Thomas declared himself “… absolutely lost for words.”
Kauto Star’s rider Ruby Walsh said afterwards that “the best horse won on the day.”
He added his mount “…felt he was never travelling.”
Trainer Paul Nicholls admitted he knew Kauto Star’s fate by the end of he first circuit. He praised all his team for their effort.
Paul Nicholls was also very pleased with Neptunes Collonges who put in “a career best performance.”
Nepune Collonges owner John Hales added, “he is a very, very good horse and played a wonderful part in the race.
“we finished only a short head behind Kauto Star and we came so close to splitting the top two.”
Thursday, 9 April, 2009 17:57