Horse of the Day

ELIXIR DE NUTZ (3.30)

CHELTENHAM is a place for evocative stories and Elixir De Nutz was central to one here back in January when delivering a massive shock.

The Clarence House Chase should have been run at Ascot a week earlier but inclement weather meant it was switched to Cheltenham.

With El Fabiolo remaining in Ireland, it was expected that Jonbon would have nothing more than an exercise canter to take the Grade One event. But, for some reason, Jonbon jumped wretchedly and an opportunity was presented to the gallant grey Elixir De Nutz, who hopped along merrily in front and continually asked questions of his rivals under 18-year-old conditional jockey Freddie Gingell.

A prodigious talent from the West Country, Gingell was riding for his uncle, Joe Tizzard. It was the first time he had been entrusted with such a high-profile ride but how he seized his opportunity, throwing Elixir De Nutz at his fences with the fearlessness of youth.

He managed to chisel out a hard-fought success over Jonbon, powering up the hill. When a 22-1 shot floors a long odds-on favourite, the response is usually muted but on this occasion, Gingell was carried on a wave of public support.

His mum, Kim, (sister of Joe)

had succumbed to cancer in May 2020 and young Freddie’s poignant gesture to the skies as he crossed the line resonated with everyone. Another hotpot in the shape of El Fabiolo is in opposition today but this partnership won’t give up without a fight. ‘Jonbon had only ever been beaten by two horses before,’ said Gingell. ‘One was Constitution Hill, the other was El Fabiolo. When Jonbon came to me, I thought he’d pick up and go away but my lad produced an amazing last jump. We beat him! I just couldn’t believe it.’