DEFI TAKES GIANT LEAP Geraghty’s ride leaves a Tingle
THE climb to the winning post at Sandown has witnessed some epic duels over the years and the venue did not disappoint when Defi Du Seuil claimed victory over Un De Sceaux yesterday.
With Altior, the king of two-mile champion races abdicating, the Betfair Tingle Creek determined his successor and Defi De Seuil is worthy of wearing his crown.
Always stalking his rivals, Barry Geraghty gave Defi Du Seuil (2-1 fav) his head after the last fence but Un De Sceaux (3-1) clung to him like an anxious child to its mother.
There was only a neck separating the pair on the winning line, with Waiting Patiently (11-1) finishing late to take third place.
Geraghty, successful on past legends in the race that include Sprinter Sacre and
Moscow Flyer, said: “He’s definitely climbing the ladder. He’s a class horse and Philip Hobbs has always loved him. He’s clearly getting up there with the very best.”
As for having a crack at the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March, Hobbs is keeping his cards close to chest.
He said: “I suppose the obvious race is the Clarence House at Ascot in January but at this stage we’ve not really thought about it.
“Opposition will be important as well as to what races we might pinpoint. He is very versatile so we could go any trip with him.”
Willie Mullins was delighted with Un De Sceaux, winner of the race in 2016, and is mulling over his options.
Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson, the trainer of Altior, is also undecided about his runner’s next destination.
But on yesterday’s evidence, it would not be the biggest surprise if Altior reverted back to two miles, rather than tackling the three-mile King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Earlier, Esprit Du Large (14-1) dug deep up the Sandown hill to spring a minor surprise in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.
The Evan Williams-trained five-year-old, ridden by Adam Wedge, faced a big step up in class for this Grade One contest but saw off favourite Torpillo, Summerville Boy, Grand Sancy and Nube Negra, who was second.
A memorable afternoon for the Esprit Du Large team got even better when Mack The Man (6-1) took the Listed Jumeirah Hotels And Resorts December Handicap Hurdle.