PERFECT DAY FOR GREY MAI
Chaser remains in Bristol fashion
AFTER abdicating last year, Bristol De Mai regained his crown when making it a third victory in yesterday’s Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Under an emotional Daryl Jacob, Bristol De Mai was adding to his successes in 2017 and 2018 when outgunning Clan Des Obeaux, with a l eg- weary Lostintranslation back in third place.
“I’ve never been so happy to ride in the rain,” said Jacob, in the saddle for all of the grey’s three victories. “I never write him off – he’s done wonders for my career.
“I’d love to see him in the Grand National. His jumping is very good and he’s brave too.”
Paul Nicholls blamed the heavy ground for Clan Des Obeaux’s defeat while there will be plenty of head- scratching f or t he connections of Lostintranslation, who had beaten Bristol De Mai in last year’s race.
Having a famous father has cast a huge shadow over David Pipe’s career but he pulled off a feat to match his old man, Martin, when Main Fact completed a nine-timer in the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Hurdle.
After Fergus
Gillard steered
Main Fact to victory, Pipe said: “He’s a freak of a horse really, isn’t he? He’s not pretty to watch in his races. But he’s there at the finish – which is the most important thing.”
Kim Bailey, one of the few trainers to have celebrated success in the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, indicated that he is very much back in the big time when completing a double at Ascot.
Imperial Aura now heads the betting for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March after his victory in the hands of David Bass.
And Bailey followed up that victory with First Flow, also partnered by Bass, who outlined the merits of his vegan diet.
After a sluggish start to his training career nine years ago, Tom Symonds is now showing that he did learn something while assisting champion trainer Nicky Henderson after Song For Someone took the Coral Hurdle.
Symonds had an added kick to his victory as he beat his old boss, responsible for Call Me Lord, the second home. And for good measure, his winner was partnered by Nico de Boinville, Henderson’s stable jockey.