MADE FOR AID
HENDERSON REVEALS COLEMAN WILL RIDE CHAMPION EPATANTE
AIDAN COLEMAN will take over the reins from the now retired Barry Geraghty when the reigning Champion Hurdler Epatante returns to action a week on Saturday at Newcastle.
Epatante joined her stablemates Altior and Santini – without doubt three of the best jump horses in England and Ireland – in a gallop at Newbury racecourse.
Ansd it is hardly surprising that their trainer Nicky Henderson is fired up with enthusiasm about running his incredible array of stars in the coming months.
He said: “Epatante is working very well, I was pleased with her this morning. Aidan rides her at Newcastle, that’s part of the plan.
“JP Mcmanus has no retained jockey in this country, and, of course, we have Buveur D’air, who will both meet in March.
“It will be the same route for her as last year – the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and then Cheltenham.”
Last season Epatante made giants strides when giving Henderson a record eighth victory in the Champion Hurdle and he feels there is more improvement to come.
As for the dual Champion Hurdle winner
Buveur D’air, last seen when injuring himself at Newcastle a year ago, Henderson has no particular targets for his return but is pleased with his home work.
Meanwhile, after a disastrous season last term, Henderson believes Altior can rediscover his mojo this season.
“He’s heading for Tingle Creek at Sandown next month,” said the champion trainer. “His schooling at home is frightening as he’s so quick.”
If Henderson was not so fortunate to have the stranglehold on the Champion Hurdle, Shiskin, if trained by somebody else, would be heading down that route.
But last season’s Supreme Hurdle winner now embarks on a chasing career.
“He goes to Kempton on Monday, the race we’ve used in the past for Altior,” said Henderson.
A crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup is something Kim Bailey has in mind for Vinndication, also in action at Newbury.
If he returns to the Berkshire track and takes up his entry in the Ladbrokes Trophy on Saturday week, the gelding, an 8- 1 chance with the sponsor, will take some catching.