AT THE RACES Allmankind can rise to challenge

OWNER Tim Gredley is savouring the prospect of Allmankind’s bid for Cheltenham glory in the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy.

The five-year-old is unbeaten over fences from three runs, including a triumph in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown and a wide-margin win in the Kingmaker at Warwick.

His next assignment will be on the opening day of the festival, and will see him clash with Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin, also a Grade One winner and unbeaten over hurdles. The Willie Mullins-trained Energumene was also set to be in opposition, but has sadly been ruled out.

Gredley, who is himself an amateur jockey and former international showjumper, is not intimidated by the prospect and is instead relishing the chance to be involved in what could still be the race of the festival.

“The whole reason we like to own racehorses is to be in these kind of races,” he said.

“It’s always great when there’s a big build-up to the race and there’s a good story for each horse.

“If we come out second or third best or if we win, it’s just great to be part of the build-up and the story – that’s what it’s all about.

“If he was to go in an odds-on shot against some moderate horses it certainly wouldn’t give you the same kind of buzz.”

Though this year’s Arkle does look to be a notably strong renewal, Gredley is bolstered by the occasionally fortuitous nature of jumps racing and concludes that there are few forgone conclusions in the sport.

“The great thing about jumps racing is that you can throw the same bunch of horses in the same race on a different day and you get a different result every time,” he said.

“If you get beaten one day, don’t be too disappointed because there’s every chance you can go again and beat them.”