ClothCap makes it three for Tom
Scudamore lands treble success in Ladbrokes Trophy
CLOTH Cap stormed to victory in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and jockey Tom Scudamore.
Consistent jumping helped the eight-year-old pull away from Aye Right in second and last year’s runner-up, The Conditional, who finished in third.
Nicky Henderson’s Beware The Bear finished fifth, while fellow Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex had La Bague Au Roi in eighth.
After a dominant display, trainer O’Neill was quick to praise the form of Cloth Cap after the race.
“He has been in tremendous form all year,” he said.
“He jumped brilliantly and all I said to Tom [Scudamore] was that he gets four miles so the rest is down to you.
“It is a great start to the season and it’s great for owner
Trevor [Hemmings] because he loves long-distance chasers and we have been trying to get him up to running in the National.
“He needs the good ground, but I was a bit worried because the lads were saying it was a bit slower, but it was good enough.”
Scudamore, who has won this race on three occasions now, was confident with his chances in the Grade 3 Steeple Chase.
“I just wanted to get a good start because it’s the first time he has really had the ground since he was placed in the Scottish National.
“The important bit was over the first four or five fences because I didn’t want to get too far back as I wouldn’t be able to get at them.
“Jonjo is just about the best trainer in staying chasers there is.
“I have won this three times now and we always thought it was a classic, so to come out and win it again is brilliant.
“I sat on him in the week, I schooled him over some fences and it was a great morning because we got a great result.
“It is sad there aren’t many people here, but from my point of view you have to concentrate on the job.”
In 2018, Scudamore won the race for trainer Colin Tizzard under Sizing Tennessee and in 2008 he handed success to David Pipe on Madison Du Berlais.
“It’s an impressive role of trainers to win for, so I am very grateful because Jonjo has been very kind to me,” added Scudamore.
For more reaction to the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival at Newbury, turn inside.