Brilliant Bristol’s a triple jumper
DE MAI WINS THIRD BETFAIR CHASE
BRISTOL DE MAI was back at his spiritual home to put up a display of supreme equine fortitude – rewarded with a third triumph in the Betfair Chase.
A second to Lostintranslation in the Grade 1 three-miler 12 months ago ranked as the only defeat Nigel Twiston-Davies’ strong-galloping grey, successful in 2017 and 2018, had suffered in his first five visits to Haydock Park.
That record now stands at five wins from six attempts after Daryl Jacob’s partner made the most of the running to equal Cue Card’s feat of three Betfair Chase victories, the pair one behind the great Kauto Star.
Jacob said: “He’s got a massive heart, and lots and lots of stamina.
“Any horse that wins three Betfair Chases is very, very special. He had a lot of issues going into the Betfair last year – it wasn’t straightforward for him – but today he was finely tuned coming into the race and stamina won the day.”
At the top of the home straight, Sam Twiston-Davies and Clan Des Obeaux moved with menace, but Bristol De Mai ai answered his jockey’s ey’s every call for a two- length margin, with Lostintranslation 45 lengths back in third.
Jacob added: “I saw Sam going to two out, but I thought I had enough gas to get the whole way home.
“Sam was going to have to get into a real battle with me to prevail.
“If he doesn’t do anything for the rest of the year, he’s still done us very, very proud.” The coronavirus crisis prevented a bid for the Randox Health Grand National last April, but Nigel Twiston-Davies has Aintree in mind next spring.
“I’m hoping we can go for the [Cheltenham] Gold Cup, but the National would be an interesting race for him,” said the trainer, whose nine- year- old received a 33-1 quote for the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Paul Nicholls felt heavy rain had been the runner-up’s undoing. He said: “I’m just thinking what might have happened on better ground,” – a sentiment shared by the Lostintranslation camp.
Joe Tizzard, who trains the beaten 7-4 favourite with his father,
I’m hoping for Cheltenham, but National would be interesting
Colin, said: “He never travelled on that ground. Robbie [Power] said after he jumped the first that he could feel he was hating it.”
Imperial Aura is the new 6-1 market leader for Cheltenham’s Ryanair Chase in March after taking a step up in class in his stride for Ascot’s Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase.
David Bass’ mount, winner of the National Hunt Festival’s handicap chase for novices last spring, and successful in Carlisle’s Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase on his comeback this month, beat Itchy Feet by five lengths.
“He took the race to them – those downhill fences were electric to watch – and he is just a very progressive horse,” said Imperial Aura’s resurgent handler Kim Bailey.
“I’m really pleased he is going forward and the Ryanair is where we head.”