Boum is blooming
THE highs and lows of jump racing were played out at Cheltenham yesterday where the Skelton brothers tasted both agony and ecstasy.
After the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat, partnered by Harry, proved too strong for Imperial Alcazar in the opening Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle he lost the race in the stewards’ room.
Harry was accused of taking Imperial Alcazar’s ground inside the final furlong and received a caution for careless riding and a four-day ban for using his whip above the permitted level.
“I should think we will appeal,” said a fuming Harry. “What the hell is going on – he (Paddy Brennan rider of Imperial Alcazar) has not had to snatch up or stop riding. I’m surprised, like everyone else here.”
It certainly was not the news his brother wanted to hear while on holiday in
Florida.
“It has ruined Dan’s trip to Disney,” said assistant
Tom Messenger. “We’ll speak to everyone, but we may appeal the decision.”
But within two hours the
Skeltons were preparing to uncork the champagne after Oldgrangewood proved too strong for Saint
Calvados and Lalor in a thrilling Paddy Power
Handicap Chase when a nose separated the three.
“I didn’t think I had it,” said Skelton. “You win some and lose some, that’s jump racing. What a difference an hour makes in this game. As long as you’re on your two feet and got your health, you can keep going forward.”
Justice was also done after Doing Fine and Philip Donovan won the Markel Insurance Chase.
The pair had finished first in the void race fiasco at Sandown last month.
Donovan was among the seven jockeys to receive a 10-day ban but they all subsequently had the suspensions overturned.
Winning trainer Neil Mulholland said: “I’ve heard the word justice about 10 times in the last two minutes – it’s a very popular word.
“It is great for the horse and the Neil Mulholland Racing Club – and particularly good for Philip.”
THE Cheltenham Gold Cup picture resembled a New Year’s Day hangover early yesterday.
But by the end of play Al Boum Photo was a worthy favourite to retain his crown.
Making his seasonal reappearance at Tramore in the Savills Chase, last year’s Gold Cup hero measured his fences with accuracy when making all the running under Paul Townend (left).
Betfair cut him from 6-1 to 9-2 favourite for chasing’s blue riband in March.
“I was more nervous than when I was watching the Gold Cup,” said winning trainer Willie Mullins.
“He jumped well and Paul was positive on him – he got a good blow into him. I’m leaning towards going straight to Cheltenham.”
Champ, considered a future Gold Cup prospect, looked set for victory in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham before falling two fences from home, gifting the prize to Sue Smith’s Midnight Shadow.