Frost samples Caviar success
BRYONY FROST lifted the spirits of the shivering racegoers at a rain-lashed Cheltenham when partnering Frodon to victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.
Never without her trademark smile, the 23-year-old, who grew up on the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor, was in her element but admitted conditions were challenging.
“They were some of the toughest conditions I’ve ever ridden in,” she said. “The wind was blowing us about all over the place but it did not matter as I had a very brave warrior out there for me.”
Sent into the lead from the start, Frost (right) set a furious pace and despite the gruelling conditions Frodon soared over his fences. Cepage took second with last year’s winner
Guitar Pete arriving late to snatch third. Frodon, successful in the race two years ago, was adding to Paul
Nicholls’ excellent record in the contest. He also captured the prize twice with Poquelin in 2009 and 2010.
“He is an astonishing horse as he is not very big but that gave me some enjoyment,” added Nicholls. “Watching him go that gallop and the way he went over those jumps was spectacular.
“He’s only a small horse but clearly has a big heart.”
Frost endorsed Nicholls’ opinion, adding: “He’s got top weight but it’s like he’s got invisible wings – he’s like Pegasus for me!”
As Frost, a shining star of the future, stole the show, the sport said an emotional farewell to one of racing’s old guard – The New One. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies shed a tear when he announced the retirement of the popular gelding – the winner of 20 of his 40 races.
He was attempting to make it a historic fourth victory in the Unibet International Hurdle but after making the early pace he was pulled up before the last.
“We’ve had some great moments and some disappointments,” said TwistonDavies. “He’s part of the family and will spend his retirement with us.”
The race was won by Nicky Henderson’s Brain Power, who will now join stablemate Buveur D’Air in targeting the Champion Hurdle next March.