Destrier is destroyer
CAROLE’S Destrier lunged late to claim a last-gasp victory in the William Hill Supporting Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Newbury.
Neil Mulholland’s 11-year-old already had five victories over fences on his CV – including a course and distance success back in December.
After finishing a creditable fourth behind stablemate Impulsive Star in the Classic Chase at Warwick on his penultimate start, Carole’s Destrier was pulled up in the Grand National Trial at Haydock a fortnight ago and was a 6-1 shot to bounce back in the hands of Tom Scudamore.
Mulholland’s charge looked booked for minor honours rounding the home turn – with the admirable Theatre Guide appearing totally in control in front under Paddy Brennan.
However, he ploughed through the final fence and emptied on the run-in – allowing Carole’s Destrier to get up and beat him by a length and a half.
Houblon Des Obeaux was best of the rest in third.
Mulholland said: “He keeps galloping and it’s worked out well, thank God.
“A horse fell in front of him and he got stopped to a walk at Haydock a couple of weeks ago, so that was just unlucky.
“We decided we’d come here today as the ground and everything looked right for him and I’m delighted he’s won.”
Carole’s Destrier holds entries in the Ultima Handicap Chase and the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, but will not be heading to Prestbury Park.
Mulholland added: “We’ll see what the ground is like nearer the time, but we can look at races like the Midlands National, the Scottish National and the bet365 Gold Cup.
“The earliest he’ll run will be in the Midlands National (Uttoxeter, March 16) and even that might be too soon.”
The Ben Case-trained First Drift was a 25-1 winner of the opening Peter O’sullevan Charitable Trust H.O.P.E Programme Seniors’ Handicap Hurdle.
Betameche looks likely to deliver for favourite backers after cruising into contention early in the home straight, but First Drift refused to bend under 5lb claimer Max Kendrick and won a protracted duel by two-and-a-half lengths.
Case said: “I’m delighted. He’s been running well over fences, but then we went to Cheltenham and it all went a bit wrong as he didn’t jump well.
“We thought we’d come back over hurdles and the conditions of this race suited him as it was for eight-year-olds and over and he’s only just turned eight.
“We thought he was on a reasonable mark and although his jumping still wasn’t perfect, he’s got a big engine and did it well in the end.
“He’s won six races for us now – he’s been a great servant – and this is our first winner at Newbury, so I’m really pleased.”