Can Galvin deliver Ronnie the ultimate Golden prize?
After a Cheltenham triumph last year, Ronnie Bartlett believed he might have a Grand National hope in Galvin.
A call from trainer Gordon Elliott a few months later persuaded the Scottish owner to dream of gold.
Elliott excitedly informed Bartlett that Galvin was showing signs of class which could lead back to the Festival for a shot at the sport’s blue riband.
The eight- year- old, winner of the National Hunt Chase in 2021, has come good on that promise so far in two top-class runs in Ireland.
There’s one thrilling final part of the plan – the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Head of the Albert Bartlett potato company, based in Airdrie, Bartlett’s love affair with Cheltenham would be complete if claiming the ultimate prize.
His time in the big league was launched when Zemsky caused a Foxhunters shock at 33/1 11 years ago.
Bartlett’s firm has sponsored the novice hurdle run before the Gold Cup since 2009.
He savoured Cheltenham success twice with Simonsig, including the 2013 Arkle, and won the National Hunt Chase in 2018 with Rathvinden.
“I’ve had horses since 1985 and it took us until 2011 to have the first winner there,” said Bartlett.
“If you win at Cheltenham once, a horse has done the business for you.
“Simonsig did it twice. But I’ve never thought I had a Gold Cup prospect before.”
Galvin won hurdles at Perth and Ayr before finishing sixth at Cheltenham in 2019.
At the following year’s Festival he was second to Imperial Aura over two-and-a-half miles.
Last season, Galvin rattled up a four-timer with victory at October’s Cheltenham meeting.
A break then worked a treat when returning to triumph in the National Hunt Chase.
“He came out of Cheltenham really well and we thought: Grand National,” explained Bartlett.
However, a re- routing was required when beaten only threequartersof- a- length by Frodon, then reigning King George winner, in Down Royal’s Grade One.
Bartlett explained: “Back in October, Gordon told me: ‘ This horse has climbed the ladder again. He’s got better’.
“He ran him once and thought: There’s an improvement in him. So we started thinking differently.
“Finishing second to Frodon, we knew that killed the weights for the National. Ever since then we changed tact.”
Next was a thrilling win over the odds-on A Plus Tard in the Savills Chase.
Bartlett’s old pal Davy Russell was brilliant steering clear of trouble at Leopardstown’s secondlast fence before guiding Galvin to a short-head success.
Bartlett said:“it was an emotional day. We thought we might be second but, with a straight run, he’d have won two lengths.
“Davy is some jockey. I go back a long time with him, he rode for us as an amateur.
“He makes a horse relax, has great timing in his head and knows where he should and shouldn’t be.”
Galvin contests favouritism at 7/ 2 with A Plus Tard for Friday’s showpiece.
Last year’s hero Minella Indo is 5/1 with the shortest-priced British hope Protektorat 8/1.
Bartlett hopes G alvin’ s guaranteed stamina makes the difference – and all his racing dreams come true.
“There’s plenty quality in this Gold Cup,” he said. “Hopefully if we jump the last we’re there or there about. He likes it round Cheltenham and we know he stays the trip.”