Bravemansgame off to Punchestown
BRAVEMANSGAME has been given clearance to run in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday with Bryan Drew confirmed as the sole owner.
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding, most recently seen finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup to Galopin Des Champs, who he is due to meet again, was previously under the joint-ownership of Drew and John Dance.
Dance founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was ordered to cease trading by the Financial Conduct Authority due to "serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light".
As a result Bravemansgame, who won Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase last October, was prevented via a court order from running at Aintree, but Dance's share has now been sold on to Drew and he is able to run again.
A statement from the British Horseracing Authority read: "The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today informed the British Horseracing Authority that it has agreed to the sale, following an independent valuation, of Mr Dance's 50 per cent share of Bravemansgame. The gelding was previously owned in partnership by John Dance and Bryan Drew, and has now been sold into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew.
"As a result Bravemansgame is now able to be declared for races, including the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup at Punchestown on Wednesday. The BHA remains in dialogue with the FCA and Mr Dance regarding the status of Mr Dance's other horses."
Dance is also in the process of setting up a training operation in Middleham under James Horton at Manor House Farm and Stud, the birthplace of Derby winner Dante.
Nicholls can now look forward to getting Bravemansgame back in action, with the extra time from Cheltenham seen as a positive.
"We schooled Bravemansgame this morning and he was good. He's fresh and well and we're looking forward to travelling," said the champion trainer.
"A lot of our horses are in really good form at the moment so it will have done him good.
"Bravemansgame has never been away overnight before. It's his first time travelling to run so hopefully he takes to that OK. Shantou Flyer is travelling to keep him company. They will stay at Punchestown and hopefully they settle down well. We're really looking forward to it."
Chaldean is still on course for the Qipco 2000 Guineas despite his unfortunate mishap when unseating Frankie Dettori coming out of the stalls at Newbury on Saturday.
The Frankel colt was a warm favourite to emulate his sire but received a bump from Streets Of Gold when leaving the starting gates. Dettori lost an iron as a result and as Chaldean veered left, his rider was left on the turf.
"He's fine," said handler Andrew Balding. "None the worse for his little saunter. It was an unconventional dress rehearsal, but it is what it is."