Gifford hoping for dry ground at Newbury

Horse Racing

Nick Gifford has revealed that Didtheyleaveuoutto will feature in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on February 9 as long as it is dry.

The £155,000 race, which is the richest handicap hurdle, has sentimental value for Gifford given that his father, Josh, rode Rosyth to victory in the inaugural running back in 1963.

Gifford senior won the race as a jockey on four occasions and then became the only person to win it as a jockey and trainer when Deep Sensation claimed a victory back in 1990.

Gifford has yet to have a runner in the Betfair Hurdle and he is hopeful of emulating his father’s success with the JP McManus-owned Didtheyleaveuoutto, although his participation is dependent on the conditions.

He said: ‘Obviously the family connection needs no introduction with the success of dad.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever had a runner in the Betfair Hurdle so it would be lovely to go there with a squeak if the ground allows us to do that.

‘ Gifford added: Gifford said: ‘It will be down to Mr McManus, Frank Berry and the team, but he has the entry and if the ground is suitable he will go.

If the weather stays like this we will probably run him.

‘The horse is in great form and I couldn’t be happier with him here.

It appears he’s got a nice weight.

I would love to run him, and it would tell us more come the spring which direction we should be heading in.

It’s a lovely race for him.

‘There will be plenty of pace, going left-handed will suit him slightly better and it would be a fantastic race to be involved with.

I wasn’t born when dad rode his winners, but I do remember Deep Sensation winning it.’

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