Henderson delighted as Champ chases home Sceau Royal
Gold Cup hope takes second in Game Spirit at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson was thrilled to see Champ enhance his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials in defeat after finding only Sceau Royal too strong in the Betfair Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Having been off the track since claiming a last-gasp victory in what is now the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, the JP McManus-owned Champ was originally due to make his long-awaited return in the three-mile Betfair Denman Chase. However, with Newbury’s Betfair Super Saturday card pushed back eight days after the original fixture was frozen off, Henderson made the surprise decision to instead run Champ over an extended two miles in the Game Spirit, due to the meeting’s proximity to the Festival. Ridden forward by Nico de Boinville back over this shorter trip, Champ travelled with zest and jumped with accuracy, before eventually being reeled in by Alan King’s proven two-miler Sceau Royal (3-1 favourite) and Daryl Jacob.So good from Sceaux Royal 👑
The Alan King star ⭐ goes one better in this years renewal of the @Betfair Game Spirit Chase 🙌 Congratulations to connections @Dazjacob10, @simon_munir and the Alan King Team 👏 pic.twitter.com/pMncmDt79Z — Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) February 21, 2021
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Affordability checks petition passes 100,000 signatures
It is feared new regulations could cost the racing industry up to £250million.
-
Mixedwave becomes first winner disqualified under whip rules
Alex Edwards used his whip 16 times at Market Rasen – nine above the permitted level.
-
Mahler Mission camp upbeat ahead of Coral Gold Cup
Irish raider has been backed into favouritism for Saturday’s Newbury showpiece.
-
Frost covers in place at Newcastle and Newbury
Both tracks are taking precautions ahead of high-profile fixtures this weekend.
-
Love Envoi ready for Fighting Fifth reappearance
Harry Fry’s admirable mare is set to face Constitution Hill at Newcastle.
-
Alexander hoping Shishkin sets up Rehearsal for Elvis
Newcastle contender will carry a low weight if Nicky Henderson’s star runs.
-
Unbeaten Impaire Et Passe on course for Hatton’s Grace return
Five-year-old has impressed in every run to date.
-
Notlongtillmay set Kempton target for January
Silviniaco Conti Chase on the agenda for Paddy Power Gold Cup runner-up.
-
Kamsinas on course for trip to Aintree
Fergal O’Brien eyeing Formby Novices’ Hurdle, formerly known as the Tolworth.
-
Thunder getting ready to Rock and roll into Cheltenham
Recent win at Carlisle teed him up for a crack at a big prize.