williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase
Grade 2, Kempton Park 14:20
£80,000 added, 4yo plus,
2m, Class 1  
Tuesday 27th December 2016

1 Special Tiara 8/11F
2 Sir Valentino 6/1
3 Savello 33/1
4 ran Distances: ½l, 60l
TIME 3m 46.25s (fast by 3.75s)

Special Tiara wins for favourite backers

Special Tiara
© Caroline Norris
Ballycasey

Successful in 2014, Henry de Bromhead's Special Tiara had found the soft going against him at Cheltenham last month but conditions were more to his liking this time.

The 8-11 shot made all the running in the hands of Noel Fehily, who was completing a four-timer from the first four races on the card, but there was early drama when Sire De Grugy unseated Jamie Moore at the second fence.

That left just three in the race and while Savello was always struggling in rear, Sir Valentino put in a strong bid in the straight.

However, he was not foot-perfect at the last and that just gave Special Tiara the edge as he landed the spoils by half a length.

Fehily said: "It's been a fantastic day. I've ridden some lovely horses and I'm very lucky.

"I've had some great days on this fella. I've been placed in Champion Chases on him, I've won a Celebration Chase on him. He's been a very good horse to me.

"He's older now and is finishing his races off a lot better. He picked up well."

Trainers Quotes

williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase
£80,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places

Pos D Horse SP Jockey Weight Trainer Age
1st Special Tiara 8/11f N D Fehily
11-0
H de Bromhead 9
2nd ½ Sir Valentino (FR) 6/1 A P Heskin
11-6
T R George 7
3rd 60 Savello (IRE) 33/1 Bridget Andrews
11-6
D Skelton 10
UR Sire De Grugy (FR) 2/1 J E Moore
11-10
G L Moore 10