McCoy Contractors County Hurdle |
|
Grade 3, Cheltenham 13:55 £75,000 added, 5yo plus, 2m 179yds, Class 1 |
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Friday 19th March 2021 |
1 Belfast Banter 33/1
2 Petit Mouchoir 22/1
3 Milkwood 28/1
4 Eclair De Beaufeu 11/1
25 ran NR: Le Patriote Distances: 1¼l, 1l, hd
Time: 4m 2.27s (slow by 8.27s)
Belfast Banter wins the County Hurdle!
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) March 19, 2021
First Cheltenham Festival winner for Kevin Sexton with a fantastic ride 👏pic.twitter.com/xsH7TLe7hf
Jockey Kevin Sexton landed his first ever victory at The Festival™ supporting WellChild with 33-1 chance Belfast Banter – then thanked his girlfriend for persuading him to return to racing two years ago.
Speaking after victory, Sexton revealed he quit race riding and had planned to live in the USA until being talked out of it.
He said: “I am in shock here, to be honest. It still hasn’t sunk in. I couldn’t believe it when I pulled up. I finished second here a couple of years ago, beaten by one of my best friends in a photo-finish, and I never thought I’d get a chance like that again.
“Coming here yesterday and riding a favourite (Royal Kahala in the Parnell Properties Mares Novices’ Hurdle), I had very high hopes of her and she ran disappointingly, and I never thought it was going to happen for me. To come out and ride a winner less than 24 hours later is unbelievable.
“I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this horse. He tends to finish second a lot, and he’s obviously been minding his mark for today! He had a light weight and we gave him a big chance first time in a handicap with a light weight, and I thought if he finished in the middle of them or in the first five I’d be delighted, and that’s kind of the way Peter [Fahey] told me to ride him.
“But he did everything I asked of him and I got a nice run through for a County Hurdle -I’ve never ridden in one before, but from what I’ve heard they are very messy - and he just jumped and travelled, and kind of took me everywhere.
“I was planning on switching out coming down the hill to get a clear run, but I didn’t really get the chance - he was going so well that there wasn’t enough room to switch out, so I just tried to come down the middle of them. I was lucky enough that I never got stopped coming down the hill, and he stuck to it really well.
“I actually couldn’t believe it. I got quite emotional pulling up. I actually stopped riding two years ago because it just wasn’t happening for me, I had a couple of injuries and I got kind of into a low place, and if it wasn’t for my family, my girlfriend, friends and Peter, I wouldn’t be back riding. In my head I had given up. To be here riding a winner is unbelievable.
“I was persuaded to give it one last go, and I haven’t looked back since. Although I had given up, no one had given up on me, luckily enough. I actually had it in my head to go to America, just to get away from everything.
“Peter got me back and I was associated with Peregrine Run, on whom I won eight or nine races that year, and he put me back in love with racing. He was my first ride back, in a Grade Three, and he won and it got me rolling again without me even noticing."
In a separate interview the jockey told Racing TV: “He jumped and he travelled — he travelled better than he’s ever travelled, I think the drying ground helped him. He jumped brilliantly. Even the hurdles where I wanted him to pop, he was having a cut. He always wanted to go forward and it was just a matter of holding onto him for as long as I could.
“He needs to be delivered late. In the past he’s tended to have not found much off the bridle, but he had 10st today and to be fair to him when I gave him a squeeze, he picked up and galloped to the line.
“I never thought he was going to get in [to the race off the reserve list], if I’m being truthful I had all eyes on the mare yesterday and I thought I was going home without a winner. I thought if this lad finished in the middle, it would be great and to be honest it still hasn’t sunk in what he’s actually done.
“It’s unbelievable and to do it for Peter… I was actually a bit emotional afterwards. This time two years ago, I had given up riding. Things weren’t happening and I wasn’t happy. I had given up hope. If it wasn’t for my family, my friends, my girlfriend and Peter, I wouldn’t be here today.
“I hadn’t ridden for about a year, year-and-a-half, and I just wasn’t much good at anything else. Luckily people talked me out of it, good friends, my family and my girlfriend, and got me back on the right road. I love racing and I’m lucky enough now that I am making a living out of it.
“I’ve had 16 winners this season alone, I think I had 15 last year, so it’s been going better than I ever thought it would coming back and it’s all down to Peter and the team and his wife. It’s unbelievable to have that team behind me considering I had given up two years ago.
“I had kind of given up on the dream, I was just lucky to be here and to be taking part. We are lucky to be taking part thanks to Jennifer (Pugh) and all her team, we are lucky to be here today and they don’t get enough praise for the way they are looking after all of us.”
Trainer Peter Fahey, speaking from his base in County Kildare, said: “It was a race that we have had in the back of our mind for some time with him and we have been trying our best to get high enough in the weights all season.
“He is a strong traveller but he often doesn’t finish that well but today he pulled it out of the bag and it surprised me how he finished up the hill.
“When you look at his form he was a stone better off with some of them he had finished behind before. In fairness I was chatting to Ruby Walsh early on in the year and he said if he gets in to the County Hurdle it would be the ideal race for him as they often fall away.
“He ran well at Ascot behind Not So Sleepy and Ruby said it was a good run as it is hard to make up ground there.
“I’m delighted for his owner Fergal O’Neill and for everyone at the yard as we are a small enough team so to have a winner at Cheltenham is fantastic.
“Kevin is a huge part of our team as well and works hard every morning with us. My wife Ber rides him out every day and does a lot of the work with him.
“We were at the track yesterday and she wanted us to stay. We didn’t think he would get in the race and we had a flight booked as I had a few bits and bobs with the horses to do so we stuck with our original plan to go home.
“Getting a Cheltenham Festival winner is something I’ve been chasing for a long time so I’m delighted but really I’m thrilled for everyone in the yard.
“We might try and find something at Punchestown for him. He is big enough to jump a fence as well so we are really looking forward to him.”
Emma Murray, groom of the winner told ITV Racing: “It’s brilliant for all the lads, I’m just absolutely delighted for Kevin and Peter - they really deserve it. There’s a great team at home as well, so fair play to them all.”
Lisa O’Neill, representing Denise Foster, the trainer of second Petit Mouchoir and fourth Éclair de Beaufeu said: “Petit Mouchoir has run a cracker with a heavy weight on his back and Jordan Gainford claiming 7lbs off him.
“I suppose we can’t forget he was fifth in a Champion Hurdle last year behind Epatante and third in an Arkle round here as well. He performed really well today and it’s good to see him come up the hill well. He’s been a fine servant for us and hopefully there’s plenty more left in him.”
“Eclair De Beaufeu has run well. He was running really well in this a couple of years ago when he was a casualty at the last, so he ran a cracker as well and we’re very happy with him.
“Saint D'oroux (15th) was a little bit disappointing, but we’ll take him home and see how he is tomorrow before seeing how the future lies for him.”
Jordan Gainford, rider of Petit Mouchoir, added: “An unbelievable run. His form round here is brilliant – a third and a fifth in the Champion Hurdle, a third in an Arkle – and he’s a lovely horse. I’m lucky enough to have been given the ride and take the 7 lb off him and I’m just delighted, he ran a cracker.
“He had plenty coming down the hill and battled tough all the way to the line. I’m getting some great opportunities and I’d just like to thank everyone, it’s been unbelievable.”
Neil Mulholland, trainer of third-placed Milkwood said: "With hindsight, I think Robbie (Dunne) wishes he’d held on to him a bit longer, but I’m happy with his run. We rode him a bit handier today and he settled well, so I was pleased about that, but something has struck into him and taken a hind shoe off.
“We’ll look now at the Scottish Champion Hurdle, where the track will suit him. He’s a smasher and he’ll jump a fence."
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
£75,000 added, 5yo plus, 2m 179yds, Class 1
25 ran
Going: Good to Soft, Good (in places)
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Belfast Banter 6 10-0 Peter Fahey Kevin Sexton 33/1
2 1¼ Petit Mouchoir 10 11-12 Mrs Denise Foster Jordan Gainford 22/1
3 1 Milkwood 7 10-11 Neil Mulholland Robert Dunne 28/1
4 hd Eclair De Beaufeu 7 10-10 Mrs Denise Foster Jack Kennedy 11/1
5 ½ Edwardstone 7 11-5 Alan King Tom Cannon 18/1
6 hd Third Time Lucki 6 11-0 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 8/1
7 nk Drop The Anchor 7 11-3 P A Fahy Simon Torrens 33/1
8 1¾ Anna Bunina 5 10-6 John C McConnell Conor McNamara 125/1
9 ¾ Ciel De Neige 6 10-11 W P Mullins Jonjo O'Neill Jr 22/1
10 ½ You Raised Me Up 8 10-12 Martin Brassil Darragh O'Keeffe 5/1F
11 2¼ Captain Kangaroo 6 10-2 W P Mullins Brian Hayes 18/1
12 ¾ Thyme White 5 10-11 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 28/1
13 1¾ Cayd Boy 6 11-6 Miss Elizabeth Doyle Mark Walsh 22/1
14 1 Ganapathi 5 10-11 W P Mullins Paul Townend 6/1
15 4¾ Saint D'oroux 5 10-9 Mrs Denise Foster Daryl Jacob 40/1
16 nk Fifty Ball 6 10-6 Gary Moore Joshua Moore 12/1
17 ½ Champagne Gold 6 11-1 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 6/1
18 ¾ Strong Glance 8 10-2 Olly Murphy Aidan Coleman 40/1
19 1 Darasso 8 11-4 Joseph O'Brien J J Slevin 80/1
20 1 Gowel Road 5 10-8 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 12/1
21 2¼ Mengli Khan 8 10-13 Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 66/1
22 7 Wolf Prince 5 10-11 Gavin Cromwell Robbie Power 66/1
23 2¼ Getaway Gorgeous 7 10-7 W P Mullins B J Cooper 66/1
24 3½ Buildmeupbuttercup 7 11-4 W P Mullins Danny Mullins 25/1
PU Global Citizen 9 11-7 Ben Pauling David Bass 100/1
NR 8 Le Patriote 9 11-2 Dr Richard Newland NON RUNNER
Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle Previous Results
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2020 Saint Roi 5-10-13 Barry Geraghty W P Mullins J P McManus 11/2F 24
2019 Ch’tibello 8-11-05 Harry Skelton Dan Skelton Can’t Say No Partnership 12/1 24
2018-WINNER-MOHAAYED 6-10-08 Owner-June Watts; Trainer-Dan Skelton; Jockey-Bridget Andrews; SP-33/1
2ND-Remiluc 9-10-11 Owner-Gilbert & Gamble; Trainer-Chris Gordon; Jockey-Harry Reed; SP-50/1
3RD-Whiskey Sour 5-10-13 Owner-Luke McMahon; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-David Mullins; SP-7/1
4TH-Chesterfield 8-10-07 Owner-The Rumble Racing Club; Trainer-Seamus Mullins; Jockey-Daniel Sansom; SP-16/1
24 ran, Time-4m 18.00s; Dist-2¾, ¾, 1½ 6/1 Fav Flying Tiger (16th)
2017-WINNER-ARCTIC FIRE 8-11-12 Owner-Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Townend; SP- 20/1
2ND-L’Ami Serge 7-11-06 Owner-Simon Munir & Isaac Souede; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Daryl Jacob; SP-25/1
3RD-Ozzie The Oscar 6-10-03 Owner-Bradley Partnership; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Tom O’Brien; SP-50/1
4TH-Air Horse One 6-10-08 Owner-The Dons; Trainer-Harry Fry; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-10/1
25 ran, Time-4m 0.00s; Dist-nk, nk, 2 5/1 Fav Ivanovich Gorbatov (6th)
2016-WINNER-SUPERB STORY 5-10-12 Owner-A Holt, J Robinson, A Taylor & S Miller; Trainer-Dan Skelton; Jockey-Harry Skelton; SP-8/1
2ND-Fethard Player 9-11-02 Owner-William Treacy; Trainer-William Treacy IRE; Jockey-David Mullins; SP-33/1
3RD-Sternrubin 5-11-02 Owner-Terry Warner; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Tom O’Brien; SP-33/1
4TH-Wait For Me 6-10-13 Owner-Andrew Cohen; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-7/1 Joint-Fav
26 ran, Time-3m 55.50s; Dist-2½, 3½, hd 7/1 Joint-Fav Great Field (PU)
2015-WINNER-WICKLOW BRAVE 6-11-04 Owner-Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Townend; SP-25/1
2ND-Sort It Out 6-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Edward Harty IRE; Jockey-Niall Madden; SP-17/2
3RD-Quick Jack 6-10-11 Owner-John Breslin; Trainer-Tony Martin IRE; Jockey-Shane Shortall; SP-8/1
4TH-Max Dynamite 5-11-03 Owner-Susannah Ricci; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-14/1
24 ran, Time-4m 5.70s; Dist-8, 1¼, 1½ 7/1 Fav Princely Conn (13th)
2014-WINNER-LAC FONTANA 5-10-11 Owner-Potensis Limited; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Daryl Jacob; SP-11/1
2ND-Arctic Fire 5-10-13 Owner-Wicklow Bloodstock Limited; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-David Casey; SP-7/1
3RD-Montbazon 7-10-12 Owner-David Sewell; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1
4TH-Diakali 7-10-12 Owner- Wicklow Bloodstock Limited; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Danny Mullins; SP-25/1
28 ran, Time- 3m 58.49s; Dist-½, 1, 3¼ 5/1 Fav Cheltenhian (PU)
2013-WINNER-TED VEALE 6-10-06 Owner-John Breslin; Trainer-Tony Martin IRE; Jockey-Bryan Cooper; SP-10/1
2ND-Tennis Cap 6-10-13 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-David Casey; SP-11/1
3RD-Manyriverstocross 8-10-07 Owner-Mrs M C Sweeney; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Wayne Hutchinson; SP-25/1
4TH-Shadow Catcher 5-10-10 Owner-Mrs P Sloan; Trainer-Gordon Elliott IRE; Jockey-Davy Condon; SP-16/1
28 ran, Time- 4m 16.09s; Dist-1½, 4½, 3½ 8/1 Joint Favs Ifandbutwhynot (9th) & Cotton Mill (Fell)
2012-WINNER-ALDERWOOD 8-11-01 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Tom Mullins IRE; Jockey-A P McCoy; SP-20/1
2ND-Edgardo Sol 5-10-06 Owner-Axom XXXII; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Harry Derham; SP-25/1
3RD-Sailors Warn 5-11-05 Owner-Patrick Wilmott; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Andrew Lynch; SP-16/1
4TH-Plan A 5-10-13 Owner-Liam Mulryan; Trainer-Gordon Elliott IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-20/1
26 ran, Time-3m 59.00s; Dist-¾,, hd, 1¼ 11/2 Fav Citizenship (14th)
2011-WINNER-FINAL APPROACH 5-10-12 Owner-Douglas Taylor; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-10/1
2ND-Get Me Out Of Here 7-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/1
3RD-Nearby 7-11-01 Owner-Andy Ash; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Chris Davies; SP-66/1
4TH-Cockney Trucker 9-10-07 Owner-Mrs Karola Vann; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-33/1
26 ran, Time-3m 54.77s; Dist-nse, 1½, ½ 6/`1 Fav Alarazi (15th)
2010-WINNER-THOUSAND STARS 6-10-05 Owner-Hammer & Trowel Syndicate; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Miss Katie Walsh; SP-20/1
2ND-Arcalis 10-10-07 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Denis O’Regan; SP-33/1
3RD-Dee Ee Williams 7-10-09 Owner-Tullamore Dew; Trainer-Nick Gifford; Jockey-Liam Treadwell; SP-20/1
4TH-Zanir 6-10-06 Owner-Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd; Trainer-Tom George; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-50/1 28 ran, Time-4m 2.66s; Dist-3, 1¼, 1¾ 7/1 Fav Tito Bustillo (23rd)
2009-WINNER-AMERICAN TRILOGY 5-11-00 Owner-Fulton, Donlon, KIlduff & Scott-MacDonald; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-20/1
2ND-Stradbrook 7-10-01 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Richard McLernon; SP-66/1
3RD-Cockney Trucker 7-10-09 Owner-Karola Vann; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-17/2
4TH-Nortonthorpe Lad 7-10-10 Owner-Don Jenkins; Trainer-Alison Thorpe; Jockey-Daryl Jacob; SP-50/1 27 ran, Time-4m 5.2s; Dist-11, 3¼, ½ 7/2 Fav Dave’s Dream (6th)
2008-WINNER-SILVER JARO 5-10-13 Owner-Miss M A Masterson; Trainer-Tom Hogan IRE; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-50/1
2ND-Psycho 7-10-12 Owner-C H McClure; Trainer-Tony Martin IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-5/1 Fav
3RD-French Saulaie 7-11-03 Owner-Carol Skan; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
4TH-Rio De Janeiro 7-10-08 Owner-Fraser Miller Racing; Trainer-Emma Lavelle; Jockey-Paul Moloney; SP-66/1 22 ran, Time-4m 9.40s; Dist-3/4, 2¼, ½
2007-WINNER-PEDROBOB 9-10-00 Owner-Barry Connell; Trainer-Tony Mullins
IRE; Jockey-Philip Carberry; SP-12/1
2ND-Ouninpohja 6-10-00 Owner-Maggie Findlay; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby
Walsh; SP-11/2
3RD-Premier Dane 5-10-00 Owner-Jim Ennis; Trainer-Nicky Richards; Jockey-Brian
Harding; SP-100/1
4TH-Kawagino 7-10-00 Owner-K Pike; Trainer-Seamus Mullins; Jockey-Wayne
Kavanagh; SP-20/1
28 ran, Time-3m 53.90s, Dist 1, nk, ¾ 3/1 Fav Fair Along (25th)
2006-WINNER-DESERT
QUEST 6-10-10 Owner-Maggie Findlay; Trainer-Paul
Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-4/1 Jt Fav
2ND-Noble Request 5-10-11 Owner-Karola Vann; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard
Johnson; SP-25/1
3RD-Adamant Approach 12-10-06 Owner-Greenstar Syndicate; Trainer-Willie
Mullins IRE; Jockey-Richard Kiely; SP-50/1
4TH-Pirate Flagship 7-10-01 Owner-Mark & Tessa Woodhouse; Trainer-Paul
Nicholls; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-10/1
29 ran, Time-3m 52.70s, Dist-2.5, 3.5, 1 4/1 Jt Fav Studmaster (10th)
2005-WINNER-FONTANESI 5-10-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe;
Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-16/1
2ND-Stance 6-10-00 Owner-N J Jones; Trainer-Gary Moore; Jockey-David
Casey; SP-11/1
3RD-Borora 6-10-00 Owner-Mrs E M Clarke; Trainer-Richard Lee; Jockey-Tom
Doyle; SP-200/1
4TH-Grande Jete 8-10-02 Owner-Lee Westwood, A Chandler & Jeremy Hindley;
Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey- Mick Fitzgerald; SP-14/1
30 ran, Time-4m 1.30s, Dist-2, 2, 1.5
2004-WINNER-SPORAZENE 5-10-13 Owner-Ged Mason & David
Jackson; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP- 7/1 Jt Fav
2ND-Hawadeth 9-9-07 Owner-Nicky Viney; Trainer-Victor Dartnall; Jockey-Mr
Tom Malone; SP-50/1
3RD-Copeland 9-10-01 Owner-Professor David and Mrs Heather Silk; Trainer-Martin
Pipe; Jockey-Jamie Moore; SP- 25/1
4TH-Balapour 6-10-00 Owner-Rita Shah; Trainer-Oliver Brady IRE; Jockey-Carl
Llewellyn; SP-12/1
23 ran, Time-4m 3.70s, Dist-.5, 1.5, nk 7/1 Jt Fav Harchibald (5th)
2003-WINNER-SPIRIT LEADER 7-11-07 Owner-Dil Thompson; Trainer-Jessica
Harrington IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-10/1
2ND-Balapour 5-10-00 Owner-Rita Shah; Trainer-Oliver Brady IRE; Jockey-Martin
Mooney; SP-25/1
3RD-Through The Rye 7-10-09 Owner-Nice To See You Euro-Racing); Trainer-Edwin
Tuer; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-66/1
4TH-Non So 5-11-05 Owner-ROA Dawn Run Partnership; Trainer-Nicky Henderson;
Jockey-Mick FitzgGerald; SP-10/128 ran, Time-3m 58.60s, Dist-nk, shd,
5 5/1 Fav Mise Rafturai (PU)
2002-WINNER-ROOSTER BOOSTER 8-11-01 Owner-Terry Warner; Trainer-Philip
Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-8/1
2ND-The Gatherer 8-10-06 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE;
Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-12/1
3RD-Ben Ewar 8-10-01 Owner-Tony Richards; Trainer-Ken Cunningham-Brown;
Jockey-Barry Fenton; SP-50/1
4TH-Benbyas 5-10-00 Owner-C H Stephenson & Partners; Trainer-Les
Eyre; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-12/1
21 ran, Time-4m 5.90s, Dist-1.25, .5, 7 2/1 Fav Polar Red (13th)
2001 - No Race (Foot and Mouth Disease)
2000-WINNER-MASTER TERN 5-10-03 Owner-J P McManus;
Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill;
Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-9/2 Fav
2ND Danegold 8-10-02 Owner-Circular Distributors Ltd; Trainer-Mick Channon;
Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-25/1
3RD Spokesman 6-10-02 Owner-Theresa McCoubrey; Trainer-Christy Roche
IRE Jockey-Paul Moloney; SP-10/1
4TH Auetaler 6-11-09 Owner-The Anfield Hombres; Trainer-Martin Pipe;
Jockey-Rodi Greene; SP-12/1
21 ran, Time-3m 51.30s Dist-nk, 1, 1
1999-WINNER-SIR TALBOT 5-10-00 Owner-Wally Sturt; Trainer-Jim Old; Jockey-Timmy
Murphy; SP-10/1
2ND-Decoupage 7-10-13 Owner-James Dean; Trainer-Charlie Egerton; Jockey-Norman
Williamson; SP-100/30 Fav
3RD-Toto Toscato 5-11-05 Owner-Hilda Clarke; Trainer-David Nicholson;
Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
4TH-Sadler’s Realm 6-9-09 Owner-B D Racing; Trainer-Philip Hobbs;
Jockey-Robert Widger; SP-25/1
28 ran, Time- 3m 57.8s Dist-6, 10
1998-WINNER-BLOWING WIND 5-11-08 Owner-Peter Deal; Trainer-Martin Pipe;
Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-15/8 Fav
2ND-Advocat 8-10-05 Owner-The High Street Racing Syndicate; Trainer-Noel
Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-12/1
3RD-Bless Me Sister 9-10-02 Owner-Bray Partners; Trainer-Richard Rowe;
Jockey-Darren O’Sullivan; SP-33/1
4TH-Barna Boy 10-11-06 Owner-Lynn Wilson; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick
FitzGerald;
SP-14/1 27 ran, Time- 3m 54.3s Dist-1.75, 2.5
1997-WINNER-BARNA BOY 9-10-12 Owner-Lynn Wilson; Trainer-Nicky Henderson;
Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-14/1
2ND-Carlito Brigante 5-10-00 Owner-Lady Carole Bamford; Trainer-Paul
Webber; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-13/2
3RD-Penny A Day 7-11-08 Owner-Ian Good; Trainer-Mary Reveley; Jockey-Peter
Niven; SP-15/2
4TH-Black Queen 6-10-04 Owner-Heinz Pollmeier; Trainer-John Kiely IRE;
Jockey-A J O’Brien;
SP-12/1 20 ran, Time-3m 58.9s, Dist-1, 3, 1 7/2 Fav Tidjani (5th)
1996-WINNER-STAR RAGE 6-10-00 Owner-David Abell; Trainer-Jimmy Harris;
Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-14/1
2ND-Romancer 5-11-03 Owner-Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel
Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-8/1
3RD-Non Vintage 5-10-13 Owner-A Mann and Mrs T Mann; Trainer-Michael
Chapman; Jockey-Billy Worthington; SP-33/1
4TH-Cheryl’s Lad 6-11-05 Owner-Elaine Baines; Trainer-Nicky Henderson;
Jockey-John Kavanagh; SP-5/1 Fav
28 ran, Time-4m 0.8s, Dist-3, 3.5, 2.5
Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle Roll Of Honour
(Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle since 1995, County Handicap Hurdle 1990-1994, Racegoers Club County Handicap Hurdle 1989, County Handicap Hurdle before 1989)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP
Ran
1995 Home Counties 6-10-12 Jimmy Moffatt Dudley Moffatt Roxy Cinemas
(Dalton) Ltd 14/1 23
1994 Dizzy 6-10-00 Tony Dobbin Peter Monteith Lt Col Willie Monteith
12/1 24
1993 Thumbs Up 7-10-02 Richard Dunwoody Nicky Henderson Michael Buckley
16/1 21
1992 Dusty Miller 6-10-06 Jamie Osborne Simon Sherwood Watership Down
Racing 9/1 27
1991 Winnie The Witch 7-9-08 David Bridgwater Ken Bridgwater Paddocks
Thoroughbred Racing 33/1 26
1990 Moody Man 5-11-02 Peter Hobbs Philip Hobbs James Burley 9/1 20
1989 Willsford 6-10-08 Michael Bowlby Jenny Pitman Arnie Kaplan 11/1
21
1988 Cashew King 5-10-04 Trevor Wall Bryan McMahon Peter Moss 9/1 24
1987 Neblin 8-11-00 Richard Guest Toby Balding Skipper Leather 14/1 24
1986 Jobroke 6-10-03 Jonjo O'Neill Peter Easterby Lt Col Dick Warden
6/1F 29
1985 Floyd 5-10-05 Colin Brown David Elsworth Mike Walsh 5/2F 27
1984 Hill’s Guard 5-10-11 Andy Stringer Andy Scott G Shie 6/1 19
1983 Robin Wonder 5-10-03 Jim Davies David Elsworth Anthony Hunt 10/1 29
1982 Path Of Peace 6-10-06 Jonjo O'Neill Chris Thornton Louise Gold 4/1
23
1981 Staplestown 6-10-07 Tommy Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE Mrs I O’Sullivan
11/2F 25
1980 Prince Of Bermuda 5-10-00 Steve Knight Bob Turnell J Harnett 9/1
18
1979 Monte Ceco 6-10-12 Colin Tinkler Fred Rimell J Saunders Jones 6/1
20
1978 No race (Abandoned because of snow)
1977 Kilcoleman 5-10-07 Tommy Kinane Billy Boyers IRE P Clarke 14/1 26
1976 Java Fox 6-10-01 Mr George Jones Roy Cambidge J Caddick 16/1 13
1975 No race (Course waterlogged)
1974 True Song 5-11-02 Gary Old Donald Underwood Mrs J Underwood 14/1
20
1973 Current Romance 7-10-07 David Nicholson Frenchie Nicholson R Warmington
20/1 31
1972 Cold Day 6-10-08 Ron Hyett Katie Gaze Katie Gaze 15/1 25
1971 Carry Off 7-10-01 David Goulding Nigel Angus A M Picken 25/1 24
1970 Khan 6-9-11 Lord Petersham Miss Delmer Harty IRE Lord Petersham
100/8 32
1969 Gay Knight 5-10-03 Aly Branford Les Kennard L E Withers 100/7 27
1968 Jolly Signal 6-10-11 Jimmy Uttley Earl Jones Mrs D Crouch 6/1 16
1967 Cool Alibi 5-10-09 Roddy Reid Rodney Bower H A Moore 20/1 28
1966 Roaring Twenties 6-11-02 George Milburn Ken Oliver Mrs A L G Ogilvy
10/1 16
1965 Mayfair Bill 6-10-04 Andy Turnell Bob Turnell Jim Joel 33/1 19
1964 Icy Wonder 5-10-02 Jeff King Vernon Cross F J Hunt 11/2 17
1963 Bahrain 6-10-06 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Ted Sturman 11/2 19
1962 Sky Pink 5-10-11 Fred Winter Ryan Price Gerry Judd 100/8 20
1961 Most Unusual 6-10-07 Josh Gifford Bill Ransom Bill Ransom 100/7
23
1960 Albergo 6-12-05 Doug Page Clem Magnier IRE Mrs Clem Magnier 7/4F
26
1959 Approval 13-11-02 Derek Leslie Syd Mercer Syd Mercer 10/1 20
1958 Friendly Boy 6-10-05 Liam Brennan Joe Osborne IRE Mrs V Vanden Bergh
3/1F 18
1957 Flaming East 8-10-05 Peter Pickford Ricky Vallance Mrs Ricky Vallance
100/6 19
1956 Pommel 9-10-11 Steve Boddy Jack C Waugh Peter Shepherd 100/7 18
1955 No race (Abandoned because of snow)
1954 Bold Baby 8-12-00 Paddy Powell Michael Dawson IRE Michael Dawson
13/8F 14
1953 Teapot II 8-12-07 Pat Taaffe Clem Magnier IRE Mrs C Magnier 4/1
16
1952 Ballymacan 5-10-12 Bryan Marshall Neville Crump H D Waddington 100/7
21
1951 Southwick 7-10-03 George Spann J Whiting Sonny Hall 100/7 21
1950 Blue Raleigh 7-10-00 Jimmy Power Bobby Renton Lurline Brotherton
25/1 19
1949 No race (Abandoned because of frost)
1948 Cape Light 5-11-01 Joe Maguire Ivor Anthony Sir Humphrey de Trafford
2/1F 21
1947 No race (Abandoned because of snow and frost)
1946 Vidi 5-11-10 Don Butchers Reg Hobbs A E Saunders 6/1 2