racing_news/

Our Vic Gives Pipe Eighth Paddy Power Gold Cup Success 12/11/05

The 9/2 favourite Our Vic gave Martin Pipe an eighth victory in the £110,000 Paddy Power Gold Cup today when prevailing by two and a half lengths from Monkerhostin.

A very satisfied Pipe commented afterwards: “The plan has come off to the letter.

“This horse was close to death’s door at one time and it has taken a great effort from the team to get him back.

“In particular, I would like to thank Mary Bromley and all the vets who have looked after him while I must also give a big thank-you to Jonothan Lower, who has done all his schooling and done a great job in restoring Our Vic’s confidence.

“It has taken a long time to get him right again but the plan has come together. We always knew he had the ability, it has just taken time to get his confidence back.

“Timmy has given him a great ride. My only instructions to him were to jump the first, then the second then the third etc!

“My only concern was that when he was coming to the last the sun might get in Timmy’s eyes but fortunately it all turned out well.

“I would also like to thank Paddy Power who laid me a Ù500 bet at 4/1. The winnings will be going to the Devon Air Ambulance.”

Despite heading the ante-post market for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in a fortnight’s time, he is 8/1 from 12/1 with Paddy Power, Pipe is unsure about where Our Vic would appear next.

He continued: “Today was the plan, all the pressure has been on us to get him right for today.

“I have not thought beyond today and I don’t know where he will go next.”

Owner David Johnson was winning the race for the sixth time, having previously enjoyed success with Challenger Du Luc (1996), Cyfor Malta (1998 & 2002), Lady Cricket (2000) and Celestial Gold (2004).

He was quick to pay tribute to the team at Pond House: “The team have done a great job to get Our Vic back.

“He’s jumped from fence today and has put up a great performance.

“This race has been very good to me over the years and I feel privileged to have won it again.”

PADDY POWER GOLD CUP
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MONKERHOSTIN FINISHES LIKE A TRAIN

Monkerhostin stayed on brilliantly but could not quite reign in favourite Our Vic who was two and a half lengths ahead where it mattered.

Monkerhostin’s trainer Philip Hobbs said: “Richard couldn’t see anything during the race because of the sun - I think that was why they held the race back.

“I didn’t think Redemption’s fall [two fences from home] impeded him. I thought he got a good run through and he’s run a good race.”

His wife Sarah didn’t quite agree that their charge had a clear path. She said: “It was a shame that he got a bit blocked and things didn’t quite go right - he jumped brilliantly.

“I have no idea where he’ll run next.”

Owner Martin St. Quinton said: “I’ve got no idea where he’ll run next - probably over hurdles!

”He could even run at Windsor next weekend - he did last year and I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Alan King, trainer of third-placed Kandjar D’Allier, said: “That was a great thrill and the question is where do we go now and whether we step up in trip now?

“He could go for the Hennessy, the Rehearsal Chase or back here next month over two miles five furlongs for the Robin Cooke Memorial Gold Cup. We will go home and think about it.

“I’m happy with him and the rain helped as he likes a bit of cut. There is a little bit of improvement to come as well.“

CLAISSE EXPLAINS DECISION TO DELAY
PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Simon Claisse explained why today’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, scheduled for 3.20pm, was over 10 minutes late.

“At this time of year, there can be a problem with a low sunset between 2.45pm and 3.30pm.

“With the Paddy Power Gold Cup scheduled for 3.20pm and there being clear conditions, the starter reported that some jockeys were concerned about the low sun.

“Two stewards stood by fences four and five, the first two in the home straight and satisfied that they were safe to jump while a stipendiary steward and myself were by the last and were also satisfied that conditions were safe. So, we did not miss out any fences.

“While this may have caused a delay to the start of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, safety is our number one priority at Cheltenham.”

“In the future, we may have to review whether we will continue to hold features chases at times when a low sunset is possible.”

One jockey who was not happy about the sunset was Richard Johnson, rider of Paddy Power Gold Cup runner-up Monkerhostin. He said: “Take nothing off the race, one horse did fall and my horse was very lucky not to fall at the second fence up the straight - commonsense should prevail really.

“My mistake was definitely due to the sun - he’s really a good jumper. However, it didn’t affect my position at the end of the race.”