bet365 Gold Cup
Grade 3 Handicap, Sandown £150,000 added, 5yo plus, 3m 5f 110y, Class 1
Saturday 26th April 2014

1 Hadrian's Approach 10/1
2 Burton Port 8/1C
3 Godsmejudge 10/1
4 Restless Harry 20/1
NR: Twirling Magnet (IRE)
19 ran Distances: ¾l, 2½l, hd
TIME 7m 35.10s (slow by 20.10s)

Hadrian's Approach ran down Burton Port to claim a thrilling renewal of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

Hadrian's Approach
© Racehorse Photos

The dangerously well-handicapped Burton Port travelled really well in the hands of Tony McCoy, carting the champion jockey to the lead down the back straight while most of his opponents were being ridden along, and he was still hard on the bridle rounding the home turn.

But 10-1 shot Hadrian's Approach emerged as a serious threat at the final fence and after a titanic tussle up the hill, Nicky Henderson's charge saw out the three miles and five furlongs best under Barry Geraghty to claim the traditional end-of-season highlight by three-quarters of a length.

Godsmejudge ran a fine race in third, turning out just a fortnight after his excellent effort in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr, with Restless Harry also running with plenty of credit in fourth.

Henderson said: "It always looked as if AP (McCoy) was going the better of the two, but Barry wasn't for giving up. They were both tough, as it was a tough race in that ground. I thought it would be too soft for our horse, but he does stay - he stays really well.

"He might not be the most predictable character and he was disappointing at Cheltenham. He ran very well in this race last year (finished fifth) and we took him to Scotland a couple of weeks ago for the Scottish Grand National. The ground was very soft on the morning of the race, so we took him out and decided to bring him back here.

"To be honest, the ground is only marginally better, but Barry gave him a wonderful ride. He just let him creep into it and I don't think he knew he was in a race until he had to ask him. He had to dig pretty deep for it, but he got it. He's got his own style of doing it. He might not be flamboyant, but he stays and his jumping has improved.

"He started in the Hennessy Gold Cup last year and I would think he'll do so again next season, but we'll see. I don't think Aintree (the Grand National) beckons for him next year. We've got a bit of time to enjoy today."

The stewards took a dim view of Geraghty's ride though, banning him for nine days (May 10-18 inclusive) and fining him £3,150 for using his whip above the permitted level.

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill said of the runner-up: "It was brilliant and I'm thrilled. He did everything right and just got beaten by a better one on the day. He jumped liked a buck, he travelled great and there are no excuses, unfortunately! He didn't stop, he kept going, but he's as cute as a fox. He's good on his day."

Alan King, trainer of Godsmejudge, said: "He ran a tremendous race only two weeks after Ayr. He's probably a little bit better going left-handed but he was still coming back and he kept digging. I always hoped the Grand National would be his target this year, but hopefully we'll train him for it next year."

Bet365 Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3 Handicap)
£150,000 added, 5yo plus, 3m 5f 110y, Class 1
19 ran
Going: Good to soft

	Horse Trainer	Jockey Weight	SP Distance
1	Hadrian's Approach N J Henderson	B J Geraghty 11st 0lbs	10 - 1 Winner
2	Burton Port Jonjo O'Neill	A P McCoy 10st 9lbs	8 - 1 3/4 length
3	Godsmejudge A King	W Hutchinson 10st 13lbs	10 - 1 2 1/2 lengths
4	Restless Harry R Dickin	C Poste 11st 0lbs	20 - 1 Head
5	Spring Heeled J H Culloty	D N Russell 11st 3lbs	12 - 1 12 lengths
6	Summery Justice Miss V Williams	L Treadwell 10st 2lbs	25 - 1 6 lengths
7	Roalco De Farges P J Hobbs	R Johnson 10st 3lbs	8 - 1 Neck
8	Poungach P F Nicholls	Ryan Mahon 10st 6lbs	14 - 1 3 1/2 lengths
9	Carruthers M Bradstock	Nico de Boinville 11st 2lbs	25 - 1 4 1/2 lengths
10	Bally Legend Mrs Caroline Keevil	Ian Popham 10st 12lbs	25 - 1 14 lengths
11	Ardkilly Witness Dr R D P Newland	T J O'Brien 10st 4lbs	8 - 1 21 lengths
12	Opening Batsman H Fry	Nick Scholfield 10st 8lbs	33 - 1 7 lengths
13	Midnight Appeal A King	J E Moore 10st 9lbs	16 - 1 19 lengths
UR	Houblon Des Obeaux Miss V Williams	Aidan Coleman 11st 12lbs	20 - 1
PU	Bury Parade P F Nicholls	N Fehily 11st 10lbs	9 - 1
PU	Rigadin De Beauchene Miss V Williams	R T Dunne 11st 1lbs	33 - 1
PU	Rose Of The Moon D O'Meara	Jake Greenall 10st 7lbs	20 - 1
PU	Same Difference N A Twiston-Davies	Sam Twiston-Davies 10st 5lbs	8 - 1
PU	Emperor's Choice Miss V Williams	T Scudamore 10st 2lbs	33 - 1
NR	Twirling Magnet Jonjo O'Neill	D C Costello 10st 8lbs	-