Described as a “bridesmaid” by trainer Kerry Lee, Happy Diva finally enjoyed her day in the sun with a thrilling success in the £160,000 G3 BetVictor Gold Cup under 3lb claimer Richard Patrick.
A 14/1 chance, Happy Diva was always travelling well in the two and a half-mile event and was vying for the lead at the penultimate fence, at which 4/1 favourite Slate House, who was travelling very well, fell.
From there, Happy Diva, an eight-year-old daughter of King’s Theatre, kept on tremendously under pressure to fend off the persistent Brelan D’As (20/1) for Paul Nicholls and Barry Geraghty to score by a neck.
Happy Diva took her career earnings over the £250,000 mark this afternoon and a delighted Lee paid tribute to her stable star.
She said: “What a brilliant horse Happy Diva is. She has been the bridesmaid once too often, but she is a Listed winner over fences.
“Happy Diva beat Magic Of Light last term who went on to finish second in the Grand National, so the form was there!
“She had always been on the coat tails and it’s great to win today.
It was a great ride by Richard. We came into the race with a game plan and thankfully it has worked. We had a plan to be positioned by the rail and she travelled really well throughout and jumped beautifully.
“Happy Diva is a tough and gutsy mare and her class shone through. “It is great to have the Roseff family
here today. They have been with the yard since my father started over 30 years ago.
“They are fantastic owners as if we have a quiet day, they always say there is another one. If we have a great day, boy do they celebrate.
“I think it’s five years since dad bought her in Ireland – mum and dad went together and bought her as a store – and I am absolutely over the moon.”
TIZZARD PRAISES ‘ICE-COOL’ POWER
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LION ROARS TO TOP SPOT
John Anthony is right up with the pace as the speed horses kick on again
JUST STAY IT AGAIN SAM!
Paul Jacobs relishes a grand October climax with final Flat season flourish
TROY JOY OPENS THE FLOODGATES
lan Heitman recounts a month of stunning track highlights
FINEST LAP OF HONOUR
Graham Buddry tells the dramatic tale of Australia's brilliant Southern star
DOWN LAMBOURN WAY
Richard Eagle brings news from the Valley, Epsom and beyond
BOY WILL STEP UP IN THE WET
Ben Morgan sticks to his guns with 10 top tips to follow in the coming weeks
CUTTING BACK TO THE OLD DEBATE
Rolf Johnson weighs up one of racing's perennial chestnuts
FROM BOOK TO BOOKIES
The former Sky frontman turns detective in hunt for Arc clues
FUM-ING BUT NO DISGARCE
Jeremy Grayson picks it up in the sticks after a late summer jumps break
MEMORIES OF SIR MICHAEL'S EARLY DAYS RUN SO DEEP
Dave Youngman looks back at Michael Stoute's road to success