Betfair Tingle Creek Festival, Sandown Park, Surrey
THREE years after winning his first Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown, Politologue landed his second on Saturday when he made all the running to beat stablemate Greaneteen seven lengths in what is traditionally the first major test of the two-mile chasing division.
With the two-time Champion chaser Altior, only beaten once in 21 starts over obstacles, pulled out late the evening before on account of the soft ground, the race naturally lost a degree of interest.
But, having once looked something of a one-hit wonder who slightly fell between two stools – not quick enough for two miles but lacking the stamina for three –is it time Politologue started getting some credit? Now that Paul Nicholls has worked out how to get the best out of him, he is putting together a nice little portfolio of the top two-mile chases.
After disappointing in last year’s Tingle Creek, which Nicholls felt came too soon after the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, the trainer went back to the drawing board and told owner John Hales that he would like to go straight to the Champion Chase, have him fresh but extremely fit and make the race a test of stamina.
Of course, the Cheltenham race slightly fell apart behind him and the favourite Defi Du Seuil appeared to have an off-day but that was, in part, due to the gallop set by Politologue.
This story is from the December 10, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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 December 10, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
