The November Meeting, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos
UNDER a bold ride from Tom O’Brien, Coole Cody landed the first big handicap chase of the season when the Evan William-strained nine-year-old made nearly all of the running to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday, 14 November.
It was tough luck on the horse’s regular jockey, Adam Wedge, who broke his collarbone schooling, but he had plenty of input, telling O’Brien to ride an aggressive race on Coole Cody. The super-sub had planned to follow Siruh Du Lac – a confirmed front runner – but he overjumped at the first, leaving Coole Cody in front upsides Simply The Betts.
However, Coole Cody shook him off at the third, and survived a slip on landing at the fourth, when O’Brien was thrown forward onto the gelding’s ears. Luckily for the jockey, the horse kept straight and kept his head up.
At one stage, having pushed on going past the stands, he was 10 lengths clear. Turning for home, it looked like he would probably be reeled in and swamped by the half dozen rivals closing in on him. However, two of his pursuers came down at the second-last, where another made a mistake and in the end they never did get to him. Coole Cody won going away by 3¼ lengths from perennial bridesmaid Spiritofthegames.
“It’s great,” said Williams. “We’ve been second, third and fourth in this race so it’s nice to get a head in front in a big way. He had winning form here for his former trainer Michael Blake and he did a superb job with the horse [who joined Williams in the summer]. A change of scenery can often give a little impetus, so we’re lucky to have got him.”
This story is from the November 19, 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 November 19, 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
