In a candid conversation with Sportskeeda, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder expressed his concern about the state of cricket pitches in the Caribbean, asserting that the quality of training facilities plays a crucial role in the development of players.
Currently in India at the Rajasthan Royals High Performance Centre, Holder couldn't help but draw a stark comparison between the training grounds in the Caribbean and the state-of-the-art facilities provided by the Royals.
Holder joined the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2023 season and provided a much-needed balance to the side.
The Rajasthan Royals have set a benchmark in cricketing infrastructure, offering their players a diverse range of eight different pitch variations along with cutting-edge facilities. This stark contrast hasn't gone unnoticed by Holder, who believes that such facilities are essential for honing skills to a higher standard.
"It's brilliant. Unfortunately, in the Caribbean, we don't have facilities that are equivalent to this. We just have normal grounds. There's no training ground," Holder remarked, highlighting the dearth of specialized training facilities in the Caribbean.
Holder emphasized the significance of having a variety of pitches and additional support staff, indicating that the Rajasthan Royals High Performance Centre provides a more comprehensive and tailored training experience compared to the grounds in the Caribbean. The West Indies cricketer is eager to make the most of this opportunity and extract maximum benefits from the top-notch facilities at his disposal.
"I just found it necessary to get away from the Caribbean, do something away from the Caribbean and do a lot more specific into what I need to work on," Holder explained, underscoring his decision to seek a more advanced and structured training environment.
Holder also praised the familial atmosphere fostered by the Rajasthan Royals, stating, "It is a really good family that the Royals have here, and they portray that family image." This sense of belonging and the conducive training environment have contributed to Holder's positive experience at the High Performance Centre.
The West Indies cricketer is utilizing his time in India to not only focus on physical fitness but also to refine his tactical skills. The opportunity to train in different conditions, coupled with the structured approach adopted by the Rajasthan Royals, has reignited Holder's passion for the game and provided him with a valuable platform for improvement.
As the West Indies all-rounder strives to enhance his cricketing prowess, his insights shed light on the challenges faced by players in the Caribbean and underscore the importance of investing in advanced training facilities for the development of cricket talent worldwide.
Crystal Plummer had a stellar maiden Vitality Netball World Cup appearance earlier this year, as her performances in South Africa assisted Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls to end a 16-year medal drought when they claimed bronze.
Now back on the international assignment for a second Fast5 Netball World Series appearance, Plummer knows it is another opportunity for her to make a mark on the big stage with hopes that an efficient execution, both individually and collectively as a team, will propel them to another medal.
Plummer, 21, possesses incredible physical prowess and the intensity that she paraded at the World Cup is testament to the demands she puts on herself to always perform at her best.
It is that stubborn determination, coupled with an unwavering desire to succeed, that place her among a number of dangerous young prospects that will grace the court at the fast-paced, two-day tournament in Christchurch, New Zealand, and she is definitely out to prove that much.
“Honestly, I am excited and looking forward to the challenge. For me it is another opportunity to show what I can do because I am always looking to do better every chance I get. It’s about doing my best and having fun at the same time, but still focused on the goal head,” Plummer told SportsMax.TV.
“Unlike last year when I struggled to get acclimatised, this year, I am both mentally and physically ready and I am very motivated and just looking forward to doing my utmost best to execute according to the team's game plans," she added.
Should the now Nicole Aiken-Pinnock and Shawn Murdock-coached Sunshine Girls achieve the medal feat, it would represent a significant improvement on last year’s display when they placed at the foot of the six-team ladder without a win. It would also be the country’s fourth Fast5 medal and first since 2018.
But that is easier said than done, as Australia, England, Malawi, South Africa and seven-time champions New Zealand, are all formidable opponents, who will take some amount of beating.
“It’s always challenging, but the entire team is up for the challenge and we will be leaving it all on court as we hope to come away with a medal. I have a saying ‘work hard and win easy’, so again, I am ready for the excitement of Fast5. My aim is to be one of the standout players for this year’s competition and to do that I will need to be consistent in how I play to get the job done,” Plummer declared.
The wing defence, who has been a staple in the Sunshine Girls team since making her debut at the Americas qualifiers on home soil last year, was also a part of the historic Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games winning team.
Having grasped significant lessons from those, and in particular, the World Cup outing, Plummer said she has benefitted from self-preparation, as she is well aware that there is always room for improvements.
“Preparation will never be easy, but I am committed to doing what I have to, to achieve my goals and that included working on my confidence and my passes. So, as it is now, I am refuelled for this mission because each time I get to showcase my skill against world class players, it is basically one of my goals crossed off the list,” the cheerful player ended.
Live coverage is on SportsMax and SportsMax 2, starting this evening at 6:00pm Jamaica time, while coverage on Saturday’s second day is slated for 5:45pm Jamaica time.
Jamaica squad: Romelda Aiken-George (captain), Adean Thomas (vice-captain), Gezelle Allison, Theresa Beckford, Rhea Dixon, Abbeygail Linton, Amanda Pinkney, Crystal Plummer, Kimone Shaw, and Abigale Sutherland.
Cricket fans will get the chance to see the final of the CG United Super50 Cup for free on Saturday November 11. Cricket West Indies (CWI) and sponsors CG United today announced there will be no charge for spectators attending the CG United Super50 Cup Final on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy between the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
Fans will get the chance to see the two best teams in the tournament after Trinidad & Tobago Red Force beat Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands Hurricanes beat Barbados Pride in the two semi-finals. To add to the excitement there is the incentive of seeing Sunil Narine in his final match in Trinidad & Tobago Red Force colors. Earlier this week the off-spinner announced that he will be retiring from List A and international cricket following the conclusion of the CG United Super50 Cup.
A number of West Indies internationals will feature in the final 50-over match before England arrive for the CG United ODI Series and T20I Series starting on 3 December. The Leeward Islands squad features captain Alzarri Joseph, Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Justin Greaves, Kieran Powell, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are captained by batsman Darren Bravo and their squad includes: Yannic Carriah, Shannon Gabriel, Akeal Hosein, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Joshua Da Silva, Nicholas Pooran and Jayden Seales.
Dominic Warne, CWI’s Commercial Director said: “This is exciting news for our fans as we have opened the gates to have them enter for free and see the finale of the CG United Super50 Cup. We have seen three weeks of action on the field and we expect an exciting contest on Saturday to crown the CG United Super50 Champions. Also, this is a great opportunity for the home Trini supporters and fans of Sunil to see him in action in his Trinidad and Tobago Red Force jersey for the final time and give him a fitting send off.”
The day/night match starts at 1pm (12 noon Jamaica) and will be televised live on ESPN. Live ball-by-ball scoring will be available in the windiescricket.com Match Centre.
Elixir De Nutz ran out a gutsy winner of the Betway Haldon Gold Cup for Joe Tizzard at Exeter.
Fit from a recent run at Chepstow, he was one of two runners in the race for Tizzard with stable jockey Brendan Powell riding War Lord.
That meant Freddie Gingell, Tizzard’s nephew, came in for the ride and he was positive from the outset on the grey.
A 13-2 chance for the Grade Two, Elixir De Nutz was kept handy and surged ahead as others were faltering around the final turn for home.
A game and accurate string of jumps saw him extend his lead on the run in to the line and though Paul Nicholls’ Solo gave chase, it was the young jockey who prevailed by three and a quarter lengths.
“That is unreal. A big thank you to Terry Warner (the horse’s owner) and his family and to Joe and Colin (Tizzard) as well,” Gingell said.
“I went in and schooled him on Wednesday and Joe said ‘where would you rather go, Fontwell or Exeter’. I said I would love to go to Exeter to ride him as it is a big race and Joe has won it a few times. Riding in it was a big thing, but I never thought this would happen.
“The plan was to get a good start and go from there as there were five other very good horses in it. He was a bit slow going to the first, but he then jumped the first and took off with me. He was jumping outside the wings every time I gave him a squeeze and asked him.
“Harry (Cobden on Solo) came upsides me turning in and I thought ‘I will see what happens’, but I managed to get a breather into him as I thought Harry was coming with a very big challenge now. I thought ‘I will keep plugging onto the line’, but I thought we might have got racing a bit too early.
“For a moment or two I couldn’t believe it happened. I looked around and thought did I just win it sort of thing then Brendan (Powell) came and patted me on the back and it then really started to hit me.
“It is a big day and the last three years haven’t been easy. I can’t thank them enough for supporting me as it has been a really tough time. I passed my driving test last Tuesday and I have ridden a few winners, so it is all going well.”
The victory also left triumphant trainer Tizzard, who won the race three times as a jockey aboard Lake Kariba (1998), Flagship Uberalles (1999) and Cue Card (2012), fighting back the tears in an emotional response to the win as Gingell is the son of his late sister Kim.
Tizzard said: “We said it after we left Ayr last year about going for the Haldon Gold Cup. I said he always needs his first run and that worked a treat. The race suited him today. We were a bit worried about the ground, but the trip and the track were perfect for him. It is emotional.
“That is as good a ride that I’ve seen Fred give a horse to be honest. I wanted to get him revved up to be positive on him. He is only 17 years old, but he asked him at every fence. It is lovely for Terry and his wife who have made it down as they don’t get to the races all the time.
“That’s why me and dad are a little bit emotional (because we are thinking of Kim), but he (Freddie) didn’t need a lot of help.
“Fred is part of the family so it is lovely. I’m proud of Fred. He is a 17-year-old boy and he is a 7lb claimer. He has got a great job with Paul (Nicholls), but we are trying to give him a chance in these bigger races.
“He is razor sharp and he is a good jockey. He gave him an absolute belter I thought. I’m chuffed to bits with him. He is riding with lots of confidence and that is what you need. He gave that a proper ride and I don’t think he could have ridden it any better. “
Gordon Elliott dominated on the first day of Down Royal’s big meeting, saddling six of the seven winners.
Elliott is currently leading the trainers’ championship, with jockeys’ title frontrunner Jack Kennedy enhancing his tally by riding four of the victors.
“I am lucky to be in the position I am in with the horses that I have and the staff, the owners and the jockeys,” said Elliott.
“It is not easy to do it (send out six winners on a card) – a brilliant day.”
The highlight was arguably Brighterdaysahead, who maintained her unbeaten record by winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle.
Stepped into Grade Three company after winning easily at Thurles on her debut, she was taking on much more experienced rivals.
However, she loomed up alongside Banntown Girl at the second last and while she needed to be driven out to win by four and three-quarter lengths, the 2-1 favourite will have learned plenty.
Elliott said: “It happened that quick for the first mile that she didn’t know what she was doing as they were going that fast but, once she got into her rhythm, he (Kennedy) said he was very happy with her.
“She has no experience, but she has a fair engine. She’s a proper mare and she still has a lot to learn, she is still very green. The rest of the field has two or three runs over hurdles, so I thought it was a good performance.
“No (need to go beyond two miles), but I’d say she will be better when she goes (further). I’d say she is a mare that could definitely step up in trip. She hasn’t put a foot wrong so far, so she is exciting.
“She is in the Royal Bond and obviously I will talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud) and see. She has got the pace for two miles.
“I think we will keep her in her own category (mares) at the moment.”
Irish Point (5-6 favourite) won the other feature race on the card for Elliott and Kennedy, the Bottlegreen Hurdle.
A Grade One winner at Aintree, he was giving lumps of weight to a smart mare in Magical Zoe but try as she might, she could not get by and went down by a length and three-quarters.
“We know he wants further, but he picked up and galloped. We are very happy with him,” said Elliott.
“He (Kennedy) was in the right spot and he kicked at the right time and made plenty of use of him.
“We didn’t want to make it, but we had to because there was nothing else to make it. I’d say we will definitely step him up in trip. He really stays.
“We will keep all options open, but it wouldn’t shock me if you saw him going three miles at some stage.”
The pair were also on the mark earlier on the card with Hunting Brook (5-4 favourite) in the Lough Construction Ltd. Handicap Hurdle, while Jordan Gainford took advantage of Kennedy’s fall in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle to win on stablemate Zefiro Dodville (12-1).
Found A Fifty made it five on the day for Elliott and four for Kennedy in the Eventco Marquees Ltd. Beginners Chase.
“He’s a good horse. He got very revved up last year and just blew his top, but Jack was delighted with the way he settled there,” said Elliott.
“I like the way he quickened as well down the straight, he quickened well.
“He’s in the Drinmore, but we’ll see where we go.”
Firefox (1-6 favourite) then landed the concluding Freixenet INH Flat Race under Harry Swan.
The only race to escape Elliott’s clutches was the Try Racing TV For Free Now At racingtv.com/freetrial Handicap Chase, in which he had three runners but went to Edward Cawley’s Dont Go Yet (18-1) who made all.
A week on from Big Evs conquering America, Mick Appleby is still coming to terms with the Breeders’ Cup achievement of his speedster.
The son of Blue Point was already inked in the history books at the trainer’s Rutland base having provided Appleby with a first Royal Ascot winner in the summer, but he went one step further in Santa Anita, blitzing America’s best with a devastating display to give the handler a maiden success at the highest level.
The jetlag may now be subsiding, but the memories and magnitude of what his stable star accomplished are still hitting home for the Barnsley-born trainer, who has worked his way up from humble beginnings.
“It was absolutely amazing, I still don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Appleby.
“All trainers would like Grade or Group One winners and going out to the Breeders’ Cup and getting our first one was something amazing, it was really special.
“I have to pinch myself and its hard to believe it has happened. It’s just been amazing and I’m still on cloud nine – it’s been like a dream.”
There were of course victories in California for the powerhouse operations of Godolphin, Juddmonte and Coolmore.
However, this was also the Breeders’ Cup where the lesser lights got their moment and the victory of Big Evs is testament to the hard work and ambition of a trainer who has served his time as all-weather champion and is eager to showcase his talent on the big stage.
His commitment to the cause has seen him treading a familiar beat around the all-weather circuit since returning from US, but he is proud to disprove the theory he is a one-trick trainer.
Appleby said: “We’ve always been pigeonholed as an all-weather trainer, but hopefully that disappears now and the world realises we are as good on grass, especially with two-year-olds, as we’ve never been renowned for having juveniles. But if you don’t have the ammunition, you can’t win with them.
“It’s hard work, it’s really hard work just keeping the horses sound, fit and injury free.
“I think its a great achievement and we’ve got a great team here – without the team it wouldn’t be possible. It’s great for everyone concerned. It means a lot to the whole yard.”
That hard work has seen the likes of Danzeno, Caspian Prince and Raasel pass through Appleby’s hands at his Langham training base, but he is in little doubt that his Breeders’ Cup champion is top of the class.
“He’s very quick and you have to very fast to go with him. He’s just speed,” said the Yorkshireman.
“He reminds me a lot of a horse we had called Caspian Prince, he would be the quickest horse I’ve ever had and won the Dash (at Epsom) a few times. He was lightning quick. I think Big Evs would definitely be up there with him.
“He was our first Group One winner so I would say he is (the best we have had). I’ve never seen a horse as quick as him, he’s absolute lightning.
“When we first started working Big Evs with the likes of Raasel and Annaf, we knew he was something special and really quick because none of the other two-year-olds could get anywhere near him.”
Like all underdog tales, this was a story that started with disappointment and in Big Evs’ case, defeat at Redcar on debut.
“We were gobsmacked he got beat, but it was the draw that beat him at Redcar and if you were on the stands side you had no chance whatsoever,” explained Appleby.
“He had to go right the way across the track to get to the leaders and if he had a better draw he would have won. We weren’t disappointed and he showed enough to convince us he was decent.”
He would go on to prove Appleby’s assessment of “decent” to be a slight underestimation when winning the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot on his second start, with a battling victory in the Goodwood mud soon to follow.
A chastising defeat when supplemented for the Nunthorpe is the sole blot on the Big Evs’ copybook, but he was soon back on form when demolishing the Flying Childers field at Doncaster.
“Obviously we had the blip in the Nunthorpe and we just had to put a line through that and then he bounced back so impressively at Doncaster,” continued Appleby.
“To be fair, I was umming and ahhing whether we should have gone to York, but the owner was very keen and it was his home track and a race he has always wanted to win.
“It was worth going for it and I think, in hindsight, Goodwood took a lot out of him on the heavy ground and was the contributing factor to him running poorly there. If he had another two weeks after Goodwood before the Nunthorpe, I think it might have been a different story all together.
“It was a relief he went to Doncaster and bounced back and I think that was his most impressive win. The time he did was staggering and after that we were definitely going to the Breeders’ Cup.”
There was little doubt in the Big Evs camp that their speedball would rise to the occasion, and when the bell rang and gates opened on the opening night of Breeders’ Cup action, he showed all of his champion qualities to cruise to victory in the hands of Tom Marquand.
Appleby said: “The good thing with him, he has good gate speed. He’s lighting out and straight into stride and gone.
“He was very good and especially first time around a bend. That was always going to be our concern whether he would be able to cope with a bend going as quick as he does.
“Tom gave him a brilliant ride and let him just find his feet round the bend and find the right leg. Once he got into the straight, he quickened away again. Tom said as soon as that one was closing on him, he had lots in the tank and went again. It was a great ride.”
Although there was Santa Anita glory for Appleby, there was disappointment for fellow Brit Adam West and both Big Evs and the Epsom handler’s Live In The Dream will return in 2024 attempting to lay claim to the title of the world’s fastest racehorse.
“There probably is someone faster somewhere and obviously some of the American horses are very quick, but I don’t know if there is any faster in this country,” continued the Langham handler.
“Live In The Dream is probably one that is quick. I would imagine we will be clashing at some point and that will be interesting.”
Next season will be top-level action all the way for Big Evs as Appleby searches for more famous victories on the big stage with his horse of a lifetime.
He added: “The good thing is Paul (Teasdale, owner) is not going to sell him. You get a lot of owners who when the offers come in would be snapping it up, but Paul has no intention of selling which is good for us.
“He’s already won his Group One and hopefully we will be aiming at all the Group races over five furlongs next year.
“We’ve just got to stay up there with him. We’re going to look forward to him next year, but obviously it will be a bit nervy as well about if he will train on, because you do always have that nagging thought in your mind. But I see no reason why he wouldn’t.”
Stay Away Fay made a winning debut over fences when taking the Betway ‘Future Stars’ Silver Bowl Novices’ Chase at Exeter.
The Paul Nicholls-trained bay won the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle last season, after which an eventual switch to chasing was immediately mentioned.
Exeter was his first outing over the larger obstacles and he started as the 5-6 favourite under Harry Cobden, with the race only attracting five runners and Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning seeming to be his main rival.
There were no concerns over the market leader’s jumping as he looked totally at ease over each of his fences, leading for much of the way before looking to falter slightly on the turn for home.
When passed by other horses he quickly rallied, however, and was able to reel in those before him when easing up to a length-and-three-quarter success.
Nicholls said: “He stays, he jumps and he gallops. He is classy and that is what you want. I’m thrilled with that.
“I was a bit worried all week as I thought he looked big and round and that he would improve for a run. You almost expect too much from these horses and you have got to have them ready to do that, but also have them ready to improve. There is lots to come from him.
“He absolutely winged the last and I thought from there he would stay on strong. Harry said he could have done with them coming to him a bit earlier as he was idling a little bit in front. It is a great start to the season for him and he is a really classy horse.
“I was fairly confident he would gallop all the way to the line. I just thought he might need the run, and he might still have done.”
Sandown’s Betfair Esher Novices’ Chase on December 8 is the next port of call on his way to the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Christmas
Nicholls said: “There is a new novice chase at the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown over three miles worth sixty odd thousand pounds, so he will go there then to Kempton Park and then we will give him a break. That is a good route here, Sandown then Kempton.”
As a result of the victory, Coral made the gelding a 10-1 chance from 12-1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and 10-1 from 14-1 for the National Hunt Chase, but the trainer only has the first-named contest in mind.
He added: “He will run in the three-miler at the Cheltenham Festival as he is too classy for the National Hunt Chase. He will run in that and you would like to think he will ultimately end up being a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse. That is what the owners dream of.
“It is a long way up that ladder put he has put his foot on the first step. I think there is a lot to come from him.”
Nicholls and Cobden enjoyed another promising triumph on the card as Insurrection made light work of the Betway Novices’ Hurdle at 11-4.
The six-year-old was a point-to-point winner who had just one bumper outing before a wind operation in readiness for his debut run over hurdles.
The market was focused on Joe Tizzard’s Diamond Ri, the evens favourite, but it was Insurrection who made all of the running and swept to an easy eight-and-a-half-length win.
Nicholls said: “We have won this race with some good horses and that was really good. We always thought a lot of him last season, but he was disappointing at Ffos Las (beaten bumper run), but that was because he was choking so we put that right and you wanted to see him do that well today.
“He has won a point-to-point over three miles, he obviously stays and he was fit, so the thing to do was bowl along in front. What I liked more than anything was that he sprinted from the back of the last.
“He has (taken me by surprise) a bit, but that is what novice hurdles are about as you get some that are disappointing and some that go well.
“He might be the sort of horse to go down the route Tahmuras did last season, by finding another race like this then go for what was the Tolworth Hurdle.”
Though his return to Trinidad and Tobago’s squad will be for a tough Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals encounter against United States, Malcolm Shaw is undaunted by the assignment.
In fact, the Canada-based striker says he is ready to put his best foot forward to ensure the Soca Warriors are competitive in the two-leg tie scheduled for November 16 in Austin, Texas, and November 20 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.
Shaw, 28, who made his debut for the twin island republic at the Concacaf Gold Cup, returns to competitive after missing the last two League A group games against Guatemala and Curacao due to an injury.
“It was unfortunate for me to miss out in the last two matches due to injury. I feel good, I'm glad to be back with the team to help contribute and fight in these two massive games against a big team,” Shaw told Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) media.
“This is going to be a massive challenge. The US are decorated with players who are in top leagues overseas. But football is won on the day, and we're going to come and fight,” he added.
Shaw, who featured in the Soca Warriors humiliating 0-6 loss to the United States, which knocked them out of the group stage at the Gold Cup, says the Warriors are up to the task ahead, especially with a spot in next year's Copa America tournament on the line.
He pointed out that the team's self-introspection is well underway, as he reflected on how the team bounced back from the Gold Cup disappointment.
They firs secured wins over Curacao and El Salvador in their opening Nations League A group matches. Shaw accounted for his first international goal for Trinidad and Tobago away to El Salvador with a well-taken penalty.
Despite the fact that Shaw missed the next two matches, the Angus Eve-coached Soca Warriors secured a spot in the Nations League A quarterfinals after a gritty come-from-behind 3-2 win over Guatemala, followed by a surprise 5-3 loss away to Curacao.
The Atletico Ottawa player is now back in the mix and will be aiming to prove his fitness to make Eve’s final squad which is expected to be announced on Sunday.
"We have to do a lot of film study to evaluate where we went wrong (in the Gold Cup game versus the US). Obviously, we don't want those breakdowns happening in the next two games. Again, I think that's what we will be doing for the next week or so with preparations,” Shaw noted.
Bryony Frost is eager to savour every moment as she reunites with Frodon in search of another famous victory in Wincanton’s Badger Beer Handicap Chase.
Paul Nicholls’ popular 11-year-old carried top-weight to victory in conjunction with his ever-loyal pilot 12 months ago and the duo will be looking to repeat the dose on Saturday afternoon when Frodon steps out for the first time in what will be his final season in training.
Frost envisages plenty of Frodon supporters making the trip to Wincanton as she dreams of another heroic afternoon aboard the horse that has hallmarked her riding career.
“At the end of the day he doesn’t owe anyone anything and you know for a fact going out there, he is going to give 110 per cent out on track,” said Frost.
“I can’t wait to experience the crowd, and last year was the same. We had people coming down from Newcastle and places like that just to come and see him and he had a lot of support.
“With this being his swansong year, I feel that people are going to come out to see Frodon regardless of what happens out on track and for me that is very special to be a part of, I’m very lucky.
“I remember the first time my name went alongside him, how excited and nervous I was all at the same time to get to ride Frodon, it was like ‘wow’. It’s the same feeling now and I don’t know how many times we have partnered each other (28), but we’ve been around the block with each other and it’s awesome.”
She went on: “The (2019) Ryanair was incredible but I could argue that the Champion Chase in Ireland (at Down Royal in 2021) really meant a lot.
“He turned the tables that day (on Minella Indo) and was as brave as I had ever had him and the way he defended the front for me. I get goosebumps talking about it as you rarely meet a character as brave as that – horse, human, whatever you like – in any walk of life.
“We’ve done it for so many years now and the partnership in itself is very special. His owner Mr Vogt is a great chap to ride for and he is pretty much symbolic now in the yard at Ditcheat. He is one of a kind and very special to a lot of people.”
The ground at Wincanton was described as good to firm when Frodon got on the scoresheet in 2022, but conditions are likely to be on the softer side this time around, with Frost keen to see as little rain as possible before the big race to boost her mount’s chances.
“He’s never liked it too testing,” continued Frost. “His main thing he likes to do is jump and when it gets heavy and testing and tacky, he doesn’t tend to jump out of it.
“He’s best on that good ground where he can really operate over his fences, that’s where he gets his biggest kicks from.”
She went on: “We’ve got a lot of weight on soft ground, which in tight handicaps is always something that will take its toll, but he doesn’t know his age at home and he’s in fantastic form.
“He’s in great shape and I schooled him in the middle of the week. He was his usual boisterous, enthusiastic self in the school and I just can’t wait to go out there and gallop and jump fences with him.”
The locally-based Nicholls has won four of the last six Badger Beer Chases and will also saddle Frodon’s stablemate Threeunderthrufive in search of his 12th victory in the race.
“He was frustrating last season but to be fair he struggled with his breathing in his races, so he had a wind op in the summer and seems in very good shape ahead of his return to action,” Nicholls told Betfair.
“Crucially he has won all five of his starts on right-handed tracks and he stays very well. The Badger Beer Chase looks a perfect stepping stone for him ahead of the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and he might well be the one to beat at Wincanton.”
Joe Tizzard is another nearby handler aiming for success in the track’s feature event, where The Big Breakaway attempts to leave some disappointing outings in the spring in the past and return to the form that saw him finish second in the Welsh National last Christmas.
He said: “His first couple of runs at Haydock and in the Coral Welsh National were cracking runs, but he didn’t run great at Cheltenham and then he was unlucky at Aintree, he just got knocked over at the second through no fault of his own.
“We think it is a nice place to start at Wincanton and he will have his ground and we think it is a nice place to start before we head to the Becher Chase.”
Gesskille will bid to go one better than last year when he lines up in the BoyleSports Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday.
There were areas of water on the Grand National track, but the team in Liverpool worked hard to make the course raceable and the race survived a Friday morning inspection.
Gesskille, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, was second by just a nose last season and has run twice more around the Grand National fences since – including when second in the Becher next time out.
He is therefore fairly well established around the track and is also proven in the testing conditions likely at Aintree, with his seasonal debut taking place on similar ground when he won a Listed race at Auteuil in September.
“He’s in flying form, he looks fantastic,” said Greenall.
“We’ve kept him fresh since Auteuil, he’s probably never had such testing ground but hopefully he’ll cope with it.
“I wouldn’t say he’d particularly want or need ground this heavy, but he should be able to get through it all right.”
Stuart Coltherd’s Cooper’s Cross took a good handicap prize last season when landing the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster and was then an unfortunate faller when making his debut over the fences in the Topham in April.
He bounced back to finish second behind Kitty’s Light in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April, proving his stamina over four miles in a fine performance.
The Grand National is the ultimate aim for the term and although the Sefton is a stepping stone en-route, it is also a target in itself for co-owner Jimmy Fyffe – who won the race with Endless Power in 2008.
“Cooper’s Cross will be aimed at the Grand National if we can get him up to a rating to get into the race, but the Grand Sefton has been his early-season target from day one. I think he has got a great chance at the weekend,” he said.
“I like the Grand Sefton and I won it in 2008 with Endless Power. I try to aim horses at the race every year.
“He was going great in the Topham. Ryan (Mania), who was riding him, said he basically got brought down. He felt like he had loads of horse underneath him and we were gutted with that.
“We went for the Scottish National over four miles after the Topham and he ran a great race in that up at Ayr. We actually thought he was going to win it jumping the second last coming on the wide outside.
“He is a good jumper, and we know he gets those long distances, so he is an ideal horse to go for the Grand National. If we get him up to the ideal rating, then he will definitely go there.
“He has been schooling well and he will like the ground at Aintree, so we are quite hopeful for this weekend. He is a nice horse and we are quite excited about him this season.”
Brighterdaysahead enhanced her already tall reputation as she maintained her unbeaten record by winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal on a day dominated by Gordon Elliott.
Stepped into Grade Three company after winning easily at Thurles on her debut, she was taking on much more experienced rivals.
Jack Kennedy was keen to give his mount room at her hurdles after she had shown a tendency to jump right at Thurles but bar a couple of minor mistakes, she was much better on this occasion.
She loomed up alongside Banntown Girl at the second last and while she needed to be driven out to win by four and three-quarter lengths, the 2-1 favourite will have learned plenty.
Elliott said: “It happened that quick for the first mile that she didn’t know what she was doing as they were going that fast but, once she got into her rhythm, he (Kennedy) said he was very happy with her.
“She has no experience, but she has a fair engine. She’s a proper mare and she still has a lot to learn, she is still very green. The rest of the field has two or three runs over hurdles, so I thought it was a good performance.
“No (need to go beyond two miles), but I’d say she will be better when she goes (further). I’d say she is a mare that could definitely step up in trip. She hasn’t put a foot wrong so far, so she is exciting.
“She is in the Royal Bond and obviously I will talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud) and see. She has got the pace for two miles.
“I think we will keep her in her own category (mares) at the moment.”
Irish Point (5-6 favourite) won the other feature race on the card for Elliott and Kennedy, the Bottlegreen Hurdle.
A Grade One winner at Aintree, he was giving lumps of weight to a smart mare in Magical Zoe but try as she might, she could not get by and went down by a length and three-quarters.
“We know he wants further, but he picked up and galloped. We are very happy with him,” said Elliott.
“He (Kennedy) was in the right spot and he kicked at the right time and made plenty of use of him.
“We didn’t want to make it, but we had to because there was nothing else to make it. I’d say we will definitely step him up in trip. He really stays.
“We will keep all options open, but it wouldn’t shock me if you saw him going three miles at some stage.”
The pair were also on the mark earlier on the card with Hunting Brook (5-4 favourite) in the Lough Construction Ltd. Handicap Hurdle, while Jordan Gainford took advantage of Kennedy’s fall in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle to win on stablemate Zefiro Dodville (12-1).
Found A Fifty made it five on the day for Elliott and four for Kennedy in the Eventco Marquees Ltd. Beginners Chase.
It is a definite case of quality over quantity for the rearranged Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Gordon Elliott has not shied away from running two of his stable stars, with Gerri Colombe and Conflated both part of the line up.
Gerri Colombe has been defeated only once in his career, suffering a narrow loss to The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham in March but he has passed every other test – including a seven-and-a-half-length success in the Mildmay at Aintree.
He makes his return for the campaign at Down Royal and Elliott is happy with how he has fared since he was last seen.
“It’s his first run of the season. He didn’t do much wrong last year, he went from strength to strength,” the trainer said.
“He looks strong, he’s in good form, he’s not a good work horse and doesn’t do anything very flash but he’s a typical big, staying chaser. He’s in good form and we’re happy with him.”
Conflated, a nine-year-old gelding owned by Gigginstown House Stud, also enjoyed Grade One success last term when taking the Savills Chase at Leopardstown before finishing third behind Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
His first effort this season was a beaten run at Punchestown in October but Elliott expects him to come on for that experience.
“Conflated was a Grade One winner last year. He’ll have come on from Punchestown and we’re really looking forward to running him,” Elliott told Down Royal.
“He needed it badly. He’d been a little bit delayed after a setback and we said we’d give him a run to get him fit and you’ll see an awful lot of improvement in him.”
Henry de Bromhead will field the other two runners in Envoi Allen and Minella Indo, the latter of whom has already hit the ground running when winning the Punchestown race in which Conflated was last of five.
Last year’s winner Envoi Allen has also had a start this term, but his was not a winning one as he finished third in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park in late September.
Richard Thompson of owners Cheveley Park Stud said: “He was a bit disappointing last time out, a bit rusty.
“He has those days, but I’m told he’s in great form and he obviously won this race last year.
“He’s won eight Grade Ones now, he’s a three-time Cheltenham winner and has been fantastic for us.”
De Bromhead added: “Envoi Allen is in great form so we’re hoping for a good run. We were disappointed obviously not to win at Gowran but the form has been franked (with runner-up Gentlemansgame winning the Charlie Hall Chase).
“With hindsight it was a good run and he will definitely improve fitness-wise.”
Minella Indo’s Punchestown victory was just his second since winning the 2021 Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
“Minella Indo was brilliant the last day and will also hopefully improve from his recent run. He was pretty good in Punchestown, we’re happy and hopefully he will also give a good account of himself,” said his trainer.
“He only had a couple of runs last season and the Gold Cup was obviously disappointing, but the day at Tramore was incredible.”
Charlie Appleby’s Local Dynasty heads the market on his all-weather debut in the relocated Virgin Bet November Handicap.
The contest usually brings the curtain down on the turf Flat season at Doncaster, but persistent rain has left Town Moor saturated with areas of pooled water forcing a switch.
Newcastle have therefore stepped in to host the event on their all-weather track, changing the complexion of the race somewhat as entrants were likely expecting soft ground when they factored this contest into their plans.
Godolphin’s Local Dynasty heads the betting, a son of Dubawi trained by Appleby who was a Listed winner last season but is without a win this campaign, though he has been running in hot company.
The three-year-old has since been gelded and makes his first start after the procedure, with the run also his first away from the turf in his seven outings to date.
Appleby said: “Local Dynasty is a solid horse and we feel that conditions at Newcastle are there to suit.
“He ran well in two big handicaps at Royal Ascot and Newmarket earlier in the season and should be a player over this trip.”
Julie Camacho’s Beraz is also unfamiliar with the Tapeta but has figured well for his stable in four starts since leaving behind a brief hurdles career with Dan Skelton.
The winner of two Flat handicaps and second in another, Beraz seems to be on the up and the switch to Newcastle has permitted his participation as he would not have been a runner at Doncaster.
Camacho’s husband and assistant Steve Brown said: “We would not have run Beraz on heavy ground but, once the race was switched to the all-weather, we were keen to have a go.
“We are happy with where he is at the moment. He has improved all year and shown himself to be a horse with a fair level of ability.
“We have been trying to progress quietly with him and Saturday will be a bigger test. It looks a very competitive race, as you would expect, but I think we are on for a big run.”
Also running is Edward Bethell’s Chillingham, a four-year-old last seen finishing fourth in the Silver Bell at Hamilton and the runner up in the Ripon Bell-Ringer before that.
Andrew Balding has a contender in the top-weight Teumessias Fox, King Power Racing’s Lope De Vega four-year-old who has collected prize money at Group level and was most recently seen partaking in the Racing League.
George Boughey and Amo Racing are represented by Mr Alan, fifth in the turf running of this race last year and competitive in autumn handicaps this year.
William Haggas runs Laafi, Harry Eustace has entered Mustazeed and Richard Fahey will saddle Furzig, with Jim Goldie’s popular veteran Euchen Glen also running.
Connections are keen to take advantage of a chance change of plan with Hansard, who will bid for JenningsBet Elite Hurdle glory at Wincanton on Saturday.
The able five-year-old has won two of his four starts for Gary Moore and bounced back from a disappointing outing when sent off favourite for the Dovecote at Kempton with a creditable fourth in the Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in the spring.
Owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates, he was being aimed at Cheltenham’s Greatwood Hurdle later this month, but having seen his intended prep race on the Flat at Nottingham washed out, there has been a change of heart and Hansard will now head to Wincanton for his seasonal return.
Fehily said: “We were gearing up to run him on the Flat with the plan of going for the Greatwood, but then we didn’t get the chance to run him on the Flat and this race presented itself, so we thought this may be a better starting point. We’re rolling the dice here and we’ll see how we get on.
“He’s a horse we like and he’s only had four runs over hurdles. He’s won two and was obviously fourth in the Grade One at Liverpool. He’s a nice horse and hopefully he can progress a little bit this season and we can have some fun with him.”
There is a maximum field of five for a race won last year by Paul Nicholls’ Knappers Hill and the champion trainer is set to be well represented once again by Rubaud.
The mount of Harry Cobden arrives having won his last three starts and impressed at Kempton on reappearance, with his handler hoping to tee up a shot at Constitution Hill at the Sunbury track on Boxing Day.
“An improving young horse with a bright future, he has plenty in his favour after a classy success at Kempton on his seasonal debut in a Listed event last month when he gave weight to all his rivals,” Nicholls told Betfair.
“He continues to work stylishly at home and is at his best going right-handed on a flat track like Wincanton. I’ve left off the hood he has worn on his last three starts because he doesn’t need it any more.
“The ground should be fine for Rubaud who has a first-rate chance and could well be taking on Constitution Hill at Kempton over Christmas.”
Knappers Hill himself has a fine chance of scoring at the meeting for the second year running when he lines up in the Boodles “Rising Stars” Novices’ Chase.
Although only second on his chasing bow at Chepstow, he is by far the classiest operator in the field for the Grade Two event and is fancied better than his initial outing over the larger obstacles.
Nicholls continued: “He’s a classy horse, has won 10 of his 17 starts, and jumped nicely when second on his chasing debut at Chepstow.
“That was a pleasing start, he has come on bundles since then and has strong claims in this.
“I remember Silviniaco Conti getting beaten in the same Chepstow race before winning the Rising Stars at Wincanton.”
The unbeaten Doyen Star and highly-regarded Givega will make their fencing bows in opposition, while Irish raider Captain Conby impressed at Killarney in the summer before bumping into Willie Mullins’ Sharjah in a Grade Three at Tipperary.
It will be trainer Eamon ‘Dusty’ Sheehy’s first runner at Wincanton and he said: “It’s probably a stronger race than I thought it might have turned out to be, but I’m looking forward to running him and we will see where he fits in the pecking order.
“He jumps his fences good and I do believe he has improved a little bit from his Tipperary run. We’re hoping for the best.”
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
