In an electrifying start to the CWI T20 Blaze at Warner Park in St Kitts on Sunday, Leeward Islands Women and Guyana Women emerged victorious in their respective matches.
In a thrilling encounter, Leeward Islands Women clinched a hard-fought 12-run victory over Barbados Women, propelled by a stellar performance from Reniece Boyce. Boyce's impressive half-century, scoring 67 runs from just 52 balls, guided Leeward Islands to a total of 139-7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Naijanni Cumberbatch delivered an outstanding performance with the ball, ending with figures of 4-9 from her four overs.
Despite a valiant effort from Barbados Women, with Kycia Knight contributing 37 runs and Kyshona Knight remaining unbeaten on 50, their endeavours fell short as they were restricted to 127-5. Rozel Liburd led the bowling attack for Leeward Islands, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs.
In the second match of the day, Guyana Women cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago Women.
Trinidad and Tobago struggled with the bat, managing only 66 runs before being bowled out in 18.3 overs. Plaffiana Millington was the star for Guyana, returning remarkable figures of 4-5 from 3.3 overs. Shunelle Shaw was the top scorer for Trinidad and Tobago with 15 runs.
In the chase, Guyana Women displayed dominance as they reached the target with ease, scoring 67-3 in just 11 overs. Shabika Gjnabi led the charge with an unbeaten 24, supported by Shemaine Campbell, who contributed 19 runs.
Adamantly Chosen may have bumped himself up a few Grand National shortlists with a decisive victory at Down Royal.
Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old came into the Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase having not hit the frame this season so far, and under Sean O’Keeffe he was a 3-1 chance in a field of five.
He has solid form further back on his record, however, and was second to both Mighty Potter and Gerri Colombe as a novice in two Grade One events last season.
Stepping up in trip to three and a quarter miles for the first time, the test of stamina seemed to suit him and he was comfortably the best on the day when recording a 14-length success over Roi Mage, with stablemate Classic Getaway a further six and a half lengths behind in third.
Adamantly Chosen has been halved from 66-1 to 33-1 for the Grand National with Coral and is currently 35th on the list – meaning he only requires one horse to come out for him to make the cut under the newly-introduced field size rule.
O’Keeffe expects him to be happier on quicker spring ground, and said after the triumph: “It was a good performance. I think the horse enjoyed maybe going a gear slower than he had been in the good handicaps. He got into a nice rhythm.
“We went a nice enough even gallop and, in fairness, I knew my lad had a bit of speed. I was kind of riding him for that, but I think he has shown that he stays today.
“When we got up to the third-last, he came alive again under me on the nicer ground. Hopefully into the spring on nicer ground, he will be better again.”
Lucinda Russell now has her sights set firmly on another Grand National for her “remarkable horse” and Gold Cup third Corach Rambler.
The gelding was a 14-1 chance for the Cheltenham Festival feature contest, which was intended to be his final run before a trip to Aintree to bid to retain the National title he landed last year.
Under Derek Fox, he raced in last place for much of the trip and at one stage looked detached, but as stamina came to the fore in soft ground, he eventually began to pick off his rivals.
Over the last three fences, he gained considerable ground and gave chase to the horses ahead of him, and although he could catch neither Galopin Des Champs nor Gerri Colombe, he was still an incredibly gallant bronze medalist.
The run could serve as the perfect preparation for a return to Liverpool, where he will attempt to keep the trophy in Kinross after a two-and-quarter-length success last season.
“I was absolutely delighted with him and I think he’s quite pleased with himself, all roads lead to Aintree now,” said Russell.
“I’m immensely proud of him and everyone who has gotten him there, he’s just a remarkable horse.
“I was very, very touched by the way the crowd cheered when he came in, I thought they were cheering for the winner but then I realised the winner hadn’t come in yet – it was actually quite emotional.
“That was one of his best runs and he’ll go for the race (Grand National) off a good mark now.”
Corach Rambler will have a few days to rest before he steps back into his usual routine as he is prepared for the big day on Merseyside in just under four weeks’ time.
“It’s the same as we do for all of them, we give them a nice easy time at the farm and then get them a bit wound up,” explained Russell.
“We’ve already worked out how many pieces of work he’ll have, he just gets back into his routine.”
Venetia Williams is unsure whether Gold Cup fourth L’Homme Presse will run again this season after picking up a cut at Cheltenham.
The nine-year-old put in a creditable effort at the Festival, racing prominently from the outset and hitting the front four out under Charlie Deutsch.
He was still at the head of affairs turning for home before being joined by Galopin Des Champs and Gerri Colombe at the penultimate fence.
That pair went past L’Homme Presse between the final two obstacles and Grand National favourite Corach Rambler stayed on strongly for third.
Williams was still proud of her charge, telling Sky Sports Racing: “Charlie said that was the most holding ground he’s ever ridden him on, but you’ve got to be happy with the run.”
However, she revealed: “He’s just got a bit of a nasty wound on a hind leg that got struck into, so he’s got 12 staples in that. Hopefully, that will mend fairly quickly.”
Asked if L’Homme Presse would now miss the rest of the season, Williams replied: “I don’t know, but I’m not certain whether Aintree is the place for him anyway.”
The nine-year-old has been hampered by injuries since winning the 2022 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and only had two runs last term, winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle before unseating Deutsch when set to finish second in the King George.
He made a belated return to action this season, impressing in beating subsequent Ryanair Chase victor Protektorat in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield in January.
Pic D’Orhy then proved too sharp for L’Homme Presse in the Ascot Chase over an inadequate trip, but his Gold Cup effort showed he can still mix it with the very best.
Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow is none the worse for his unsupervised trip around Cheltenham and will now take aim at Punchestown.
The eight-year-old started at 8-1 under J J Slevin with some eyecatching form to his name, including a second-placed finish in the Ultima behind subsequent Grand National winner Corach Rambler 12 months ago.
From there he headed to the Punchestown Gold Cup and notably defeated both Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame, the 2023 Gold Cup first and second.
That form held when he returned to action this season as his debut came in the John Durkan at Punchestown, where he beat Galopin Des Champs again as Willie Mullins’ stable star could only come home in third.
The two horses did switch roles next time out, however, with Fastorslow the runner-up in the Irish Gold Cup as Galopin Des Champs returned to winning ways and staked his claim on a Cheltenham repeat.
As such Galopin Des Champs was a well-justified 10-11 shot on Friday and eventually prevailed by three and a half lengths, whereas Fastorslow met with misfortune at the 16th obstacle and parted ways with Slevin.
Horse and rider were unharmed and Fastorslow’s herd instincts kept him amongst the field right until the end, as he crossed the line in second place without his rider having briefly threatened to interfere with the progress of the winner.
Brassil reports him to show no ill effects for the jaunt and he will now be aimed at a repeat of last season’s Punchestown success.
“He’s fine, he’s come out of it well,” the trainer said,
“The race hadn’t really developed (when he unseated at 16th).
“He’ll go to Punchestown all being well.”
Olympic champion Max Whitlock took pommel horse gold at the British Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool on Sunday.
The 31-year-old, who returned to action last year after retaining his Olympic pommel horse title in Tokyo in 2021, won with a score of 15.250 at the M&S Bank Arena.
Whitlock is building up to what would be his fourth Games this summer in Paris, and he said: “It feels good. It feels good to be back.
“Since after Tokyo it’s been a bit of a roller coaster for me with a year out of the sport, coming back in, and it’s crazy that we’re in the Olympic year now.
“So 2024 has really started…and I’m really pleased with that.”
In a stunning display of speed and athleticism, Oblique Seville left spectators in awe at Velocity Fest 14 held at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday. Celebrating his 23rd birthday, Seville delivered an extraordinary performance, clocking a world-leading time of 20.17 in the 200m, hinting at his potential podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games this summer.
Seville's remarkable feat marks a significant improvement in his speed and strength, demonstrated by his previous 400m clocking of 47.44 at the Camperdown Classics on February 10. Surpassing his own lifetime best of 20.86 set in 2019, Seville's record-breaking run solidifies his status as a top contender on the global stage.
Not to be outdone, Roshawn Clarke and Shamar Horatio also delivered exceptional performances, with Clarke achieving a lifetime best of 20.69 to secure second place, and Horatio setting a new personal best of 20.83 for third place in Seville's final.
Acknowledging the talent on display, Ackeem Blake showcased his prowess by clinching victory in his 200m final with a lifetime best of 20.45. Wendell Miller followed closely behind with a personal best of 20.61, while Paul Henry secured third place with a season's best time of 20.96.
Among the standout performers was Great Britain's Zharnel Hughes, who triumphed in his final with a swift time of 20.40. Rusheen McDonald and Demish Gaye followed suit with impressive times of 20.59 and 20.65, respectively.
In the women's races, Sada Williams continued her stellar form by winning her final in an impressive time of 22.70, following her national Barbados record of 22.59 set at the GC Foster Classic last week. Roneisha McGregor secured second place with a season-best time of 23.55, while Tina Clayton finished third in 23.73.
Tia Clayton, twin sister of Tina, showcased her speed in the 100m final, clocking a new lifetime best of 11.12. Remona Burchell followed closely behind with a time of 11.36, while Krystal Sloley recorded a season-best of 11.42 for third place.
Jura Levy continued her upward trajectory with a new season's best time of 11.43, further solidifying her position among Jamaica's top sprinters.
In other events, Malik James-King impressed in the 400m, securing victory with a season's best time of 45.59.
Traves Smikle continued his dominance in the discus with a winning throw of 65.96m, followed by Fedrick Dacres with a season-best performance of 64.80m, and Chad Wright with a throw of 62.42m for third place.
As the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) stands on the brink of potentially pivotal elections for its presidency, Raymond Anderson, a current vice president of the JFF and challenger to incumbent Michael Ricketts, has made a groundbreaking announcement. Anderson revealed that he has secured sponsorship amounting to JMD$49 million dollars, which will enable a JFF under his leadership to pay monthly salaries of JMD$300,000 to general secretaries and parish presidents.
Anderson's move is seen as a significant step towards professionalizing football administration at the parish level. In response to inquiries about the timing and authenticity of the sponsorship, Anderson dismissed any notion of election gimmicks, stating that he has seen the cheque for the first month's salary, signed and ready to be handed over to the new JFF administration.
Addressing concerns about the sponsorship's origin, Anderson disclosed that the businessman behind the sponsorship hails from rural Jamaica and is involved in a non-traditional emerging sector. Emphasizing the need for inclusivity beyond Kingston, Anderson's marketing team has been engaging businesses across the island.
The timing of the sponsorship, Anderson explained, was influenced by recent controversies surrounding the voters' list and the denial of access to delegate names. He expressed confidence in his campaign's progress, noting his outreach to prospective delegates from clubs and parishes previously aligned with Ricketts.
The vision shared by Anderson and the sponsor encompasses professionalizing parish football associations, with designated opening hours and a general secretary operating on a flexible 40-hour work week. Monthly reporting requirements and the promotion of both men's and women's football at various age groups are also integral to their plan. Anderson envisions a future where football administrators can proudly identify their profession and present their pay slip with confidence, reflecting a new era of professionalism within Jamaican football administration.
As the JFF elections loom, Anderson's sponsorship announcement signals a potential shift towards greater accountability and professionalism within the federation, setting the stage for transformative change in Jamaican football.
Jamaica Scorpions registered their second win of the West Indies Championship campaign, as they downed West Indies Academy by two wickets on Saturday’s final day of their intriguing four-day encounter at Sabina Park.
Chasing 234 runs for victory, after they bowled out the academy team moments before scheduled close of play on Friday, the Scorpions were found wanting at 89-5 at lunch, with West Indies Test batsman Kirk McKenzie (47) and former captain Jermaine Blackwood (27) the only players to offer little resistance at that point.
However, captain Brandon King and Abhijai Mansingh staged a recovery mission to push the Scorpions to 176-6 at tea. Both batsmen were watchful in their respective knocks, as King topscored with 65 from 127 balls, including five boundaries, while Mansingh also had five boundaries in his 132-ball 42.
With less than 50 runs to get after that solid partnership was broken, Derval Green with an unbeaten 20 and Jeavor Royal, unbeaten on 18, completed the victory shortly before close.
The academy team’s pair of left-arm finger spinners Joshua Bishop and Ashmead Nedd ended with 4-79 and 3-95, respectively.
With the win, the Scorpions moved to 50.2 points in third behind Windward Islands Volcanoes (66.4 points) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (64.2 points).
Barbados Pride (48.2 points), Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (47.2 points) and Guyana Harpy Eagles (46.2 points), come next, while West Indies Academy (30.8 points) and Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners (20.8 points), at the foot of the standings.
Scores: West Indies Academy 324 (Joshua Dorne 83, Jordan Johnson 61, Kadeem Alleyne 52, Joshua James 36, Rashawn Worrell 25, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 24; Ojay Shields 3-38, Derval Green 3-48, Abhijai Mansingh 2-69) and 281 (Carlton Bowen-Tuckett 53, Kadeem Alleyne 52, Joshua James 36, Ashmead Nedd 30, Jordan Johnson 26, Johann Layne 22 not out, Nyeem Young 21; Abhijai Mansingh 4-70, Peat Salmon 3-55)
Jamaica Scorpions 372 (Peat Salmon 81, Brandon King 77, Leroy Lugg 64, Derval Green 35, Carlos Brown 33, Kirk McKenzie 29; Joshua Bishop 33.2-7-96-6, Kadeem Alleyne 2-29) and 236 for eight (Brandon King 65, Kirk McKenzie 47, Abhijai Mansingh 42, Jermaine Blackwood 27, Derval Green 20 not out; Joshua Bishop 4-79, Ashmead Nedd 3-95).
Meanwhile, Leeward Islands Hurricanes were also victorious, as they defeated Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners by three wickets at Frank Worrell Field in Trinidad and Tobago.
Scores: Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners 273 (Amari Goodridge 75, Sadique Henry 73, Romario Greaves 58, Yannick Ottley 24; Daniel Doram 4-37, Jeremiah Louis 3-54, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-86) and 301 (Yannic Ottley 99, Odain McCatty 37, Sadique Henry 32, Zishan Motara 30, Roshon Primus 23; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-62, Jeremiah Louis 3-59).
Leeward Islands Hurricanes 259 (Kieran Powell 114, Jeremiah Louis 31, Justin Greaves 29, Rahkeem Cornwall 22, Jahmar Hamilton 21; Romario Greaves 19.2-1-63-5, Zishan Motara 2-14, Jediah Blades 2-50) and 319 for seven (Keacy Carty 61, Justin Greaves 61, Rahkeem Cornwall 42 not out, Jeremiah Louis 30, Jahmar Hamilton 28; Jediah Blades 3-50, Zishan Motara 3-71).
Well-played unbeaten half-centuries from captain Joshua Da Silva and Jyd Goolie, propelled Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a six-wicket victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes on Saturday’s final day of their fourth round West Indies Championships contest at Queen’s Park Oval.
Having seized control of the four-day encounter from day one, the Red Force, through a series of solid all-round batting and bowling performances, wrapped up proceedings and condemned the Volcanoes to their first loss of the season.
Resuming at 10-2 in search of another 176 runs for victory, Red Force lost night watchman Bryan Charles for four, and veteran batsman Jason Mohammed for 14, which left them in a spot of bother.
However, Goolie, who resumed from an overnight score of two, was watchful throughout in his unbeaten 90 off 212 balls, which includes nine fours. He led a decent fifth-wicket partnership with Da Silva to put Red Force on the cusp of victory, before retiring hurt.
From there, West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Da Silva pushed on in an unbeaten 96-ball 53, including six fours, to get his team across the line. Tion Webster, who made an unbeaten 107 in the first innings, only had a small role to play on this occasion, as he ended unbeaten on one run from four balls.
Four Volcanoes bowlers shared the wickets.
Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 191 (Alick Athanaze 56, Sunil Ambris 35, Kavem Hodge 28, Tevyn Walcott 28; Anderson Phillip 13-4-37-5, Khary Pierre 3-21, Jayden Seales 2-48) and 288 (Sunil Ambris 71, Jeremy Solozano 70, Shamar Springer 40, Ryan John 34, Alick Athanaze 28; Jayden Seales 3-45, Anderson Phillip 2-65, Khary Pierre 2-67, Bryan Charles 2-67).
Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 294 (Tion Webster 107 not out, Jason Mohammed 56, Vikash Mohan 52, Kjorn Ottley 47; Kenneth Dember 22-2-63-5, Shamar Springer 3-76) and 186 for four (Jyd Goolie 90 retired hurt, Joshua Da Silva 53 not out).
Meanwhile, Guyana Harpy Eagles registered their second win of the campaign, as they better a gritty Barbados Pride by 32 runs in their contest at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 436 (Veerasammy Permaul 90, Kevlon Anderson 87, Kevin Sinclair 72, Tevin Imlach 55, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 40, Gudakesh Motie 37, Matthew Nandu 28; Kemar Roach 2-52, Jason Holder 2-52, Jomel Warrican 2-98) and 136 for eight declared (Kevlon Anderson 33, Kevin Sinclair 25, Veerasammy Permaul 24, Kemol Savory 22 not out, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 20; Jomel Warrican 3-32, Jair McAllister 2-21, Chemar Holder 2-40).
Barbados Pride 230 (Jonathan Drakes 101, Shane Dowrich 41; Nial Smith 3-54, Isai Thorne 2-37, Gudakesh Motie 2-38) and 309 all out (Zachary McCaskie 87, Jason Holder 76, Jomel Warrican 40 not out, Shane Dowrich 26, Kraigg Brathwaite 23; Niall Smith 4-87, Veerasammy Permaul 3-66, Gudakesh Motie 3-71).
Raising an elite athlete is a financial challenge. That is something Jamaica’s swim parents know more than most, as they are stuck with the age-old burden of footing the cost to have their children represent the country.
Aside from occasional assistance from the ministry of sport and the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica’s (ASAJ), which covers a percentage of funding to some regional meets, or even when reimbursements are to come from World Aquatics, formerly FINA, for participation at some international meets, the task of covering travel expenses often leaves parents on edge to the point where they have to choose and refuse invitations to certain events.
The idea of not competing at certain events also takes a toll on the athletes, who at different levels of their respective careers, would be eager to rub shoulders with others from across the region or elsewhere around the world as part of their development.
In fact, while all swimmers at their respective levels are talented and focused, the hard truth is that it is those with the superior training and resources –hefty financial resources –who pull away from the pack.
It is with this in mind that Annelies Denny has reiterated the call for corporate Jamaica to partner with the ASAJ and parents to ensure that the country’s next Olympian doesn’t get left behind.
Denny, who will serve as Jamaica’s team manager to the Carifta Aquatics Championships, made the appeal as parents stare down a $400,000 budget to have their child participate at this year’s 37th edition of the event in The Bahamas from March 28 to April 7.
“We know swimming is not track and field as yet. We don't have that breakout star. Alia Atkinson has now retired and so I understand that corporate Jamaica may feel where is your Olympic medal or where is your world championship medal. I do understand that, but we would really welcome the opportunity to partner with you,” Denny said in a heartfelt plea.
“Some of these kids really have the potential to not just go to the Olympics or World Championship, but to actually do really well at the (age-group) level. But it's going to take a corporation to partner with us to make that happen. What you find is because they start competing at this young age group level, what happens is by the time the swimmers are physically matured and are ready to take it to that next level, the parents are kind of all tapped out because we bear the bulk of the cost,” she told SportsMax.TV.
While declaring that parents are happy to make the financial sacrifices in certain regards, it is during the build up to, and for participation at regional and international competitions that they require assistance to offset expenses.
Denny explained that partnering with the ASAJ also presents the opportunity for exposure to the company’s brand.
“Obviously, there's a lot of nutrition to think about, there's healthcare as well as your coaching fees. A technical suit which they have to race in, it can run up to US$500 or US$600, including the goggles, equipment, all of those things. So we bear those costs on a daily and ongoing basis. It is when it comes down to competitions where you're representing your country, you're looking for that partnership because these are age group swimmers,” Denny noted.
She continued: “So after a while it becomes a great burden, and you just can't do it anymore. And so, this is where we really need some partnerships because I think there's a lot of opportunity not just for the swimmers to do well, but also to, there's opportunity for branding and publicity that is unrivaled.
“When I think of the swimmers' deck T-shirts, those that they wear on the deck or the track suits, every time they're on the podium, you see the brand. It's a source of pride for them to wear the team T-shirt and bag and if a company’s brand is on those, it means their brand is being seen several times a week by hundreds of people all the time. So that’s one avenue and we're really ramping up our social media presence so there's a lot of opportunity there and I would just love for somebody to call and say they are on board.”
That said, Denny pointed out that the parent body under the guidance of the ASAJ’s sponsorship committee used initiatives, such as a bake sale to raise funds, which is a mere drop in the bucket when the overall figure of the team is taken into account.
Still, she remains cautiously optimistic that all members of the 28-strong team, will make the trip to assist the country in surpassing its fourth-place finish from last year’s event.
This year’s event, which serves as an Olympic qualifier, will also feature an 18 and over category to assist those swimmers hunting the Olympic qualifying standards.
“It is a strong team and so we're looking forward to some very strong performances from them. So, if there's anybody in corporate Jamaica who would like to get on board with this team and give them a hand, please don't hesitate to contact us,” Denny declared.
“We earned some money from the bake sale, and we’ve asked all of our swimmers on the Carifta team to go out and beg their school friends, auntie and uncle or teacher to just give a donation pledge for the number of laps they're going to swim at the event. This is to again help us collectively reduce the cost and we're still waiting to hear back from the Sports Development Foundation, so hopefully we'll get a decent amount from them as well,” she ended.
Teams: Girls -Kai Lawson, Kia Alert, Alexandria Cogle, Jessica Denniston, Skyelar Richards, Alyssa Jefferson, Imani-Leigh Hall, Leah Chin, Christanya Shirley, Carolyn Levy-Powell, Giani Francis, Leanna Wainwright, Sabrina Lyn, Aliyah Heaven, Lia Forrester
Boys -Noah Parker, Arush Rochlani, Matthew Heaven, Matthew Kennedy, Kai Radcliffe, Noah Barrett, Noland Barrett, Adlai Nixon, Nelson Denny, Brady Lewison, Zack-Andre Johnson, Benjamin Davis, Malcolm McKenzie
Officials: Annelies Denny (Manager), Kafia Rapley (Coach), Adolfo Morales Claro (Coach), Lemone Lowe (Assistant coach), Carleene Grant-Davis (Doctor), Anthony Miller (Physiotherapist), Michelle Parker (Chaperone)
Shannon Royal denied Summerville Boy a repeat victory in the End Of The Season Hurdle at Thurles.
Now a 12-year-old, Summerville Boy won the 2018 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when trained by Tom George before switching to the care of Henry de Bromhead during a 420-day break in his career.
He ended a lengthy losing streak when taking this contest last year and was sent off the 8-13 favourite to repeat the trick after chasing home Monkfish on his most recent outing.
Summerville Boy had plenty of ground to make up on Shannon Royal jumping the last though, with Jack Kennedy having gained a seemingly decisive advantage aboard the Gordon Elliott-trained runner.
However, Shannon Royal’s stride began to shorten on the run to the line, allowing Summerville Boy to get within a neck of him at the line.
Despite the narrow margin of victory, Kennedy felt he his mount was always doing enough.
He said: “He has plenty of ability but he has his own ideas about things. He’s done it well enough but was fairly idle in front.
“He jumped the last well and was always going to hold on. He stays well and a bit of company is a help on him.”
Answering (11-10 favourite) landed the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, with 4-1 shot Something Abouther prevailing in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.
Lilian Bland (9-1) landed a first win under rules in the Well Done To Our Irish Cheltenham Winners Handicap Chase, the same feat Cloudy Fountain (15-2) completed in the Leugh Handicap Hurdle.
Below The Radar could soon become a household name after enhancing his unbeaten record in the bet365 “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Uttoxeter.
Paul Nicholls’ six-year-old was picked up for €60,000 after two seconds in the pointing field, but he is yet to taste defeat under rules, supplementing a bumper victory at Chepstow with his second win over timber at the Staffordshire track on Saturday.
Sent off a 3-1 shot in the hands of Freddie Gingell, his proven stamina came to the fore in the testing ground, as even some untidy jumping was unable to stop him notching up a game two-length success.
“He had to be very tough and his jumping wasn’t quite there but he has done it easy enough in the end,” Gingell told Sky Sports Racing.
“He won a nice bumper at Chepstow and then went to Hereford and won a novice hurdle there and the form of that has turned out good.
“He’s won nicely here today and he’s a lovely horse. He probably isn’t the quickest in the world, he has just the one pace, and I think the ground probably suited him.”
There was a shock in the bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase as Jonjo O’Neill’s Regal Blue put his best foot forward to score at 16-1.
Owned by one of O’Neill’s chief backers in Martin Tedham, the mount of Nick Schofield has proven rather hit or miss this season, but was on a going day as he relished testing conditions.
“He loved that ground and unraceable really suits him,” said O’Neill.
“He jumped away grand, Nick gave him a good spin and it all went well for a change.
“He’s really ground dependant and if he doesn’t like it, he just says ‘thank you very much, I have had enough’ – he’s a bit of a character, just like his owner!
“I thought he might have been beat at the last and in fairness to him, he battled away to the line and was going away again. I don’t think it is the trip that bothers him, it’s just the ground that is more important.”
Also relishing the heavy going was Gary Moore’s Jupiter Du Gite, who opened his fences account at the second attempt in the bet365 Handicap Chase.
A runner in graded company as a juvenile hurdler, the five-year-old was second on his chasing bow at Hereford in January and produced a fine round of jumping to oblige at odds of 11-2.
“He’s a tricky character but when things go right, he’s a very talented horse.” said jockey Niall Houlihan.
“I’m delighted for Alan Jamieson (owner), he’s had a few seconds and thirds recently, but to get Jupiter’s head in front will mean a lot to him.
“He’s a half-brother to Editeur Du Gite and he has lots of scope, but he still has to learn. At three out he was very brave but he was always going to get away with it.
“It was a pleasurable round of jumping and he got into a great rhythm and when it all works out for him, he’s a very talented horse.”
In a week when Irish trainers dominated proceedings at Cheltenham, it was no surprise to see the concluding bet365 Open National Hunt Flat Race go the way of John McConnell’s raider Lieutenant Mayne, with the 7-2 shot romping to a four-length success in the hands of Ben Harvey.
Dan Skelton will be giving it his all to win the trainers’ championship after adding to his brilliant Cheltenham Festival with winners at both Uttoxeter and Kempton on Saturday.
Fresh from being the standout British trainer in the Cotswolds, when saddling a career-best four winners over the four days, he edged ahead of Paul Nicholls in the trainers’ standings when keeping the ball rolling across the cards on Saturday.
However, he is predicting a tough battle to end his former Ditcheat boss’ stranglehold on the trophy and is hoping he has the right horses in reserve to run at the latter end of the season.
“I will give it a good go to win it and Paul will give it a good go to defend it and it will have to be worked for,” said Skelton.
“I will give it a go, but what I won’t be doing is running horses unnecessarily. Horses like the bumper horse, Royal Infantry, it’s correct for him to finish his season now, so I won’t be asking horses it is inappropriate to do so to come out. However, those that are, will.”
Skelton saddled a double at Uttoxeter thanks to the victories of Santos Blue and Gwennie May Boy, while Boombawn made a successful return from 302 days off the track in Kempton’s Read Nicky Henderson’s Exclusive Unibet Blog Handicap Hurdle.
The progressive seven-year-old was once again showing his love for Kempton having struck in Listed company at the Sunbury track in October 2022 and after travelling with real enthusiasm in the hands of Harry Skelton, the 13-2 chance dug deep to hold off the rallying Titan Discovery at the finish.
He told Racing TV: “We had him ready for the Silver Trophy at Chepstow in the autumn, but it was an unusually wet autumn and then we had him ready two weeks later for somewhere that went soft or heavy and in the end I just sent him home to one of his owners, Sarah Faulks, and she just gave him a week off at home and freshened him up.
“We got him back around Christmas time and he’s just been aching for this bit better ground. I know it’s not officially good today, but it’s a lot better (than it has been) and he’s entitled to be progressive – what you saw at Aintree (on his last start) showed you he was going in the right direction.
“He will have Aintree, Ayr and Sandown on the last day of the season on his agenda and we might even consider going over fences with him, depending on the time of year and if there are any races we can get him in.
“If it got to May and he was beyond the rating ceiling to get into a novice chase, we could even take him to France.”
Meanwhile, Skelton is hopeful his quartet of Festival winners will be a part of his arsenal for his title challenge after providing a positive update on their wellbeing.
“They are all really good. Langer Dan just has a little infection in a leg and all the other winners are good. Langer Dan is fine by the way, it is just something that is mentionable,” Skelton added.
“Grey Dawning will probably run (again) at three miles, Protektorat will have the option of two (races) and I would love to step Langer Dan up to Grade One company. Unexpected Party will have a heap of entries and we will see what’s best.”
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