Colin Parker Memorial Chase
Listed, Carlisle 14:30
£30,000 guaranteed,
4yo plus,
2m 4f, Class 1   
Sunday 5th November 2023

FormRatings

1 Thunder Rock 11/8F
2 Mahler Mission 3/1
3 Bill Baxter 4/1
4 ran NR: Beauport , Monbeg Genius
Distances: 3½l, 10l Time: 5m 19.38s

The seven-year-old Thunder Rock had shown significant progress during his inaugural season over fences, clinching victories in his first two outings and delivering commendable performances in graded races.

His previous struggle to stay the distance during the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival was countered by a near-miss at Ayr, where he came within half a length of victory when reverting to a more comfortable two and a half miles. The intermediate distance proved to be well-suited for him as he embarked on his seasonal comeback.

Although Thunder Rock momentarily seemed a touch outpaced when approaching the third last fence at the bottom of the home straight, jockey Sean Bowen guided him back into contention swiftly. By the time they approached the final fence, Thunder Rock had firmly asserted his dominance in the race.

The duo navigated the last obstacle flawlessly and galloped to a convincing victory, securing a three and a half-length lead over the gallant Mahler Mission. Notably, this race has seen the likes of Many Clouds and Imperial Aura emerge victorious in recent seasons, adding to Thunder Rock's impressive feat.

Trainers Quotes

Winning trainer Olly Murphy said: "He's a horse with a big engine. I came here thinking that if he didn't win he would probably go back over hurdles. He is not the most robust horse in the world but he's got a big heart and he wants it - and when a horse wants it you're three-quarters of the way there.

"I discussed the Coral Gold Cup with Max but I thought a 20-runner handicap probably wouldn't be for him just yet.

"He was rated 146 and I imagine he'll be the guts of 150 after today so he's a horse that probably wants to step up into open graded company. There's a 2m4f Grade Two at Ascot over Christmas and he could go for something like that and see how we go.

“It's very early to be talking about the Ryanair (Chase, at The Cheltenham Festival) but this is the first step up the ladder and he'll keep chasing for the time being. He's a gritty horse and I'd love to have another 10 like him because he has a fantastic attitude."

Bowen added: “"I missed three out but on the whole his jumping was very good and the minute I gave him a squeeze from the back of three out, I was back on it. I never really had a moment's worry.

“He jumped really well and straight off. He winged the first and we were straight into a rhythm. I wouldn't see any issue with fences and that is definitely his trip for now.”

Thunder Rock won in the familiar colours of Max McNeill, who owns the son of Shirocco in partnership with Ian Dale.

McNeill said: “It was a bit of a cup final for him today in terms of where do we go.

“You’re standing at the station; could we go left or right. Could we stick over hurdles if he didn’t run well today or were we going to keep over fences.

“He missed the third last a bit, but I think on that performance he’s going to have to stay over fences. He’s an exciting prospect, he really is.”

Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase
£30,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Thunder Rock 7 11-4 Olly Murphy Sean Bowen 11/8F
2 3½ Mahler Mission 7 11-4 John C McConnell Ben Harvey 3/1
3 10 Bill Baxter 7 11-8 Warren Greatrex James Bowen 4/1
PU Bass Rock 7 11-4 Sandy Thomson Ryan Mania 4/1
NR Monbeg Genius 7 11-4 Jonjo O'Neill NON RUNNER
NR Beauport 7 11-8 Nigel Twiston-Davies NON RUNNER