Ryanair World Hurdle |
|
| Grade 1, Cheltenham 15:30 £300,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 7f 213y, Class 1  |
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| Thursday 17th March 2016 | |
1 Thistlecrack Evs
2 Alpha Des Obeaux 8-1
3 Bobs Worth 33/1
NR: Un Temps Pour Tout (IRE)
12 ran Distances: 7l, 22l, 1¾l
TIME 5m 42.60s (slow by 1.60s)
A scintillating performance from Thistlecrack who demolishes his rivals in the World Hurdle
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Thistlecrack produced a remarkable performance when running away with a strongly-run renewal of the Ryanair World Hurdle at Cheltenham this afternoon.
The even money favourite was always travelling powerfully under jockey Tom Scudamore and was still on the bridle turning for home, having seen off every one of his rivals bar Alpha Des Obeaux, who was being asked for his effort as the pair hit the home straight.
However, he had no answer to Thistlecrack's power as the winner surged clear on the run to the last and he powered clear up the hill to record an effortless seven length victory.
Trainer Colin Tizzard was wreathed in smiles following the race.
"Thistlecrack has been like that all season and it is lovely to get him here in the same form," said the trainer.
"He is huge but was not always like that. John and Heather (Snook - owners) have been very patient with him and he has grown into himself the last 12 months. He has gone from a very nice horse to a superstar.
"There has been pressure last three weeks. Every day is another one ticked off. You have to do the work with the horses - you can't just trot them around the roads - and every day is pressure."
Joe Tizzard, Colin's son and assistant trainer, was almost speechless immediately after the race.
"He's brilliant isn't he? Absolutely brilliant," said Tizzard junior.
"He was always in the right place and travelled well. It's unbelievable. I'm a bit shell-shocked actually. It's horrible though - I don't like watching to be honest.
"I never used to get this nervous when I was riding. It's different when you're not in control though. There was no moment when I was anxious though - he was brilliant."
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
£300,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 7f 213y, Class 1
12 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
| Pos | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Thistlecrack Evsf | T Scudamore 11-10 |
C L Tizzard | 8 | |
| 2nd | 7 | Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 8/1 | B J Cooper 11-10 |
M F Morris | 6 |
| 3rd | 22 | Bobs Worth (IRE) 33/1 | D Bass 11-10 |
N J Henderson | 11 |
| 4th | 1¾ | Cole Harden (IRE) 15/2 | G Sheehan 11-10 |
W Greatrex | 7 |
| 5th | 9 | Aux Ptits Soins (FR) 16/1 | Nick Scholfield 11-10 |
P F Nicholls | 6 |
| 6th | 4½ | Saphir Du Rheu (FR) 11/1 | Sam Twiston-Davies 11-10 |
P F Nicholls | 7 |
| 7th | ¾ | Martello Tower (IRE) 14/1 | A P Heskin 11-10 |
Ms M Mullins | 8 |
| 8th | ¾ | Whisper (FR) 9/1 | Nico de Boinville 11-10 |
N J Henderson | 8 |
| PU | At Fishers Cross (IRE) 33/1 | B J Geraghty 11-10 |
Miss R Curtis | 9 | |
| PU | Kilcooley (IRE) 20/1 | R Johnson 11-10 |
C E Longsdon | 7 | |
| PU | Knockara Beau (IRE) 100/1 | L Treadwell 11-10 |
G A Charlton | 13 | |
| PU | Lieutenant Colonel 33/1 | D N Russell 11-10 |
Ms Sandra Hughes | 7 | |
| NR | Un Temps Pour Tout (IRE) 33/1 | Non Runner 11-10 |
D Pipe | 7 |
ALPHA CANNOT BEATA THISTLECRACK
Two horses proved utterly dominant from the home turn, yet Thistlecrack found more power than runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux.
The Mouse Morris-trained Alpha Des Obeaux came home seven lengths behind the winner, yet was 22 lengths clear of third-placed Bobs Worth, the 11-year-old former Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who started at 33/1 and ran another terrific race. Last year's winner, Cole Harden, had to settle for fourth.
Morris said of his 8/1 shot: "The winner is a hell of a machine, and I've no excuses. My fellow had a super ride [from Bryan Cooper], jumped well and ran his heart out. We'll certainly consider running him at Aintree or Punchestown."
Malcolm Kimmins, a joint-owner in Bobs Worth, said: "It might have been his last race, but who knows? We made no pre-race plan, because Nicky (Henderson) knew he had him so well and the ground has come right for him. He hasn't let us down."
David Bass, who rode Bobs Worth, said: "It was a privilege to ride him - he just loves galloping up that hill and ran a blinder. The two in front are very good, but he's beaten last year's winner. Nicky has proved this week that he can get an older horse back."
Warren Greatrex, the trainer of Cole Harden, said: "He ran his heart out, but the ground was perhaps a bit slower than last year. Gavin [Sheehan] said he felt great, but couldn't get away from them. He was passed late on for third, but I can't knock my horse. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes chasing next year - he's schooled over fences a couple of times."
Gavin Sheehan, who rode fourth Cole Harden, said: "I'm not disappointed - he ran a cracker and there were good horses in front of me. We'll have another go at Aintree, and who knows on quicker ground. It was a step in the right direction."
WORLD HURDLE PAST RESULTS
2015-COLE HARDEN 6-11-10 Owner-Jill & Robin Eynon; Trainer-Warren Greatrex; Jockey-Gavin Sheehan; SP-14/1
2ND-Saphir Du Rheu 6-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Sam Twiston-Davies; SP-5/1 Fav
3RD-Zarkandar 8-11-10 Owner-Chris Giles & Potensis Bloodstock Ltd; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-6/1
16 ran, Time-5m 40.70s; Dist-3¼, 3¼
2014-MORE OF THAT 6-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-15/2
2ND-Annie Power 6-11-03 Owner-Susannah Ricci; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-11/8 Fav
3RD-At Fishers Cross 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Rebecca Curtis; Jockey-A P McCoy; SP-9/1
10 ran, Time-5m 49.50s; Dist-1½, 5
2013-WINNER-SOLWHIT 9-11-10 Owner-Top Of The Hill Syndicate; Trainer-Charles Byrnes IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-17/2
2ND-Celestial Halo 9-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Daryl Jacob; SP-40/1
3RD-Smad Place 6-11-10 Owner-Mrs Peter Andrews Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Wayne Hutchinson; SP-9/1
13 ran, Time-6m 24.94s; Dist-2½, 3 9/4 Fav Oscar Whisky (PU)
2012-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 9-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP- 5/6F
2ND-Voler La Vedette 8-11-03 Owner-Mrs M Brophy; Trainer-Colm Murphy IRE; Jockey-Andrew Lynch; SP-20/1
3RD-Smad Place 5-11-10 Owner-Mrs Peter Andrews; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1
11 ran, Time-5m 44.20s; Dist-1¾, 7
2011-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 8-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP- 10/11F
2ND-Grands Crus 6-11-10 Owner-Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III; Trainer-David Pipe; Jockey-Tom Scudamore; SP-7/2 3RD-Mourad 6-11-10 Owner Teahon Consulting Limited; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Townend; SP-8/1
13 ran, Time-5m 50.80s; Dist-13⁄4, 23⁄4
2010-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 7-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nichols; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-5/6 Fav
2ND-Time For Rupert 6-11-10 Owner-Littlecote Racing Partnership; Trainer-Paul Webber; Jockey-Will Kennedy; SP-16/1
3RD-Powerstation 10-11-10 Owner-Fat Frog Syndicate; Trainer-Eamon O’Connell IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-33/1
14 ran, Time-5m 49.40s; Dist-3.25, 11
2009-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 6-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-6/1
2ND-Punchestowns 6-11-10 Owner-Judy Wilson; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-100/30
3RD-Powerstation 9-11-10 Owner-Fat Frog Syndicate; Trainer-Eamon O’Connell IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-25/1
14 ran, Time 5m 57.00s; Dist 1.75, 17 10/11 Fav Kasbah Bliss (4th)
2008-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 9-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Denis O’Regan; SP-11/8 Fav
2ND-Kasbah Bliss 6-11-10 Owner-Henri De Pracomtal; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Christophe Pieux; SP-9/1
3RD-Kazal 7-11-10 Owner- Joseph Comerford; Trainer-Eoin Griffin IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-12/1
17 ran, Time-5m 52.90s; Dist-1, 7
2007-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 8-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham
Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-5/1
2ND-Mighty Man 7-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard
Johnson; SP-100/30
3RD-Blazing Bailey 5-11-10 Owner-Three Line Whip; Trainer-Alan King;
Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
14 ran, Time-5m 46.50s; Dist-3/4, 4 2/1 Fav Black Jack Ketchum (Fell)
2006-WINNER-MY WAY DE SOLZEN 6-11-10 Owner-B Winfield,
A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert
Thornton; SP-8/1
2ND-Golden Cross 7-11-10 Owner-P Johnson; Trainer-Michael Halford IRE;
Jockey-Johnny Murtagh; SP-5/1
3RD-Mighty Man 6-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard
Johnson; SP-4/1 Fav
20 ran, Time-5m 38.40s; Dist-hd, 4
2005-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 6-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham
Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-5/1
2ND-Baracouda 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR;
Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-6/5 Fav
3RD-Rule Supreme 9-11-10 Owner-John Fallon; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE;
Jockey-David Casey; SP-4/1
12 ran, Time-5m 48.40s; Dist-3, 3/4
2004-WINNER-IRIS’S GIFT 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo
O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-9/2
2ND-Baracouda 9-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR;
Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-8/11 Fav
3RD-Crystal D’Ainay 5-11-10 Owner-Tony & Jeni Fisher; Trainer-Alan
King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 49.80s; Dist-1½, 13
2003-WINNER-BARACOUDA 8-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen
FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
2ND-Iris’s Gift 6-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill;
Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/1
3RD-Limestone Lad 11-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE;
Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
11 ran, Time-5m 41.25s; Dist- 3/4, 5
2002-WINNER-BARACOUDA 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen
FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-13/8 Fav
2ND-Bannow Bay 7-11-10 Owner-Linda Shanahan and Sue Magnier; Trainer-Christy
Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1
3RD-It Takes Time 8-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony
McCoy; SP-12/1
16 ran, Time-6m 01.70s; Dist-nk, 13
2001 Cancelled
2000-WINNER-BACCHANAL 6-11-10 Owner-Lady Lloyd-Webber; Trainer-Nicky
Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
2ND-Limestone Lad 8-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE; Jockey-Shane
McGovern; SP-3/1
3RD-Behrajan 5-11-10 Owner-The Behrajan Partnership; Trainer-Henry Daly;
Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 36.60s; Dist-1, 3 5/2 Fav Lady Rebecca (6th)
1999-WINNER-ANZUM 8-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David
Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
2ND-Le Coudray 5-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien
IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1 Jt-Fav
3RD-Lady Rebecca 7-11-05 Owner-Kinnersley Optimists; Trainer-Venetia
Williams; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-3/1
12 ran, Time-5m 51.7s; Dist-nk, 2½ 2/1 Jt-Fav Deano’s Beeno
(9th)
1998-WINNER-PRINCEFUL 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman;
Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-16/1
2ND-Splendid Thyne 6-11-10 Owner-John Glavanoni; Trainer-Terry Casey;
Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-10/1
3RD-Ocean Hawk 6-11-10; Owner-Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel
Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-5/1 9 ran, Time-5m 45.9s; Dist-2,
4 6/4 Fav Paddy’s Return (5th)
1997-WINNER-KARSHI 7-11-10 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-Henrietta Knight;
Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-20/12ND-Anzum 6-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters
Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
3RD-Paddy’s Return 5-11-10 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy
Murphy; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-20/1
17 ran, Time-5m 43.9s, Dist-2½, 2 9/2 Fav Escartefigue (5th)
1996-WINNER-CYBORGO 6-11-10 Owner-County Stores (Somerset) Ltd; Trainer-Martin
Pipe; Jockey-David Bridgwater; SP-8/1
2ND-Mysilv 6-11-05 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Charlie Egerton;
Jockey-Jimmy McCarthy; SP-16/1
3RD-What A Question 8-11-05 Owner-Joy Valentine; Trainer-Mouse Morris
IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-33/1
19 ran, Time-5m 47.3s, Dist-3/4, 10 4/1 Fav Derrymoyle (4th)
LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(Ladbrokes World Hurdle from 2005, bonusprint.com
Stayers’ Hurdle
2004, Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle 1991-2003, Waterford Crystal Stayers’ Hurdle
1978-90, Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1972-77)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
1995 Dorans Pride 6-11-10 Shane Broderick Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doran
11/4F 11
1994 Balasani 8-11-10 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Mark Smith 9/2JF 14
1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh7-11-05 Charlie Swan Paddy Kiely IRE Mrs Paddy Kiely
20/1 12
1992 Nomadic Way 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Barry Hills Robert Sangster 15/2
17
1991 King’s Curate 7-11-10 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor C J Ells 5/2F
15
1990 Trapper John 6-11-10 Charlie Swan Mouse Morris IRE Jill Fanning
15/2 22
1989 Rustle 7-11-10 Michael Bowlby Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen
4/1 21
1988 Galmoy 9-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell
2/1F 16
1987 Galmoy 8-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell
9/2 14
1986 Crimson Embers 11-11-10 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart
12/1 19
1985 Rose Ravine 6-11-05 Ricky Pusey Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 5/1F 22
1984 Gaye Chance 9-11-10 Sam Morshead Mercy Rimell Mary Curtis 5/1 14
1983 A Kinsman 7-11-12 Geordie Dun John Brockbank Mrs John Brockbank
50/1 21
1982 Crimson Embers 7-11-12 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart
2/1F 11
1981 Derring Rose 6-11-12 John Francome Fred Winter Peter Savill 3/1
14
1980 Mountrivers 6-11-12 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE B Burser
7/1 19
1979 Lighter 6-11-12 Philip Blacker John Edwards G Smith 14/1 14
1978 Flame Gun 6-11-12 Mr Niall Madden Edward O’Grady IRE Mary
Kenny 14/1 13
1977 Town Ship 6-11-12 Tommy Carberry Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 5/2
11
1976 Bit Of A Jig 8-11-12 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs Mick
O’Toole 2/1F 12
1975 Brown Lad 9-11-12 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Mrs Peter Burrell
7/4F 12
1974 Highland Abbe 8-11-12 Richard Smith Les Kennard Mrs K Hankey 15/2
15
1973 Moyne Royal 8-11-12 David Mould Arthur Pitt E Cook 10/1 8
1972 Parlour Moor 8-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Charlotte Monckton
13/2 11
