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Racing News |
| Friday 24th October 2014 | |
Simply Ned to Return to Cheltenham for The Open
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David and Nicky Robinson's Simply Ned has made some positive progress in the lead up to one of the biggest events on the horse racing calendar.
The Open will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse between Friday 14th and Sunday 16th November, and Simply Ned's owners have confirmed he is on course to race at the prestigious meeting.
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This time last year, Simply Ned suffered after falling on the first fence at his chasing debut in Carlisle. However, things have turned around for Simply Ned in the last year, and under the guidance of trainer Nicky Richards, he managed to win twice as a novice and finish the season in second place amongst Grade One company at Aintree.
Now, it looks like there are more victories on the horizon for the seven-year-old Chestnut Gelding. Richards said: “He couldn't have had a much better start to the year. We were very happy with him and he should come on nicely for the run. All being well, he'll go to Cheltenham next for the Shloer Chase and we'll see how he gets on there.”
Simply Ned's speedy progress has made him an outside chance favourite with Coral, and after an impressive performance in the Scottish Borders recently, the Shloer Chase could just be the perfect race to demonstrate his potential.
The eagerly anticipated Open will return mid November with three days of exciting meetings suitable for all the family. Kicking off with Countryside Day on the Friday, one of the most popular days of the season will feature a 'country fair' atmosphere, with a range of displays covering equine and country activities. The day will begin with terrier racing in the paddock followed by six high quality races including the iconic Glenfarclas Cross twisting course.
Day 2 will feature decades-old BetVictor Gold Cup, which has skyrocketed in popularity since its humble beginnings in 1960. Keen visitors will remember the exciting 2012 test, in which Al Ferof emerged victorious and gave champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first win in the colours of John Hales.
The event will culminate in Day 3, The Open Sunday, which will offer an exciting six-race card that is perfect for families. As the only day in the racing calendar which takes place on a Sunday at Cheltenham, this is certainly not one to miss for guests who can only make one day of the festival. Folks will gather from far and wide to witness the 2m hurdle race, giving newcomer racing stars the chance to shine.
Tickets and hospitality packages for The Open can be purchased at the Cheltenham Racecourse website.
