188Bet Old Roan Chase |
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| Limited Handicap, Aintree 15:50 £65,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 3f 200y, Class 1  |
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| Sunday 23rd October 2016 | |
1 Third Intention 5/1
2 God's Own 4/1
3 Vibrato Valtat 9/1
7 ran Distances: 1¾l, 2½l, nk
TIME 4m 50.40s (slow by 2.40s)
Colin Tizzard's seasoned chaser Third Intention claimed a long overdue big-race success in the 188Bet Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase and the Hennessy Gold Cup is now a potential target.
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While undoubtedly a fine servant for connections over the years, the nine-year-old has found success hard to come by, with the last of his three previous chase triumphs coming in February of last year.
A total of 16 placed efforts from 28 starts over fences prior to his latest assignment on Aintree is both admirable and frustrating, but he enjoyed his day in the sun on Merseyside under a terrific ride from Aidan Coleman.
Making his first appearance since April, the 5-1 shot looked a little ring-rusty early on, but gradually warmed to his task.
He was still towards the rear of the seven-strong field turning for home, but mowed down Vibrato Valtat on the run to the final fence and a bold leap sealed his victory.
Dual Grade One winner God's Own was doing his best work at the finish and came through to beat Vibrato Valtat to the runner-up spot, beaten a length and three-quarters.
Tizzard said: "I think he's the only juvenile hurdle winner I've ever had.
"He's been a lovely horse for us and I'm delighted for him he's gone and won a lovely race like the Old Roan.
"We've not been sure about what trip he wants and he's been cross-country racing and also run over the Grand National fences.
"He has had his wind done over the summer and that might just have helped him. People have been a bit cruel about him in the past, but he hit the front today and never looked like stopping.
"He'll definitely get an entry in the Hennessy on Tuesday. Flat, left-handed tracks suit him and that might be his next race."
Tizzard also confirmed he hopes to take the wraps off Thistlecrack for his eagerly-awaited debut over fences at Chepstow on Tuesday.
He added: "He's ready to run, hopefully the ground will be fine and we'll see what happens."
188Bet Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase (Limited Handicap)
£65,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 3f 200y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
| Pos | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Third Intention (IRE) 5/1 | Aidan Coleman 10-7 |
C L Tizzard | 9 | |
| 2nd | 1¾ | God's Own (IRE) 4/1 | A P Heskin 11-9 |
T R George | 8 |
| 3rd | 2½ | Vibrato Valtat (FR) 9/1 | Nick Scholfield 11-3 |
P F Nicholls | 7 |
| 4th | nk | Smad Place (FR) 13/2 | Wayne Hutchinson 11-10 |
A King | 9 |
| 5th | 3½ | Royal Regatta (IRE) 13/2 | R Johnson 10-7 |
P J Hobbs | 8 |
| 6th | 6 | Three Musketeers (IRE) 7/4f | Harry Skelton 10-9 |
D Skelton | 6 |
| 7th | 5 | Sire De Grugy (FR) 20/1 | J E Moore 11-9 |
G L Moore | 10 |
