SSS Super Alloys Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase
Class 1, Cheltenham 14:20 £52,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 7f 199y
Tweet Friday 17th November 2023

1 Homme Public 13/2
2 Petit Tonnerre 9/2
3 Mighty Tom 9/4
4 ran Distances: 2l, 8½l
Time: 4m 4.93s (slow by 12.93s)

Final fence drama 😲

JPR One falls at the last and it's Homme Public who picks up the pieces to win in the SSS Super Alloys Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase. pic.twitter.com/b3efQwRDA7

— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 17, 2023

Homme Public secured Henry Brooke's first victory at Cheltenham, although the win came with a stroke of luck.

JPR One, the favorite, led the way with Brendan Powell setting a rapid pace throughout the race. Approaching the turn for home down the hill, it seemed JPR One might have pushed too hard, allowing the other three contenders, including Homme Public, to close in.

Brendan Powell, strategically saving energy on Joe Tizzard’s six-year-old, swiftly pulled ahead again, seemingly sealing the race. Clearing the second last hurdle impressively, JPR One appeared a solid contender for Arkle glory. However, the final hurdle at Cheltenham proved challenging, as JPR One landed too steeply, giving Powell no chance to recover.

In an unexpected turn, Homme Public, initially destined for second place, found himself in the lead. Despite a formidable challenge from Petit Tonnerre, Homme Public held on to win by a margin of two lengths.

Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who recently triumphed in the Grand Sefton, Homme Public showcased nimble footwork and adaptability.

Henry Brooke commented on the race, acknowledging Brendan Powell's misfortune and expressing gratitude for their safety. He praised Homme Public as a willing partner and hoped for continued success on significant occasions. Reflecting on the team's progress and the horse's improvement, Brooke acknowledged the challenging ground conditions but highlighted Homme Public's agility.

Oliver Greenall, the horse's trainer, credited Homme Public's improvement since transitioning to fences and suggested a preference for better ground:

“Henry gave him a nice ride and he’s been fantastic. He comes in once a week and is a good member of the team. He’s had his injuries in the past but he rides really well.

“He will have to step out of handicap company now, but we will see what Henry says. I think he will be better on better ground. We always thought he would want further last year, but I think we will just stick to two miles for now.

“We entered him today just to have a look and we thought there might be some more highly-rated horses in it.

“We’ll just see how we go and Josh does a lot of the race planning etc, so he will have a look and we will discuss it.”

Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase
£52,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 7f 199y, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Good to Soft, Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1     Homme Public 6 11-4 Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Henry Brooke 13/2
2 2 Petit Tonnerre 5 11-4 Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr 9/2
3 8½ Mighty Tom 8 11-4 Cian Collins Danny Gilligan 9/4
FELL JPR One 6 11-4 Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell 6/5F