BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Chase |
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| Grade 2, Exeter 14:25 £100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 1f 109y, Class 1  |
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1 JPR One 11/4
2
Djelo 7/4F
3
Sans Bruit 11/2
5 ran NR: Heltenham Distances: ¾l, 8l, 10l
Time: 4m 13.24s (slow by 8.24s)
An impressive chasing performance by JPR One in the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase under a confident ride from Brendan Powell for the Joe Tizzard yard! 🥇@TizzardRacing | @BetMGMUK pic.twitter.com/QzjEZzLzae
— Exeter Racecourse (@ExeterRaces) November 8, 2024
Joe Tizzard was overcome with emotion as JPR One solidified his status as a stable star by securing his most significant career victory so far.
Having claimed the Grade Two prize last year with Elixir de Nutz, Tizzard saw the coveted trophy stay in his grasp after a flawless jumping display by the Court Cave gelding, landing the £100,000 feature.
Positioned off the early pace set by Sans Bruit, the 11-4 chance was always travelling comfortably under Brendan Powell. As the race intensified entering the home straight, JPR One, Sans Bruit, and Djelo battled it out, with Etalon falling behind.
A magnificent leap at the second last saw JPR One, who won his hurdles debut at this track in 2021, take command. Despite a late challenge from Djelo, JPR One found more in the tank, crossing the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead.
Tizzard shared his thoughts: “We had a lovely prep, and it was always the plan to come here. Brendan said to me he would ride him like the best horse in the race, and he did just that. There was pressure, but my horses have been flying, and he is my best. I’m a bit emotional. I believe he can go on to bigger things. He’s been gorgeous all his life, though we had a couple of disappointments. He’s a really good horse, my future, and could reach the top.”
Looking ahead, JPR One may step up to Grade One company for a tilt at the Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown Park on December 7th. Tizzard added, “He will have an entry in the Tingle Creek. Today was our main focus. He’s won over two and a half miles over hurdles, but we don’t need to think about that just yet.”
Owner John Romans was equally thrilled, believing JPR One could be the best horse he has ever owned. Romans said, “He didn’t miss a beat and jumped every fence perfectly. He was unlucky at Cheltenham last season, but better things are ahead. He loves good ground, and we’ll look after him. I’d like to think he could be the best one I’ve had. Joe is doing fantastic, and it’s great for him and his team.”
While trainer Venetia Williams was pleased with Djelo’s effort, she felt he could have finished closer to the winner if he had met the last fence better. Williams remarked, “He just had a bit of bad luck meeting the last one on an awkward stride. The winner was always cantering, but I’m pleased as he ran a super race and galloped all the way to the line. They are both novices from last season, suggesting they could be a good bunch.”
BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Chase
(Limited Handicap)
£100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 1f 109y, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Good
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 JPR One 7 11-12 Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell 11/4
2 ¾ Djelo 6 11-10 Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 7/4F
3 8 Sans Bruit 6 11-2 Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost 11/2
4 10 Scarface 7 10-9 Joe Tizzard Harry Cobden 15/2
5 10 Etalon 7 11-4 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 7/2
NR 3 Heltenham 7 11-5 Dan Skelton NON RUNNER
