Cheltenham 2005

2005 running order

2005 results

3.15pm QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

Class A, Grade One, £250,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 6lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £145,000; 2nd: £55,000; 3rd: £27,500; 4th: £12,500; 5th: £6,250; 6th: £3,750

1) MOSCOW FLYER (Brian Kearney) Jessica Harrington IRE 11-11-10 Barry Geraghty 6/4 Fav

2) WELL CHIEF (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-10 Timmy Murphy 7/2

3) AZERTYUIOP (John & Lisa Hales) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Ruby Walsh 2/1

4) ONEWAY (Mark Rimell) Mark Rimell 8-11-10 Graham Lee

5) KADARANN (Notalottery) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Paddy Brennan

6) CENTRAL HOUSE (John Kenny) Dessie Hughes IRE b1 8-11-10 Paul Carberry

7) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Martin Pipe t10-11-10 Jamie Moore

PU BEF 9) CENKOS (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 11-11-10 Joe Tizzard

8 ran

Breeder: Edward Joyce Breeding: b g Moscow Society (USA) - Meelick Lady (IRE) (Duky)

Dist: 2, 13, 7, 7, 4, 1.5

Tote: Win: £2.20 Places: £1.30; £1.60; £1.40 Exacta: £4.60

Winning Trainer: Jessica Harrington Based: Commonstown Stables, Moone, County Kildare, Ireland Background: Fomrer three-day-event rider, competed for Ireland at the Olympics. Date of First Licence: 1989 Cheltenham Festival Wins (5): Grand Annual Hcap Chase (1999 Space Trucker), Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003 & 2005 Moscow Flyer), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader) Big Race Wins: Melling Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Evening Herald Champion Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Morgiana Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), William Hill Handicap Hurdle (2002 Spirit Leader), Totesport Gold Trophy (2003 Spirit Leader) Wins This Season (In Britain): 3

Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: one of six children from a "horse-mad" family in Drumree. His father Tucker was a useful amateur rider and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brothers Ross and Norman are both jockeys. The former won the 2002 Irish Grand National on The Bunny Boiler, while Norman is an amateur who doubles as a farrier. Barry has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that arena in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride the following month. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), William Hill Trophy Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift) Big Race Wins: Grand National (2003 Monty’s Pass), Midlands Grand National (1998 Miss Orchestra), Melling Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Evening Herald Champion Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Intervet Trophy (2002 Stormez), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2002 Cyfor Malta), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio), Tingle Creek Chase (2003 & 2004 Moscow Flyer) Wins in Britain in 2002/3-2003/4: 26; 13 Wins This Season (In Britain): 8

INITIAL WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE - QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

Barry Geraghty, rider of the victorious Moscow Flyer, said: "he’s different class. He travelled brilliantly and jumped well, though he missed the last ditch, just like he did last year.

"Turning for home he pricked his ears and started taking the mick and he really winged the last."

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said: "What a race and he had to do it the hard way. He was just brilliant, he really was, though he did miss the last ditch a bit."

Eamon Leigh, Harrington’s head lad who looks after Moscow Flyer, said: "he’s back in his rightful place. He was the best horse in the race and he showed it. He’s not showing his age. He’s been in great form and we’ve been happy with him all the time. He’s had a great preparation.He couldn’t do any better than this. I’ve given him a lot of time and now he has done this for me."

Ruby Walsh felt that Azertyioup "just wasn’t himself. He ran no sort of a race and he was just never going from an early stage. That’s just not him. Before the water where he made his mistake I knew it was all over and I just couldn’t keep up. This just wasn’t his day, but he’ll be back to fight another day.

"The winner is a brilliant horse with a great jockey, a brilliant trainer and the best lad. He’s a marvellous horse and he got the reception he deserved; I can’t see any reason why he should not be back next year."

Hills offer 7-2 against Moscow Flyer and Well Chief for the Queen Mother Champion Chase next year, while Ladbrokes have Moscow Flyer at 2-1 and Well Chief at 3-1 with Azertyioup a 5-1 chance. Cashmans offer 9-4 against Moscow Flyer, with Azertyioup on 3-1 and Well Chief a point longer.

Race Three: Queen Mother Champion Chase - Press Conference Quotes:

Barry Geraghty, who quite rightly milked every last drop out of the amazing reception which greeted Moscow Flyer in the winner’s enclosure after his brilliant triumph in the Queen Mother Chase, had no hesitation in reaffirming that "he is the best that I have ridden."

Elaborating on that claim, Geraghty added: "People have even claimed that Moscow Flyer is the best horse we have seen since Arkle, and I would not argue with that.

"He might only have won two lengths, but he had his ears pricked and only ever does just enough. He beat Steel Band by only two and a half lengths at Leopardstown last time, and that fellow was tailed off in the Arkle yesterday, but that is Moscow. He does not believe in over-exerting himself.

"Cheltenham is where Moscow Flyer belongs - he is an amazing horse in that, while he is 11-years-old, he pulls out like a six-year-old every morning and, touch wood, has never taken a lame step in his life."

Owner Brian Kearney, who is a successful engineer, beamed: "He has blown them sky-high, and he showed that there is plenty of life in the old boy yet.

"You need to experience the lows to really appreciate the highs, and though we were really sad when he tipped up last year it has made winning that much sweeter.

"Where he goes now is up to Jessie (Harrington). I put in my twopennyworth and then she tells me what we are doing. He is the best over two miles, but I suppose when he does start to lose a bit of his speed we might finally have a shot at the King George VI Chase. Jessie says he is bred to get the trip and further."

It was billed as the race of the Festival and the Queen Mother Champion Chase lived up to the anticipation when - with Azertyuiop having made a mistake at the water fence - Moscow Flyer held off Well Chief to score by two lengths.

The winner returned to a huge cheer and jockey Barry Geraghty, who treated racegoers to a Frankie Dettori-style flying dismount, said: "He jumped brilliantly, was always in command and just a different class today. He is an amazing horse and now has won more than £1 million in prize money and this was his 18th completed start and win.

"He didn’t have to do as much as when winning the Tingle Creek today and it was all very straightforward, I hope it’s as easy next year.

"Last year was one of those things and he put in a short one at the ditch again but we got through it between us."

Trainer Jessica Harrington added: "He was absolutely brilliant and the atmosphere he came back to was just electric.

"He did it the hard way from the front today and I watched the whole thing, I have to see every bit of the agony although did close my eyes at the third last but fortunately he jumped it super.

"I didn’t have any doubts about him staying, he’s won over two and a half at Aintree, but I was worried about Well Chief, he’s very tough.

"I hope Azertyuiop is alright but we ran Well Chief to a similar margin as at Sandown, maybe we were half a length further in front.

"He never wins by very far, last time he only scored by two and a half lengths, his races don’t take that much out of him, that may be the thing.

"We’re all very attached to him, we’ve had him for six years and he has been an amazing horse. I don’t think he’s ever had an easier preparation than this year.

"We take it one race at a time with him and there would be only two other options if we were to run him again, Punchestown and Aintree. We will have to have a good think about it in the cold light of day."

Harrington is as usual staying with Nicky Henderson, who saddled Trabolgan to win today’s Royal & SunAlliance Chase, and she added: "I think we will be celebrating properly tonight, maybe Nicky will have another winner as well. I wouldn’t like to think what state we will all be in tomorrow."

Well Chief bowed to his older rival Moscow Flyer, going down by two lengths in a thrilling renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Martin Pipe, Well Chief’s trainer, said: "I’m very proud of him, it was a fantastic run and I’m delighted.

"That was the best run of his life and he jumped well and went well - I have no excuses and if you had told me two months ago that we would be beaten two lengths by Moscow Flyer, I would have settled for that!

"The rain wouldn’t have helped our fellow. He’s only a baby [six-years-old] while Moscow is 11 - I hope we’re that good when we are 11. He was bought by Graham Bradley so well done Graham Bradley. He was always going well but Moscow Flyer was always going just a bit better. I don’t know where he’ll run next."

Owner David Johnson added: "We’ll take a deep breath - most of the critics say that he’s had a hard season."

Azertyuiop was a further 13 lengths adrift for trainer Paul Nicholls and owner John Hales.

The owner said: "There is one more race for him and we’ll see how he is after this - he’s gone back to the top of the Order of Merit.

"He might go into the field or run in the race at Sandown [the Queen Mother Celebration Chase] at the end of April but I would think that he is only going to run there if there is a chance to win the Order of Merit [Azertyuiop is now on 70 points, while Crystal D’Ainay has 63 points].

"I’m disappointed with him but he is safe and well and Moscow Flyer is a worthy winner. This is the first time our fellow has had an off day and Ruby said that he didn’t think he was going to win after the first fence."

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE FACTS

1. The National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase was first run in 1959 and the Queen Mother’s name was added to the race title in 1980, the year of her 80th birthday.

2. The race’s roll of honour includes plenty of multiple winners. Badsworth Boy (1983-85) is the only three-time winner. The double winners are Fortria (1960 and 1961), Drinny’s Double (1967 and 1968), Royal Relief (1972 and 1974), Skymas (1976 and 1977), Hilly Way (1978 and 1979), Pearlyman (1987 and 1988), Barnbrook Again (1989 and 1990), Viking Flagship (1994 and 1995).

3. Irish-trained runners have a good record in the Queen Mother Champion Chase winning 17 of the 45 runnings. Moscow Flyer, trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, was the most recent Irish-trained success in 2003.

4. Tom Dreaper has the best record of any trainer in the race winning six runnings with Fortria (1960 and 1961), Ben Stack (1964), Flyingbolt (1966), Muir (1969), and Straight Fort (1970). Of current trainers, Arthur Moore (Drumgora 1981 and Klairon Davis 1996) and Paul Nicholls (1999 Call Equiname and Azertyuiop 2004) have the best record.

5. Flyingbolt was the shortest-priced winner when succeeding at 1/5 in 1966 while Another Dolly, who was awarded the 1980 race at odds of 33/1, provided the biggest upset.

6. Pat Taaffe is the most successful rider with five wins but no current jockey has won more than one Queen Mother Champion Chase.

7. The oldest horse to have triumphed was the 12-year-old Skymas in 1977 while the youngest victor was the six-year-old Inkslinger in 1973.

8. A small but select field usually lines up for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The largest field was in 1999 when 13 runners went to post while only five runners lined up in 1985, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963 and 1961.

9. The most successful owners are George Ansley, who enjoyed three wins with Fortria (1960 and 1961) and Straight Fort (1970) and Doug Armitage who had three victories with Badsworth Boy (1983, 1984 and 1985).

10. Michael Dickinson trained the winner for three consecutive years with Rathgorman (1982) and Badsworth Boy (1983 & 1984). His mother Monica had taken charge of the training operation for Badsworth Boy’s final success in 1985.

11. In 1986, the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Buck House subsequently met with that year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup heroine Dawn Run in a special match race at Punchestown in April, 1986. It was Dawn Run who prevailed by two and a half lengths.

12. The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy is a good guide for future success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Azertyuiop (2004), Moscow Flyer (2003), Flagship Uberalles (2002), Klairon Davis (1996) and Remittance Man (1992) all won the novices’ event before their Queen Mother Champion Chase victory.

PREVIOUS RESULTS -

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

2004-WINNER-AZERTYUIOP 7-11-10 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-15/8

2ND Flagship Uberalles 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey; Richard Johnson; SP-14/1

3RD Tiutchev 11-11-10 Owner-The Liars Poker Partnership; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-16/1

8 ran, Time-3m 54.10s, Dist-9, 1.5 5/6 Fav Moscow Flyer (UR)

2003-WINNER-MOSCOW FLYER 9-12-00 Owner-Brian Kearney; Trainer-Jessica Harrington IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/4 Fav

2ND-Native Upmanship 10-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-12/1

3RD Cenkos 9-12-00 Owner-Judy Stewart; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-7/1

11 ran, Time-3m 53.70s, Dist-7, 3

2002-WINNER-FLAGSHIP UBERALLES 8-12-00 Owner-Elizabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak Racing; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-7/4 Fav

2ND-Native Upmanship 9-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-9/1

3RD-Cenkos 8-12-00 Owner-Judy Stewart; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-66/1

12 ran, Time-4m 7.70s, Dist-3, .5

2001- Cancelled

2000-WINNER-EDREDON BLEU 8-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/2

2ND-Direct Route 9-12-00 Owner-Michael Thompson; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-5/1

3RD-Flagship Uberalles 6-12-00 Owner-Elizabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak Racing; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Joe Tizzard; SP-11/10 Fav

9 ran, Time-3m 44.6s, Dist-sh, 6

1999-WINNER-CALL EQUINAME 9-12-00 Owner-Mick Coburn, Paul Barber and Colin Lewis; Trainer Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-7/2

2ND-Edredon Bleu 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-3/1 Fav

3RD-Direct Route 8-12-00 Owner-Chris Heron; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Norman Williamson;

SP-11/2 13 ran, Time-3m 59.2s, Dist-1.25, 3.5

1998-WINNER-ONE MAN 10-12-00 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Gordon Richards; Jockey-Brian Harding; SP-7/2

2ND-Or Royal 7-12-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/2

3RD-Lord Dorcet 8-12-00 Owner-John Hogg; Trainer-Alistair Charlton; Jockey-Brian Storey; SP-50/1

8 ran, Time-3m 50.8s, Dist-4, 5 5/2 Fav Ask Tom (6th)

1997-WINNER-MARTHA’S SON 10-12-00 Owner-Paddy Hartigan and Michael Ward-Thomas; Trainer-Tim Forster; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-9/1

2ND-Ask Tom 8-12-00 Owner-Brian Stewart-Brown; Trainer-Tom Tate; Jockey-Russ Garritty; SP-6/1

3RD-Viking Flagship 10-12-00 Owner-Roach Foods Ltd;Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-3/1

6 ran, Time-3m 50.1s, Dist-2.5, .5 5/2 Fav Strong Promise (5th)

1996-WINNER-KLAIRON DAVIS 7-12-00 Owner-Chris Jones; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Francis Woods; SP-9/1

2ND-Viking Flagship 9-12-00 Owner-Roach Foods Limited; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-9/4

3RD-Sound Man 8-12-00 Owner-David Lloyd; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-11/8 Fav

7 ran, Time-4m 0.4s, Dist-5, 1.25

1995-WINNER-VIKING FLAGSHIP 8-12-00 Owner-Roach Foods Ltd; Trainer- David Nicholson; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-5/2 Fav

2ND-Deep Sensation 10-12-00 Owner-Robin Eliot; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1

3RD-Nakir 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Simon Christian; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-7/2

10 ran, Time-4m 6.30s, Dist-5, 2.5

1994-WINNER-VIKING FLAGSHIP 7-12-00 Owner-Roach Foods Ltd; Trainer- David Nicholson; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-4/1

2ND-Travado 8-12-00 Owner-Mrs Michael Ennever; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-100/30

3RD-Deep Sensation 9-12-00 Owner-Robin Eliot; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Declan Murphy; SP-15/2

8 ran, Time-4m 0.8s, Dist-nk, 1 11/4 Fav Remittance Man (Fell)

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

ROLL OF HONOUR

(Queen Mother Champion Chase since 1980, previously National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase from when first run in 1959)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran

2004 Azertyuiop 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls John Hales 15/8 8

2003 Moscow Flyer 9-12-00 Barry Geraghty Jessica Harrington IRE Brian Kearney 7/4F 11

2002 Flagship Uberalles 8-12-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Elizabeth Gutner/Michael Krysztofiak 7/4F 12

2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)

2000 Edredon Bleu 8-12-00 Tony McCoy Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 7/2 9

1999 Call Equiname 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Nicholls Mick Coburn,Paul Barber,Colin Lewis 7/2 13

1998 One Man 10-12-00 Brian Harding Gordon Richards John Hales 7/2 8

1997 Martha’s Son 10-12-00 Rodney Farrant Tim Forster Paddy Hartigan/Michael Ward-Thomas 9/1 6

1996 Klairon Davis 7-12-00 Francis Woods Arthur Moore IRE Chris Jones 9/1 7

1995 Viking Flagship 8-12-00 Charlie Swan David Nicholson Roach Foods Ltd 5/2F 10

1994 Viking Flagship 7-12-00 Adrian Maguire David Nicholson Roach Foods Ltd 4/1 8

1993 Deep Sensation 8-12-00 Declan Murphy Josh Gifford Robin Eliot 11/1 9

1992 Remittance Man 8-12-00 Jamie Osborne Nicky Henderson Jim Collins Evs F 6

1991 Katabatic 8-12-00 Simon McNeill Andrew Turnell Pell-Mell Partners 9/1 7

1990 Barnbrook Again 9-12-00 Hywel Davies David Elsworth Mel Davies 11/10F 9

1989 Barnbrook Again 8-12-00 Simon Sherwood David Elsworth Mel Davies 7/4F 8

1988 Pearlyman 9-12-00 Tom Morgan John Edwards Valerie Shaw 15/8F 8

1987 Pearlyman 8-12-00 Peter Scudamore John Edwards Valerie Shaw 13/8F 8

1986 Buck House 8-12-00 Tommy Carmody Mouse Morris IRE Mrs Phil Purcell 5/2 11

1985 Badsworth Boy 10-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Monica Dickinson Doug Armitage 11/8 5

1984 Badsworth Boy 9-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Doug Armitage 8/13F 10

1983 Badsworth Boy 8-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Doug Armitage 2/1 6

1982 Rathgorman 10-12-00 Kevin Whyte Michael Dickinson J Lilley 100/30 9

1981 Drumgora 9-12-00 Frank Berry Arthur Moore IRE D Monahan 25/1 9

1980 *Another Dolly 10-12-00 Sam Morshead Fred Rimell Ian Urquhart 33/1 7

1979 Hilly Way 9-12-00 Mr Ted Walsh Peter McCreery IRE J W Sweeney 7/1 9

1978 Hilly Way 8-12-00 Tommy Carmody Peter McCreery IRE J W Sweeney 7/1 10

1977 Skymas 12-12-00 Mouse Morris Brian Lusk IRE Mathew Magee 7/2 8

1976 Skymas 11-12-00 Mouse Morris Brian Lusk IRE Mathew Magee 8/1 7

1975 Lough Inagh 8-12-00 Sean Barker Jim Dreaper IRE A Martin 100/30 8

1974 Royal Relief 10-12-00 Bill Smith Edward Courage Edward Courage 6/1 6

1973 Inkslinger 6-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Mrs M Jenney 6/1 6

1972 Royal Relief 8-12-00 Bill Smith Edward Courage Edward Courage 15/8 5

1971 Crisp 8-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Sir Chester Manifold 3/1 8

1970 Straight Fort 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 7/4F 6

1969 Muir 10-12-00 Ben Hannon Tom Dreaper IRE Waring Willis 15/2 11

1968 Drinny’s Double 10-12-00 Frank Nash Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 6/1 5

1967 Drinny’s Double 9-12-00 Frank Nash Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 7/2 8

1966 Flyingbolt 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Mrs Jean Wilkinson 1/5F 6

1965 Dunkirk 8-12-00 Dave Dick Peter Cazalet Bill Whitbread 8/1 6

1964 Ben Stack 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 2/1 5

1963 Sandy Abbot 8-12-00 Stan Mellor George Owen Mrs J D McKechnie 5/1 5

1962 Piperton 8-12-00 Dave Dick Archie Thomlinson Archie Thomlinson 100/6 7

1961 Fortria 9-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 2/5F 5

1960 Fortria 8-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 15/8F 7

1959 Quita Que 10-12-00 Bunny Cox Dan Moore IRE Mrs D R Brand 4/9F 9

*Another Dolly finished second to Chinrullah, who was subsequently disqualified after failing a post-race urine test

THE 2004 QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE RESULT IN DETAIL

3.20pm QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

Class A, Grade One, £250,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 6lb, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £145,000; 2nd: £55,000; 3rd: £27,500; 4th: £12,500; 5th: £6,250; 6th: £3,750

1) AZERTYUIOP (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh 15/8

2) FLAGSHIP UBERALLES (J P McManus) Philip Hobbs 10-11-10 Richard Johnson 14/1

3) TIUTCHEV (The Liars Poker Partnership) Martin Pipe 11-11-10 Tony McCoy 16/1

4) CENKOS (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 10-11-10 Mick FitzGerald 16/1

5) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Paul Nicholls 9-11-10 Timmy Murphy 33/1

6) EI EI (Susan Richards) Michael Chapman 9-11-10 Lee Vickers 100/1

7) ESKLEYBROOK (Victor Gethin) Victor Gethin p11-11-10 Mark Bradburne 200/1

UR 4 OUT) MOSCOW FLYER (Brian Kearney) Jessica Harrington 10-11-10 Barry Geraghty 5/6 Fav

8 ran

Going: Good

Breeder: Pierre de Maleissye Melun

Breeding: b g Baby Turk - Temara (FR)

Distances: 9, 1.5, 2.5, 10, 12, 10

Time: 3m 54.10s

Tote Win: £3.10 Places: £1.40; £1.50; £2.10 Exacta: £21.80

Winning Trainer: Paul Nicholls Date of birth: 17/05/62 Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Wins (1992/3--2002/03): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136, 152 Horses in training (1997-2003): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105, 106 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (5) Irish Independent Arkle Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business) Other big race wins: Martell Cup Chase (2000 See More Business), Martell Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother) William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba and 1999 Flagship Uberalles), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), attheraces Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Tote Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole)

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (4): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop);Other Big Race Wins: Martell Cognac Grand National (2000 Papillon), Heineken Gold Cup (1999 Imperial Call), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle (2003 Sacundai) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2002/03): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls.