Tag Archive for: Caldwell Potter

Cobden confident Caldwell Potter can shine in future

Harry Cobden is retaining plenty of faith in big-money purchase Caldwell Potter, insisting there are many exciting days still to come in the career of the much-heralded novice chaser.

A Grade One winner over hurdles when with Gordon Elliott, he transferred to Paul Nicholls after a familiar collection of Ditcheat owners – including former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson – paid €740,000 during the Andrew and Gemma Brown dispersal sale almost 12 months ago.

With his debut for the multiple champion trainer delayed until early this season, he made a winning reappearance at Carlisle, but his eagerly-awaited novice chasing campaign has since stalled with defeats at both Cheltenham in December and in the Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor last Friday.

Nicholls launched a staunch defence of the seven-year-old in the aftermath of his reversal at the hands of Gidleigh Park on day one of the Berkshire Winter Million weekend and those sentiments have been echoed by his stable jockey.

Caldwell Potter (left) proved no match for Gidleigh Park
Caldwell Potter (left) proved no match for Gidleigh Park (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“He ran well and I think the winner Gidleigh Park is obviously a very good horse,” said Cobden.

“He jumped, he travelled and had every chance jumping the third last, didn’t he. I winged the third last, jumped the second last alongside but the other horse has just pulled away from us.

“Those horses like Shishkin, Constitution Hill, Kauto Star, Denman and Sir Gino – they are freaks. Ours is not a freak, he’s just a really good horse and I still think we’re lucky to have a horse like that because there’s a lot of people who would like him.”

Cobden admits Caldwell Potter’s headline-grabbing sales price brings with it an extra level of attention and expectation.

He added: “The problem is probably his reputation – when you spend that much money on a horse, well that is what you have to spend these days. I’ve seen plenty of horses come out of France where people have spent 500,000, 600,000 or 700,000 on something who has won one juvenile hurdle over there.

“But I’m absolutely keeping the faith and when a horse with his sort of price-tag and reputation goes through the ring, you are doomed really if you don’t win. He won first time out and has since got beat, but I do think he will go on to win lots of races.”

Nicholls suggested the Grand Annual could prove a suitable target at the Cheltenham Festival and the champion jockey concurs with his long-time boss, believing Caldwell Potter is sure to improve as he garners further experience over the larger obstacles.

“It wouldn’t be a silly idea and novices have a good record in that race,” continued Cobden.

“He’s very straightforward and he’s already been round that course and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to get another run under his belt before he goes there, if that is where he goes.

“He’s going to win loads of races and it wouldn’t surprise me if he kept improving – he’s only just turned seven and we have to give him a bit of a chance.

“I’m never afraid to get a good horse beat and it’s no bad thing. Regent’s Stroll got beat the other day at Newbury and it’s not the end of the world, is it? As long as you have the horse and can go again, that’s all that matters.”



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Potter dips in distance for Lightning test

All eyes will be on Caldwell Potter when he lines up for the Fitzdares Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor.

The Grade Two highlights the first day of the Berkshire Winter Million, with Caldwell Potter’s €740,000 price tag ensuring he is the headline horse.

He made the perfect start to life for Paul Nicholls over fences at Carlisle but was only third when racing over two and a half miles for the first time at Cheltenham last time out.

And while he is 10lb clear on official ratings courtesy of winning a Grade One novice hurdle for Gordon Elliott, Nicholls does not want to see the ground dry up too much.

“He enjoys proper soft ground so I hope it doesn’t dry out any more at Windsor, which is a sharp enough track for him,” said Nicholls, who nevertheless feels the return to two miles will suit his grey, whose ownership group includes Sir Alex Ferguson.

In receipt of a mares’ allowance, Jamie Snowden’s You Wear It Well comes out second best on the figures in what is a tight affair.

“It’s a competitive race, as you’d expect, but we’re looking forward to it,” said Snowden.

“The allowance she gets puts her right in the thick of it on the ratings and I think the drop back in trip will really help her as well.

“She was unlucky not to win first time out at Bangor and then it looked like she was outstayed last time at Warwick, so the drop back in trip looks the right move and she’s in good order.

“Dropping back in trip we might ride her more handily, but there’s only four runners so she wouldn’t be too far off the pace in any case.

“I think two miles and soft ground could be what she wants over fences, I don’t think she wants deep, heavy ground, so two miles and soft should be perfect.”

Ben Pauling has a strong squad of novice chasers and has always felt Personal Ambition deserves his place on his team, despite failing to win in three chase outings to date.

Ben Jones performed miracles to keep his partnership intact with Personal Ambition at Ascot
Ben Jones performed miracles to keep his partnership intact with Personal Ambition at Ascot (Steven Paston/PA)

“I’m sort of here, there and everywhere with him in regards trip and his first two runs have been over two and then he stepped up in trip at Ascot,” said Pauling.

“I was keen to run him at Wetherby (in the Towton) but on that ground down there at Ffos Las, I’m glad I didn’t go there as he’s not the type to pull himself out of a bog.

“It’s an interesting period and after one more run we’ll see where we end up (in the spring).”

It is an important day for Harry Fry’s Gidleigh Park, who looks built for fences but suffered from a fibrillating heart on his chasing debut at Kempton.

Gidleigh Park has always looked a potential chaser
Gidleigh Park has always looked a potential chaser (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“Brian (Carver) pulled him up early as you could see he wasn’t travelling or jumping and the vets immediately diagnosed an irregular heartbeat,” Fry told Sky Sports Racing.

“He also had it in October 2023 so it’s not new to him and he made a full recovery before and it reverted on its own accord again.

“He’s quietly gone up through the gears and we’re ready to start his season. We’re looking forward to seeing him back in action.

“It’s given us the chance to make something of this campaign, we’ve been through it before and had another horse do something similar.

“He’s schooled great. We’re putting him in at Grade Two level, but these are the only level-weights novice chases now.

“We’re hoping to put the last day firmly behind us, but obviously he doesn’t have the experience the others have.”



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Caldwell Potter possible for Windsor in January

Caldwell Potter could continue his education over fences at the Windsor Berkshire Winter Million meeting.

Paul Nicholls is keen to keep the grey to left-handed tracks and the Grade Two Download The Racing App Now Lightning Novices’ Chase on January 17 over two miles is a viable opportunity.

Nicholls feels soft ground and two miles could bring out the best in Caldwell Potter, who finished third at Cheltenham on Friday behind the Nicky Henderson-trained Jango Baie.

“He got some valuable experience which is what we wanted. I wasn’t going to run him then there was a lack of opportunities for him,” Nicholls told his Betfair Ditcheat Diary.

“He got some good experience, he jumped fantastically well but he obviously wants the ground a lot slower – I’m still not in my mind convinced what trip he wants. I’m sure over two miles on very soft ground he’d be more effective but it’s a learning curve for him, we haven’t seen the best of him.

“He jumped well at Carlisle but he jumped very well at Cheltenham and Harry (Cobden) was thrilled with him, we’re just building on the future with him.

“It’s so hard to find races for him as he likes going left-handed. He might have to go to Windsor in January.”

Nicholls was also out of luck with his two runners Stage Star and Il Ridoto in the December Gold Cup, who both now appear in the grip of the handicapper with the trainer considering alternative targets.

Stage Star has options at Windsor or Newbury next
Stage Star has options at Windsor or Newbury next (Nigel French/PA)

He said: “They are both fine. Il Ridito, Olive (Nicholls) had a lovely ride on him, they finished sixth but the 11lb he went up for winning the time before has scuppered him, really.

“He was on a proper mark when he won the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but the 11lb rise has not helped him.

“He’s had a couple of hard races now so we’ll freshen him up and find something for him in the spring, possibly at the Festival.

“Stage Star, carrying 12st in these handicaps is hard, he’s had a tough gig his last few races.

“Something like the Denman Chase (Newbury) or the Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor, left-handed, not a handicap might suit him next, I haven’t made a definite plan but he’s not easy to place now.”



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Jango Baie too good for Caldwell Potter and company

Jango Baie made a superb start to his chasing career with a slick victory in the SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s five-year-old bay was a Grade One novice winner over hurdles, with a second-placed point-to-point run further back on his record.

He returned to jumping larger obstacles under rules in the hands of Nico de Boinville at 7-4, with much of the attention on the Paul Nicholls-trained Caldwell Potter, who was sent off the 11-10 favourite.

The latter was at the head of affairs, but Jango Baie had very close tabs on him all the way around and when the field turned for home it was Henderson’s contender who was able to kick on to an impressive win, as Springwell Bay took second and €740,000 purchase Caldwell Potter finished third.

Henderson said: “I always think it’s a big test for a novice to come here first time over fences and I don’t like doing it.

“I was going to go to Aintree last Saturday for a three-horse race, but that was off and I was forced into coming here. My rule is not to come here first time, but this fellow is very clever.

“Nico asked him some proper questions for a baby and he got some proper answers as well. For not the biggest horse in the world, he’s got a lot of scope.

Nicky Henderson was delighted with what he saw from Jango Baie
Nicky Henderson was delighted with what he saw from Jango Baie (David Davies/PA)

“He certainly wasn’t stopping at the end there over two-and-a-half (miles), he galloped right out. He looks a stayer.

“The owner has got Jingko Blue, who put up a smart performance at Uttoxeter a couple of days ago, as well. We are lucky we’ve got some nice novice chasers this year, so we’ve got to see who is two miles and who is three now there’s no two and a half (at the Festival). They’re high-class problems.”

Of Caldwell Potter, whose ownership group, that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, went to a record price for a jumps horse in training to secure the grey in February, Nicholls said: “Harry (Cobden) was thrilled with him, he said he jumped great and has learnt an awful lot today.

“We didn’t learn a massive amount up at Carlisle, his jumping was good and Harry said he definitely wants slower ground than that.

“He could have gone a gear quicker if he wanted to, but he didn’t want to ask too many questions of his jumping. We’ve learnt a lot today and perhaps you wouldn’t be afraid to go back to two miles if it was really testing ground and just let him roll on.

“Today he jumped well, they sprinted up the straight and he was just done for a little bit of toe, but he only had a few runs over hurdles and is learning all the time. I think there’s a lot to come.

“We weren’t going to run him, but we just thought it would be good to get him some experience around here. Rome wasn’t built in a day and Harry said don’t be disappointed, he’ll be fine.”



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Caldwell Potter has ‘ideal chance’ for Cheltenham experience

Paul Nicholls believes Caldwell Potter is “ready for the next step up the ladder” as he prepares for Friday’s SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.

The lightly-raced six-year-old will try an extended two and a half miles for the first time following a brilliant debut for the Ditcheat handler earlier this month.

The grey went off as 2-11 favourite on his chasing bow at Carlisle and despite jumping left throughout the two-mile contest, he made all to secure a winning start for Nicholls by five lengths.

He leads the market once again in the five-runner race at Prestbury Park, which could lay down a marker for future targets at the Festival in March if successful on his second appearance over fences.

“He made a perfect debut for us from the front at Carlisle, jumping well, if a tad left-handed, before stretching clear on the run-in,” Nicholls told Betfair.

“This race is a bit of an afterthought, but there aren’t many options for horses like him so it looks an ideal chance to give him experience over fences round Cheltenham.

“He has been ticking over nicely at home and is ready for the next step up the ladder.”

Caldwell Potter landed the Grade One Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last December when under the guidance of Gordon Elliott, before being sold in February for €740,000 at Tattersalls Ireland – a record for a jumps horse at a public auction – to the co-owning group of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Peter Done.

The gelding has got his high-profile co-owner “dreaming” of success after his victory at Carlisle, despite Ferguson admitting the price of his record purchase had made him nervous.

“Caldwell Potter is the one that really took my breath away,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

“He was up for sale in Ireland and John said we may have to go to €600,000 and at that point I fainted! He then phoned me and said it has gone to 700,000. He said do you want to stay in and I said well you have taken us this far. He then went for €740,000.

“Gordon Elliott was very kind and wrote a nice letter as he was desperate to keep him and had tried hard going round all the sources he has (to try to keep the horse).

“Fortunately, we got him and he won his first race for us. He looked classy at Carlisle and really took to his fences. I’m hopeful and he has really got me dreaming – at that price he better!”

Jango Baie is making his debut over fences
Jango Baie is making his debut over fences (David Davies/PA)

An obvious danger to Caldwell Potter is Jango Baie, who will be looking to get his nose in front on his chasing debut for Nicky Henderson after winning twice, including at Grade One level, and registering three successive runner-up finishes over hurdles last season.

Henderson told Unibet: “He was due to run at Aintree last week, but that was abandoned, so we find ourselves here and I must admit he does appear to face quite a tall order with the likes of Caldwell Potter among the opposition.

“He’s schooled well, however, is a point-to-point winner and two-and-a-half around a course like this should suit.”

Springwell Bay has to give upwards of 3lb to his rivals for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill, while Harry Skelton is aboard Deafening Silence for brother Dan and Laura Morgan’s Ballymackie completes the line-up for the class two contest.



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Caldwell Potter sparkles on Carlisle chasing bow

Caldwell Potter took everything in his stride to win his chasing debut in good style at Carlisle.

The grey changed hands for a staggering €740,000 in February after a successful hurdling career in which he won at Grade One level for previous trainer Gordon Elliott.

He had not been seen since that Leopardstown win last Christmas, having missed an Aintree run and been patiently prepared for his first outing over fences for new handler Paul Nicholls.

That debut came in the Myles Turns 30 Novices’ Chase over two miles and under Harry Cobden he was the 2-11 favourite in a field of seven.

He made all of the running and jumped well on the whole, holding off his rivals with very little effort and eventually cantering to a five-length victory with the minimum of fuss.

The six-year-old is now 20-1 from 25-1 with Coral for the Arkle, and unchanged at 16-1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

“That was a good start, it was just what we wanted,” said Nicholls.

“He jumped nicely, he won well, that’s the first rung of the ladder and I’m obviously really pleased with him.

“He’s got to learn, that was only his fourth run over jumps as he ran three times over hurdles.

“He’s relatively inexperienced so we’ve just got to build that experience now, get him some practice and quietly creep on.

“I haven’t made a plan. Everyone will want to know where he goes next but I haven’t made that decision, we’ve got some valuable experience there.

“That was just the job, just the start we wanted.”



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Nicholls lining up Newbury as eagerly-awaited starting point for Caldwell Potter

Paul Nicholls is likely to take the wraps off his new recruit Caldwell Potter at Newbury next week.

The former Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old changed hands for €740,000 in February, but did not run for his new connections in the spring.

He was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Peter Done, who enjoyed a memorable time with their runners both at home and abroad over the weekend.

Caldwell Potter had a gentle gallop at the Berkshire track on Tuesday morning, in company with stablemate Captain Teague, who had a walkover at Exeter recently.

“Captain Teague and Caldwell Potter are on a par with each other. They are both ready to run and both will have an entry in the John Francombe next Friday, but we might just leave Captain Teague to go for the three-miler at Sandown the week after,” said Nicholls.

“I’d always had in my mind for him to go to Exeter, then Sandown and then Kempton for the Kauto Star.

“Caldwell Potter went beautifully so they are ready to run. I’m glad we didn’t run him in the spring, he’s a different animal now, he’s had a nice prep, looks good and we are itching to get him good.”

The work was part of the build up to the Coral Gold Cup and Nicholls is very sweet on the chances of his intended runner in the big race.

“I was very pleased with Kandoo Kid, he worked beautifully and Nico (de Boinville) said he felt amazing. He runs in the Coral Gold Cup and I’ve always targeted it since he won at Aintree. He loves it here and he loves being fresh,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

“Inch House is a month behind the others as when Jonjo (O’Neill) had him he had quite a nasty injury so he’s playing catch up. He may run in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan, but he’ll come on for the run.

“I was also impressed with Regent’s Stroll. They only went half-speed and then quickened up. He’ll run here either Friday or Saturday, depending on the ground. He’s ready to roll.

“You can’t not be excited, he’s got size and scope and was unbeaten in two races. I was impressed with what I saw then and so was Harry (Cobden).”

Heltenham is heading for the Coral Gold Cup
Heltenham is heading for the Coral Gold Cup (Nigel French/PA)

Dan Skelton was another who took the opportunity to work his Coral Gold Cup hope, Heltenham.

“We’ll probably dip our toe in the big race. He’s never gone three-mile-two,” said Skelton.

“I think he’ll stay it, but the great thing about not having done it is we don’t know he won’t, it’s not like we’re asking him to do something we know he can’t do. I think he’s unbeaten here which is helpful as well.”

Harry Derham was also in attendance with Queens Gamble, partnered by Kieran Shoemark, an intended runner in the Gerry Fielden, while Ben Pauling is considering the main even for Henry’s Friend.



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Nicholls ready to unleash record-buy Caldwell Potter

Caldwell Potter, who in February became the most expensive National Hunt horse ever sold at public auction after fetching €740,000, makes his eagerly-anticipated debut for Paul Nicholls in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle on Grand National day at Aintree.

Having impressed in Grade One company at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, the six-year-old was always going to be the star attraction among 29 lots to go under the hammer at the dispersal sale of prominent owners Andy and Gemma Brown at a Tattersalls Ireland sale at Fairyhouse.

Former trainer Gordon Elliott did his best to keep hold of the grey, but Caldwell Potter was eventually knocked down to bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley, who later confirmed he had been bought of an ownership group that includes Sir Alex Ferguson John Hales, Ged Mason and Peter Done.

With Nicholls soon ruling out an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, the son of Martaline will head to Merseyside with high expectations as he looks to justify his price tag.

Chief among Caldwell Potter’s rivals is a former stablemate in Brighterdaysahead.

The five-year-old was considered by some as one of the bankers of the week in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but had to make do with the silver medal behind Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace.

Elliott is adamant Brighterdaysahead was not seen to best effect in the Cotswolds and is hoping compensation awaits.

“We were disappointed to see her beaten in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. It was a mess of a race, Jack (Kennedy) and Paul (Townend, riding Jade De Grugy) were riding to beat each other and let the winner get away on them. It was a mess,” Elliott told Attheraces.com.

“The longer trip is going to suit her well and hopefully she can get back on track. We’ve made no secret of the regard we hold her in.”

Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham
Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Cullentra handler has a second string to his bow in Staffordshire Knot, who was sold at the same dispersal sale for €510,000 but remains in his care having been bought by Gigginstown House Stud.

The six-year-old has since been beaten at odds-in in a Grade Three at Thurles, but Elliott is expecting an improved performance at Aintree.

He added: “Staffordshire Knot didn’t jump well enough and found the track a bit sharp for him at Thurles last time. He’s a lot better than that and I’m hopeful of a good run.”

Willie Mullins saddles Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique, second and third respectively behind Closutton star Ballyburn in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Mahon’s Way (Henry de Bromhead), Esprit Du Potier (Lucinda Russell), Bugise Seagull (Charlie Longsdon) and Josh The Boss (Nigel Twiston-Davies) complete the field.



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Nicholls in no rush with record buy Caldwell Potter

Caldwell Potter will not be in action at the Cheltenham Festival next month, with Paul Nicholls already setting his sights on a novice chase campaign next season.

The Grade One winner was top lot at the Andy and Gemma Brown dispersal that took place last week, with Highflyer Bloodstock’s Anthony Bromley going to a record €740,000 on behalf of long-time Ditcheat owners John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done.

The big-money acquisition came just 48 hours after leading novice chaser Hermes Allen suffered a fatal fall in the Scilly Isles at Sandown and connections now appear to have a ready-made replacement to fill the void next season.

And with the six-year-old’s future lying over the larger obstacles, the champion trainer is in no rush with his new recruit – which means the Cheltenham Festival is off the table this term.

Paul Nicholls is the new trainer of Caldwell Potter
Paul Nicholls is the new trainer of Caldwell Potter (John Walton/PA)

Nicholls said: “The lads sadly lost Hermes Allen last weekend and I guess they felt it’s a lot of money, but between the four of them it is not that bad. He’s a nice horse to replace Hermes Allen to go novice chasing.

“He won’t go to Cheltenham because he won’t acclimatise in time. He might go to Aintree if we are happy, but he has been bought to go chasing, that is his job. He’s next year’s chaser.”

Former Manchester United manager Ferguson was no stranger to record signings during his time in the Old Trafford dugout and now is jointly responsible for ensuring Caldwell Potter became the most expensive National Hunt horse ever sold at public auction.

However, Nicholls points out that cost is spread amongst four of his longest-standing owners and, rather poignantly, it is Hermes Allen’s groom Mike Couchman who has been entrusted with helping the yard newcomer adjust to life at Ditcheat.

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is one of Caldwell Potter's new owners
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is one of Caldwell Potter’s new owners (Martin Rickett/PA)

“Was he that much more than the horse Darren Yeats bought the other year? Probably not, and horses get sold for huge numbers privately that you never hear about,” continued Nicholls.

“He’s a Grade One winner, has got huge potential and it’s a lot easier when you can spread the cost between four people, so I’m excited to have him.

“He arrived on Monday and Mike, the lad who used to look after Hermes Allen, is looking after him and he is thrilled to bits – we just hope we are lucky with him.”

Meanwhile, Nicholls has given his backing to Harry Cobden’s title charge, having seen his stable jockey close the gap to just one behind Sean Bowen in the race to be champion jockey.

Jockey Harry Cobden (left) is just one behind Sean Bowen in the jockeys championship
Jockey Harry Cobden (left) is just one behind Sean Bowen in the jockeys’ championship (Steven Paston/PA)

“I’m 100 per cent behind Harry and, to be honest, I’m fond of both lads,” added Nicholls.

“Sean worked for me for a good while and rode a number of winners for me but is now on a different team.

“We’re supporting Harry as our stable jockey and he’s gone, I think, from being 49 behind to only one now and has done incredibly well.

“Harry is doing well and that’s youth. He’s still a young man, he’s only 24, but as he’s getting more and more experience and is getting older and stronger, he is riding really well.

“Obviously, Sean has had an injury and let’s hope both lads stay sound now until the end of the season and we have a good battle until Sandown.”



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Caldwell Potter heading to pastures new after record-breaking sale

Caldwell Potter will join British champion trainer Paul Nicholls and count Sir Alex Ferguson as one of his new owners after being sold for a record €740,000 at an enthralling Tattersalls Ireland sale on Monday.

Andy and Gemma Brown, who run their horses under the Caldwell Construction banner, shocked the racing world late last month when announcing they were to sell their entire string.

Caldwell Potter was the star attraction among 29 lots to go under the hammer at Fairyhouse, having already shown top-level form over obstacles for Gordon Elliott to go with his excellent pedigree.

Following a slow start the bidding eventually got under way at €100,000 before ultimately ending up in a tense straight shootout between two parties.

The packed sales ring fell silent after the auctioneer confirmed a €700,000 bid, and while a counter offer of €720,000 was made by Elliott, the hammer eventually went down at €740,000, ensuring Caldwell Potter became the most expensive National Hunt horse ever sold at public auction.

Highflyer Bloodstock’s Anthony Bromley was immediately announced as the successful bidder and he confirmed Caldwell Potter will now move across the Irish Sea.

Paul Nicholls and Sir Alex Ferguson watch the action at Cheltenham last year
Paul Nicholls and Sir Alex Ferguson watch the action at Cheltenham last year (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Bromley told Tattersalls: “I don’t feel great about taking the horse out of Gordon Elliott’s yard, he’s done so well with the horse, but this is business and you’ve got to do your best for your clients.

“When I saw this horse was coming up for sale there was only one call I made and it was to John Hales. He’s been a client of mine for many years, since back in the time of Azertyuiop, and we’ve had Neptune Collonges and Politologue in between.

“I bought him for a little partnership they’ve got together, four guys – John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done.

“I’m thrilled to get the horse, but it is a little bittersweet because I could see how much Gordon was trying to get the horse back when he was bidding.”

The six-year-old son of Martaline is not only a full-brother to Mighty Potter, who won four Grade Ones for Elliott and the Browns before suffering a fatal injury last year, but his dam Matnie has also produced three other high-class performers in French Dynamite, Indiana Jones and Brighterdaysahead.

Caldwell Potter has so far lived up to his breeding, winning three times from seven starts in all and two of his first three outings over hurdles, including a Grade One success on his most recent appearance in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

He holds entries in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, but Bromley warned he is not certain to line up in the Cotswolds.

He added: “He’ll go to Paul’s and he doesn’t have to go to Cheltenham, I believe. It’s not the be-all and end-all because it’s only going to be four weeks and he has to settle into his new regime.

“It could be that he needs that bit of time to settle in and go to Aintree, but really we’ve bought him as a steeplechaser because he’s got a pedigree for a Gold Cup in him, I think.

“At the moment he’s only run at two miles and he’s such an exciting horse for the longer term. Realistically that’s why we bought him, not for four weeks’ time.”

Caldwell Potter’s fee eclipses the previous record for a jumps horse sold at auction in Interconnected, who was bought by Darren Yates at Doncaster in 2019 for £620,000.

Pied Piper will remain in training with Gordon Elliott
Pied Piper will remain in training with Gordon Elliott (Brian Lawless/PA)

In total the 29 lots sold for a total of €5,290,000, with the Browns’ primary trainer Elliott managing to keep hold of the second, third and fourth highest lots.

Mags O’Toole brought the hammer down at €620,000 on behalf of Robcour for one-time Triumph Hurdle runner-up Fil Dor, while dual-purpose performer Pied Piper was snapped up for €570,000 by Windgates Stud.

The final horse to command over half a million euros was impressive Down Royal winner Staffordshire Knot who returns to Cullentra House after Eddie O’Leary went to €510,000 for the six-year-old.

Elliott said: “I was disappointed to loose the big horse, but that’s the way it is – hopefully he will be lucky for the new owners. Pied Piper is coming back and we have got all the ones we wanted apart from Caldwell Potter.

“Staffordshire Knot is an exciting six-year-old and we are delighted he is coming back to us. The horses all looked great – we only had a week’s notice for this sale and it is a credit to the staff.

“We can get back to concentrating on the day job now.”

Trainer Gordon Elliott will keep hold of some of the highest-earning lots from the Brown Dispersal
Trainer Gordon Elliott will keep hold of some of the highest-earning lots from the Brown Dispersal (Niall Carson/PA)

It was a bittersweet day for the Browns’ racing manager Joey Logan, who played a key role in sourcing and purchasing many of the horses who went under the hammer.

He said: “It is fantastic, I want to thank Tattersalls for turning this around in such a short time and Andy and Gemma for letting me purchase the horses in the first place and being so trusting.

“I want to thank Gordon for doing such a good job, all the staff that helped here. I am stuck for words really. It is mixed emotions and I’m delighted that it went so well, and it is just fantastic.

“To see such a nice young bunch of horses, and a lot of work has gone into it, many of them bought as foals, two-year-olds and three-year-olds. I am very proud of these horses, hopefully they are very lucky for the new owners. They gave us some exciting times, there is some regret obviously that I won’t be involved, but I will be there to cheer them on.

“Hopefully, Andy and Gemma will be back in at some point, they are a young couple and I hope they had a good time.”



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Caldwell Potter goes for record amount in Andy and Gemma Brown dispersal

Caldwell Potter became the most expensive National Hunt horse ever sold at public auction on Monday after fetching €740,000 at Andy and Gemma Brown’s Tattersalls Ireland dispersal at Fairyhouse.

The couple, who run their horses under the Caldwell Construction banner, shocked the racing world late last month when announcing they were to sell their entire string.

Caldwell Potter was the star attraction among 29 lots to go under the hammer, having already shown top-level form over obstacles for Gordon Elliott to go with his excellent pedigree.

The six-year-old son of Martaline is not only a full-brother to Mighty Potter, who won four Grade Ones for Elliott and the Browns before suffering a fatal injury last year, but his dam Matnie has also produced three other high-class performers in French Dynamite, Indiana Jones and Brighterdaysahead.

Caldwell Potter has so far lived up to his breeding, winning three times from seven starts in all and two of his first three outings over hurdles, including a Grade One success on his most recent appearance in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

Following a slow start the bidding eventually got under way at €100,000 before ultimately ending up in a tense straight shootout between two parties.

The packed sales ring fell silent after the auctioneer confirmed a €700,000 bid, and while a counter offer of €720,000 was made, the hammer eventually went down at €740,000, with Highflyer bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley immediately announced as the successful bidder.

Caldwell Potter’s fee eclipses the previous record for a jumps horse sold at auction in Interconnected, who was bought by Darren Yates at Doncaster in 2019 for £620,000.



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Caldwell team found losses hard to bear

Owners Andrew and Gemma Brown, whose horses run under the Caldwell Construction banner, have cited the recent sad losses of young horses as the reason for their shock exit from the sport.

Their red and white silks were becoming an increasing familiar sight on Irish racecourses, with all trained by Gordon Elliott.

They enjoyed their first Cheltenham Festival win last March when Jazzy Matty was successful in the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle and have tasted Grade One success this season with Caldwell Potter.

He is a full-brother to the ill-fated Mighty Potter, but will be one of 29 horses up for grabs at their dispersal sale which will take place at Tattersalls Ireland early next month.

Other notable runners in the red and white colours this season include Fil Dor, Imagine and Sa Fureur, while Cesarewitch second Pied Piper is another leading light.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, a statement on the Caldwell Construction Horse Racing account read:

“Further to the sad loss of one of our young horses D B Cooper again as a family we are absolutely heartbroken. Also we lost Smooth Player only just two weeks ago. Having a young family it’s hard to cope with such losses and therefore we feel it is time for a break from the sport.

“We would also like to thank Gordon and his team for their hard work and support the last few years and wish them all the best.”



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Tattersalls Ireland announces Caldwell dispersal sale

Tattersalls Ireland has announced it will hold a dispersal sale for owners Andy and Gemma Brown early next month.

The Browns, whose horses run under the Caldwell Construction banner, count Caldwell Potter among their star horses this term, with the six-year-old having won two of his three hurdles outings including a six-and-a-half-length verdict in a Leopardstown Grade One over the Christmas period.

He is as low as 8-1 for the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and a general 10-1 shot for the Supreme.

Other notable runners in the red and white colours this season include Fil Dor, Imagine and Sa Fureur, while Cesarewitch second Pied Piper is another leading light.

All are trained by Gordon Elliott, who sent out Jazzy Matty to win last year’s Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – a first Festival triumph in the Caldwell silks.

The sale is due to take place on February 6 and a post on www.tattersalls.ie said: “Andy and Gemma Brown have entrusted Tattersalls Ireland to manage their dispersal sale, consisting of 29 exceptional lots.

“Clients will be presented with a rare opportunity to purchase a Grade One winner and leading Cheltenham Festival contender, along with several proven Graded winners with immense future potential.”



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Leopardstown return on the cards for Caldwell Potter

Connections of Caldwell Potter have plenty to get excited about following his thoroughly impressive Leopardstown success over the Christmas period.

Gordon Elliott’s charge was sent off at odds of 6-1 for a competitive running of the Grade One Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle, but proved a decisive winner when pulling clear on the run to two out and galloping on to a cosy six-and-a-half-length success in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

It was a performance that justified his big-race jockey’s confidence and Joey Logan, racing manager to Andy and Gemma Brown’s Caldwell Construction Ltd string, believes connections are only getting a glimpse of what the talented six-year-old could be capable of.

He said: “He was very impressive and to be honest Jack was very confident going out, he had said it was one of the horses he was most looking forward to riding all week at Leopardstown.

“His form is good and he’s improving all the time and he is a lot stronger than he was last year. Hopefully that will continue going forward and he has a lovely way about him throughout his race.”

Having joined his ill-fated brother, Mighty Potter, on the race’s roll of honour, Caldwell Potter could have paved the way for a return to the Irish capital for the Dublin Racing Festival next month where the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle could be the ideal place to complete his Cheltenham Festival preparations.

Jack Kennedy celebrates winning The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle on Caldwell Potter
Jack Kennedy celebrates winning The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle on Caldwell Potter (Niall Carson/PA)

Logan added: “More than likely we will (go back to Leopardstown), but I have to speak to Andy, Gemma and Gordon. You couldn’t seen much reason why not to and it would be the logical step towards Cheltenham.

“He could be a Supreme horse or a Ballymore horse and with the way he did it, he was only going through the motions. I don’t think either trip will be a bother.”

If Caldwell Potter proved the perfect way to end 2023 for the Caldwell Construction team, they then got the new year off to a flying start at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day as Mollys Mango spearheaded a brilliant double on the card.

Mollys Mango romped home at Fairyhouse
Mollys Mango romped home at Fairyhouse (PA)

The six-year-old, who was placed at Listed level in a bumper, ran out an imperious 17-length scorer to book a possible return to Fairyhouse for Grade Three duties later this month in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle.

“Mollys Mango is a very, very nice mare and we’ve always loved her,” said Logan.

“She wasn’t right the last time, but she won her bumper by nearly six lengths before getting black type and Jack said she gave him some feel the other day.

“She didn’t beat a whole lot and Jack said she would do more on the gallops at home than she did in the race.

“We’ll speak again but the Solerina would be probably what we would be thinking there.”

Staffordshire Knot then got off the mark at the second attempt in the concluding bumper and with the gelding already six, attentions could turn to jumping sooner rather than later.

Logan said: “His work was very good and the family are related to Many Clouds, so there is plenty of stamina in the pedigree. The Tullow Tank who won a couple of Grade Ones is in there as well.

“It was a lovely performance and we could go up to two and a half miles and start jumping hurdles with him, or he could stay in bumpers. I would be more inclined to go jumping with him and he looks a really nice prospect.”



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Caldwell Potter gallops to Future Champions gold

Caldwell Potter dented some lofty reputations with victory in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Grade One contest has been won by a whole host of top-class performers in recent years, with Sizing John (2014), Appreciate It (2020) and Caldwell Potter’s ill-fated sibling Mighty Potter (2021) among those on the roll of honour.

Another quality renewal was in prospect, with Daddy Long Legs, fellow Willie Mullins representative Predators Gold and Gordon Elliott’s Down Memory Lane all protecting unbeaten records, but it was the latter trainer’s apparent second string who claimed top honours under Jack Kennedy.

A 6-1 shot following a comfortable victory at Navan on his most recent outing, Caldwell Potter took over from long-time leader Westport Cove leaving the back straight, with the supposed bigger guns waiting in the wings.

However, Predators Gold was the only horse able to go with Elliott’s grey turning for home and with a bad mistake at the final flight ultimately ending his challenge, Caldwell Potter was well on top as he passed the post with six and a half lengths in hand.

Down Memory Lane was a long way back in third, with Daddy Long Legs disappointingly pulled up.

Caldwell Potter with his delighted connections at Leopardstown
Caldwell Potter with his delighted connections at Leopardstown (PA)

Elliott said: “Jack just kept it simple and said he loved the ground. He galloped them into the ground. He’s a nice horse and loved the conditions.

“I wasn’t surprised, as he won well in Navan. We’ll enjoy today and then have a think about where we go next. I could see him stepping up in trip at some stage.”

Betfair gave the winner an 8-1 quote for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next March, while Coral introduced him into their Ballymore betting at 12-1.



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