Tag Archive for: Relkeel Hurdle

Lucky Place is Relkeel hero for Henderson and De Boinville

Lucky Place announced himself as a Stayers’ Hurdle contender with a battling victory over the admirable Gowel Road in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s progressive performer had made a winning return in the Ascot Hurdle and was again taking on Jeremy Scott’s Cheltenham Festival winner Golden Ace, who was sent off the 5-2 favourite for this New Year’s Day feature.

Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Lucky Place was one of the runners to keep tabs on the forward-going Gowel Road as Sam Twiston-Davies attempted to bring stamina to the fore aboard his father Nigel’s strong-staying and consistent performer.

Meanwhile, Golden Ace and Gary and Josh Moore’ Salver travelled stylishly in behind as they stealthily moved into contention heading down hill for the final time.

With Salver taking a crashing fall at the last and Golden Ace’s stamina beginning to waver, it was left to Lucky Place to hold off the rallying Gowel Road who refused to lie down and made the young Seven Barrows pretender answer every call.

He returned a winning verdict of three-quarters of a length at odds of 3-1, with Henderson suggesting he could now head straight to the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, for which Coral went 16-1 from 20-1.

Henderson said: “He’s just the most likeable young horse you could wish to have. He was meant to go novice chasing and he jumps very well, but I just couldn’t find the opportunities to go chasing and I don’t mind saying that because he should have been chasing.

“Luckily we have some very good novice chasers doing that and he has now slotted back into the Ascot Hurdle and into this, and I think he has batted himself into the squad for the Stayers’ Hurdle. He stays.

“You could go to the Cleeve, but I don’t know, racing over three miles is always going to be a tough battle and does he need one on the way to the Stayers’ or not? Nico and I had a quick chat afterwards and we decided he ought to have a crack at the Stayers’, but do we need to test that before March as we’re pretty confident he stays.

The Lucky Place team were celebrating on New Year's Day
The Lucky Place team were celebrating on New Year’s Day (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“He was ridden to take the sting out of the race today and we had to ride him like a stayer today, we needed to quicken it up and get on with it and take the sting out of the speedier horses which he did and then he put his head down and battled well.

“It’s a division that is open and I think he has earned his ticket to the Stayers’. We don’t have anything else for the race.

“I don’t think we have to prove he stays to ourselves, we know he stays and he is on a progressive curve.

“We think he’s a three-miler, he’s progressive and I might say he is better to keep growing than throw another race at him. The only point in running in the Cleeve is to prove he stays and why don’t we ask that in March rather than the end of January.”



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Jeremy Scott ‘very happy’ with Relkeel contender Golden Ace

Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace is set to return to the scene of her finest hour to date for the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old had an exceptional season last term, winning on all four starts, including the Grade Two Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

That victory came at the expense of Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead, who has been excellent since, with a run of four straight wins culminating in a stunning 30-length rout of a Grade One field in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Golden Ace’s return to action came in the Ascot Hurdle in November, where she was fourth of five when beaten two lengths by Nicky Henderson’s Lucky Place.

She meets the same horse at Cheltenham but is this time in receipt of a significantly greater weight advantage as the only mare in the field.

“I’m very happy with her at home, she wouldn’t want the ground very soft but I don’t think Cheltenham is going to get the same rain we’re getting here,” said Scott.

Cheltenham Festival 2024 – St Patrick’s Thursday – Cheltenham Racecourse
Golden Ace when victorious at the Cheltenham Festival (David Davies/PA)

“We knew she wasn’t fully fit (last time out) because we’d had a few interruptions, I’d like to think she’s a lot straighter now.

“Even then, we’ve probably got quite a bit of improvement to come as well, it’s been slowly-slowly this year in terms of her preparation.

“Brighterdaysahead has been so impressive, I think that race (at the Cheltenham Festival) was just run very slowly and in the end we had more gears than her.

“That makes me think that we should be over two miles but I couldn’t really find a race for her, though it could be an option if this falls through at Cheltenham.”

Cheltenham Festival 2024 – St Patrick’s Thursday – Cheltenham Racecourse
Golden Ace and Lorcan Williams (Mike Egerton/PA)

Opposing Golden Ace is Gary and Josh Moore’s Salver, who steps up in trip having finished third in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last season and fourth on debut at Newbury this time around.

Gary Moore said: “He’s been crying out for a step up in trip since the Triumph really and we know he acts on the track. Any rain would be helpful but it is going to be a tough race.

“I thought he ran a great race at Newbury on his comeback and I was very happy with him. It’s always a hard year when they are four-year-olds turning five, but he’s in good form and looks well.

“They’re calling it good to soft but the big thing is he is stepping up in trip and any more rain would be really helpful to help make it a test of stamina.”

Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented in the race by Gowel Road, who steps back in trip having been the runner-up of his past three starts in Cheltenham handicaps over three miles.

Cheltenham November Meeting 2021 – Day Two – Saturday 13th November
Gowel Road at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

Willie Twiston-Davies, assistant to his father, said: “He’s been so consistent in handicaps all year but just keeps bumping into one.

“He’s given the winner around 20lb the last twice and the time before that he was beat by The Wallpark, who looks like he is going to be a graded horse.

“Hopefully we get plenty of rain, as the softer the better. There is a slight concern dropping back in trip, as he is such a good stayer, but he’s not the slowest in the world and if it’s testing, it will play to our strengths a bit more.”

Along with Henderson’s Lucky Place, the field is completed by Dan Skelton’s dual Coral Cup winner Langer Dan and Olly Murphy’s Thunder Rock. Ben Pauling’s Twig has been declared a non-runner and is set to feature in the preceding handicap hurdle instead.



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Bob Olinger the Relkeel hero back at Cheltenham

Bob Olinger was a Cheltenham winner once again when striking in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle.

Under Rachael Blackmore he returned to the track at which he has enjoyed two Festival successes, in the 2021 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and in the 2022 Turners Novices’ Chase.

Now reverted to hurdling after seeming to lose his way over fences, the Henry de Bromhead-trained bay was the 6-4 favourite for the Grade Two feature.

In a field of four each of the quartet still held a chance turning for home, but it was Bob Olinger who strode up the hill to secure an impressive seven-length win from market rival Marie’s Rock.

De Bromhead pulled stumps after three runs over timber last season, but the real Bob Olinger appears to be back on track and after a comeback win at Navan, he doubled up in style under a confident Blackmore.

Blackmore said: “He was really fantastic today and jumped the best he has ever jumped – he carried me into the race beautifully.

“He rode like the horse I thought he was and he obviously lost his way a little bit last season, but it’s great to get him back finishing up the hill at Cheltenham like that.

“I could feel I had a lot of horse underneath me and that is a great feeling when you are at the bottom of the hill at Cheltenham.

“It was a really good performance and he has taken a good step forward from his first run at Navan. A lot of work has gone into him from an awful lot of people. Big thanks to Henry and everyone down at Knockeen. There’s a lot of people who have got this horse back to what he is now.”

Rachael Blackmore speaks to the media
Rachael Blackmore speaks to the media (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

Bob Olinger has spent plenty of time with former jockey Robbie Power being nurtured back to his best and the Gold Cup-winning rider – who has close connections to the owners – was at Cheltenham in his capacity as De Bromhead’s race planner to watch Bob Olinger.

He said: “You would have to be impressed (with that). We were impressed with him in Navan and just hoped he would be able to back that up.

“His home work had been very very good and he has come forward a lot since Navan and it’s great to see him back to his best.

“He didn’t really take to chasing and the decision was made at the start of the year to stick to hurdles and see if we can get him back to his best. A lot of work has gone into him from a lot of different people so it is great to get him back.

A big smile from Rachael Blackmore
A big smile from Rachael Blackmore (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

“To see him come back at Navan and then back up that run was impressive.

“It was always going to be a tactical race and it is always better if you can get over to the stands rail – you can get on the better ground there and you have the rail to help, it is always a huge advantage. Rachael was keen on getting it and no one was going to stop her.

“She had the horse underneath her to get her gap and she had it at all times.

“There is a lot of work gone in and he came to my place last February and he was there until around October, he was there for about eight months. He just lost his way and his confidence over fences and there is a lot of work gone in from vets, physiotherapists and doing different things and we have him back now hopefully.

“We just sweetened him up, got his confidence back and let him believe he is good again and he has shown today that he does think he’s good again.

“He’s beat Marie’s Rock giving her 7lb and that is a very good performance. He will have an entry for the Champion Hurdle but taking on Constitution Hill is probably unlikely so Aintree may be his big target.”

Jubilation for the Bob Olinger team
Jubilation for the Bob Olinger team (Nigel French/PA)

Owner Brian Acheson, whose horses run under the Robcour banner, was understandably thrilled with the result.

“He was hurt for so long and he kept wanting to give it his all,” said

“You could see him coming in, he didn’t have the swagger of the Bob in the Ballymore, you could see it. Horses are emotive creatures.

“It’s just made my year, it really has.”

He added: “At some stage I will be in the ground and everyone else will be in the ground and you want to go with experience and the experience of being here with friends and family and the lads giving the prize out are two of my best buddies – you can’t buy that.

“Bob Olinger being back has made my day.”



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Marie’s ready to rock against Bob Olinger

Connections of Marie’s Rock are anticipating a blockbuster showdown with Bob Olinger when their star mare defends her Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle title at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day

Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham Festival scorer has always shown a liking to the Prestbury Park undulations and won this contest in real style 12 months ago.

However, the Middleham Park Racing-owned Marie’s Rock will have to pass a stern test if she is to retain her crown, as a strong cast of four have assembled for the Group Two feature of Cheltenham’s opening meeting of 2024.

“It’s a bit of a different race this year and it’s a very good field,” said Middleham Park’s National Hunt racing manager Tom Palin.

“Olly (Murphy) has two in there and it’s a tried-and-tested route for Brewin’upastorm, while his other runner, Strong Leader, is an interesting edition.

“Bob Olinger though, he is a class horse over many years, and he is one I would be extremely respectful and worried about. He sets the standard really and on his going day this is very much is perfect race for him. But then again, Marie’s Rock is the defending queen, if you will.

“It will be a hell of a battle up that hill between ourselves and Bob Olinger. I’m extremely looking forward to watching that unfold – it should be a premier race for the first premier fixture and hopefully we are on the right side of it.”

Marie’s Rock (right) jumping a hurdle on route to winning this race 12 months ago
Marie’s Rock (right) jumping a hurdle on route to winning this race 12 months ago (David Davies/PA)

Marie’s Rock was last seen failing to truly stay three miles for a second time on reappearance at Newbury.

She now returns to the distance her best performances have come at despite her team still harbouring staying ambitions for the future

“There is a bit of discussion about which trip is her optimum,” continued Palin.

“We know she is very good over two and a half at Cheltenham and as I’ve said before, this is very much to make sure she is absolute spot on fitness wise and built up as much fizz and freshness as we can before we go up to three miles with her again next time and that should answer the trip question once and for all.

“That isn’t to say this is some kind of three-mile prep race. She’s very much here with her best foot forward. It is Marie’s Rock playing at home and we would love to get the year off to a flying start the same way as we did last year.

“When you see four runners I was extremely worried about what could be a lack of pace. But I think Strong Leader will be the one that goes forward – they might switch it up and send Brewin’upastorm on – but we will just take a bit of a lead off whoever, get her switched off and into a rhythm.

“When she is relaxed and travelling she is electric over her hurdles. She is in her comfort zone then and a joy to watch.”

There will also be a change of jockey on Marie’s Rock with the sidelined Nico de Boinville replaced by Seven Barrows number two, the in-form James Bowen.

James Bowen will ride Marie's Rock on New Year's Day
James Bowen will ride Marie’s Rock on New Year’s Day (Nigel French/PA)

“Myself and Nicky both think James could be a good fit for her with the way he rides,” added Palin.

“He just drops his hands and lets them travel, so I think she could be a good horse for James to ride actually.

“I’m quite excited and it’s unfortunate what has happened to Nico, but it will be interesting to see James ride her and that could be a good fit and hopefully the pace will be strong enough for her to relax, get into a good rhythm, angle off that bend and away we go.”

Marie’s Rock’s Relkeel rival Bob Olinger needs no introduction, especially at Cheltenham, and Henry de Bromhead’s two-time Festival hero appeared back to near his imperious best when snatching the Lismullen Hurdle in November.

Bob Olinger has enjoyed plenty of success at Prestbury Park
Bob Olinger has enjoyed plenty of success at Prestbury Park (Tim Goode/PA)

De Bromhead has swerved possible outings on home soil to stay at two and a half miles for this raiding mission and his regular pilot Rachael Blackmore foregoes the New Year’s Day meetings at Fairyhouse and Tramore to come over for steering duties.

She told Betfair: “I’m looking forward too to riding Bob Olinger. We were delighted to see him back at Navan the last day, he did really well, he battled on strongly to get the better of Zanahiyr and win the Lismullen Hurdle.

“He came out of the race really well, so hopefully he can build on that now. We know that he goes well at the track, and this extended two and a half miles is a good distance for him.

“It’s only a four-horse race, but it’s a competitive race, and we have to give 7lb to Marie’s Rock, who won the Mares’ Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and who won this race last year. But Bob is in great form, and I hope that he can go well.”

Brewin’upastorm knows his way around Cheltenham
Brewin’upastorm knows his way around Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

The select quartet is complete by Olly Murphy’s aforementioned duo Brewin’upastorm and Strong Leader, with the former a regular in this race and the latter a good second when upped in distance at Ascot last time.

Of Strong Leader, Murphy said: “He had a good run at Ascot, and I think the outer track at Cheltenham will suit him. He seems in good form, and he is still relatively unexposed. I’m hoping that he has a good each-way chance.

“He was still quite green at Ascot and appeared to appreciate the step up in trip, we thought we would do that after his run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle.

Strong Leader (left) enjoyed stepping up in trip at Ascot
Strong Leader (left) enjoyed stepping up in trip at Ascot (Nigel French/PA)

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he wants further in time. I’d say we could probably look at going up in trip in the spring, but it would be nice to win a good pot over two and a half miles with him first.

“He was a good novice hurdler, and he was the first of the British-trained horses home in the Supreme last season.

“It was good to see him come out and run so well at Ascot. He is rated in the mid-140s now and hopefully with time he can improve on that mark.”



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Relkeel challenge on the cards for Springwell Bay

Springwell Bay could take a shot at the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day following his taking victory at the track last month.

Jonjo O’Neill’s six-year-old was a progressive performer over timber last term, winning on three occasions before finishing his campaign in Grade One company at Aintree.

He made his first outing in the handicap ranks on his return to action at the November Meeting, but having obliged favourite backers with a good deal up his sleeve, could be set for an immediate return to a higher calibre of contest.

“He might go to the Relkeel,” said O’Neill.

“He’s in good form at home and ran a nice race there at Cheltenham last time, so hopefully he can improve on that.

“He has had plenty of problems, so you are always just biting your lip a little bit with him. But he has the ability if everything goes according to plan for him, so fingers crossed.”

The Springwell Bay team after winning at Cheltenham
The Springwell Bay team after winning at Cheltenham (Nigel French/PA)

The Jackdaws Castle handler has always held the Gay Smith-owned gelding in high regard and believes the Prestbury Park Grade Two would give a good indication as to Springwell Bay’s credentials in deeper waters.

When asked about him developing into a Graded-level operator, O’Neill added: “That’s what you would hope for and the Relkeel would probably tell you a lot, so that would be one of his options, anyway.”



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Marie’s Rock lifts Relkeel title on Cheltenham return

Marie’s Rock bounded back into action with a convincing triumph in the ca*****@do*********.com Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Nicky Henderson-trained mare has not been seen since April, when she signed off her season with a superb Grade One double in mares’ contests at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

Back in action against geldings in this Grade Two heat, the mare took no time to hit her stride when coming home a wide-margin winner at 11-2 under Nico de Boinville.

Getting weight all round, she made smooth progress to grab the lead from Dashel Drasher and galloped six lengths clear, with stablemate First Street a further head back in third.

Betfair make Marie’s Rock a 4-1 chance from 8s to defend her Mares’ Hurdle title in March, while she is 16-1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Henderson said: “It was remarkable. I was trying to train her early on in the year and I couldn’t see anywhere for her to go. She wants two and a half (miles), perfect trip for her, but there wasn’t a race for her until the Relkeel.

“I tried to train her early on in the year and she wasn’t showing anything, which is what she did two years ago, when she took a year out.

“So I stopped and started again. All of a sudden, her work was completely different again. So you can guess what I’m going to tell you now?

“She will go for the Mares’ Hurdle. They only thing you could have said, the original idea might have been to try her over three miles earlier on. It (possible race) was over three miles and it was Listed, but I wasn’t happy with her.

“Do you do Stayers’ Hurdle? I don’t know. She tanked up there. I think she would have taken a blow at the top of the Cleeve Hill.

Marie’s Rock grabbed the lead from Dashel Drasher
Marie’s Rock grabbed the lead from Dashel Drasher (left) (David Davies/PA)

“We have all got to get everywhere. It is great getting your ducks in order, but you have to get them in the right order and they have all got to be swimming downstream at the right time.”

He added: “I surprised me how well she did it. To do that was pretty impressive. Nico was always sat there having a lovely time. She gets through this ground – this is not nice ground – but she sort of scampers along. She is not like one of these great big, long-striding chasers that can’t get through it. She scampered and she gets through it better than most.

“I can’t see any point in going anywhere with her before Cheltenham.

“First Street has run a great race. He just didn’t get two and a half in that sort of ground. He was going plenty well enough at the last. He couldn’t quicken and flattened out. He wants to come back to two miles on better ground.”

De Boinville was impressed with his mount’s returning effort.

He said: “It was very, very impressive. I was surprised she was that impressive in that ground – it was dead and sticky and not very nice at all. Everyone at Seven Barrows has done a great job getting her ready for today and she felt fresh and jumped brilliantly. She is just a true Grade One mare.

“I didn’t want to go for her too soon as that last hurdle is stepped back quite far. I was mindful that it was her first race of the season, but as soon as I’ve winged the last, she set off up the hill and stayed on really well. I’m delighted with the run, and she is just a fantastic mare.”



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