Paddy Power Gold Cup Meeting 2023.

The National Hunt season has been gradually heating up over the previous weeks with plenty of star names emerging from their summer hibernations and the point had come to a real traditionalist's meeting, the Showcase meeting. Raced over three days at the cathedral of steeplechasing, crowds flock to the Cotswolds and are treated by high class and competitive racing on the Cheltenham turf. The Friday is one for the future stars, the Sunday is for the ultra tough Greatwood Hurdle but Saturdays is the biggest draw with the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase headlining the card.

The famous handicap, run over the intermediate trip of two miles and four furlongs, has seen a whole host of stars of the past and present take in this valuable contest on their way to greater things. Known as the Mackeson Gold Cup to older fans, the race was first run in 1960 and in its infancy, the likes of dual Champion Chase winner Fortria and Grand National winner Gay Trip landed this prize in their career. In modern times, the race used to be farmed by Martin Pipe with the formidable trainer winning this great race eight times. Star names of this century like Our Vic, Al Ferof, Exotic Dancer, Cyfor Malta and the subsequent Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander have all seen their name in lights in this race while Long Run has also finished in the frame in days gone by. The quality of this year's race was no let up on previous editions and it would be a prize all the trainers would want to win.

Elsewhere on the card, the day started with the Festival already in mind courtesy of the Triumph Hurdle Trial. It would be a potential first look at the highly regarded newcomers to the hurdling scene with many transferring from the flat or from across the French Sea. The Paddy Power Intermediate Hurdle also sees plenty of names for future reference as many aimed to use this as a stepping stone to a career over fences. A listed chase for novices, an amateur jockeys' handicap and a closing listed class 'bumper' for mares would round up the action on a high class day of national hunt racing. 

Race One:  The JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle - Grade Two - Two Miles - 3-y-o's only - Runners: 11

Winner: BURDETT ROAD (#2) (Muharaar x Diamond Bangle) - H. Cobden - J. Owen

The curtain raiser on this high class Saturday racecard would feature potential stars of the future. This time of the year often sees the highly regarded juveniles emerge on the scene as the pecking order of the division begins to take shape.

The Grade Two race has seen some very classy names win in previous years. Back in 2016, the subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner Defi Du Seuil began a prolific winning streak for Phillip Hobbs while Quel Destin and Allmankind would follow up wins in this contest by landing the Grade One Finale Hurdle. For the past two seasons, the Milton Harris and Paddy Brennan trainer/jockey combination have landed this prize with the future Grade One winner Knight Salute in 2021 and the beautifully bred Scriptwriter in 2022.

The leading name in this year's running would be the exciting Burdett Road for up and coming trainer James Owen. A winner at Royal Ascot in the summer, he was highly touted ahead of his debut over hurdles and failed to disappoint. Elsewhere, there would be an international flavour in the field with the French trained Milan Tino, who had form behind the leading hurdlers in that country. Smart flat sort Gifted Angel had enjoyed a prolific streak in his new career with three hurdle wins so far. I Still Have Faith, Eagle Prince and An Bradan Feasa all made a successful switch from the flat to hurdling and stepped up in grade. The likes of Ellerton, Knight of Allen and Galactic Jack faced a difficult task for their first start over hurdles in public. The pair of Parish Star and Seraphic completed the field but would have an even steeper challenge. 

There would be drama as soon as the flag dropped to signify the start of the race. Approaching the first hurdle, the inexperienced Parish Hall wandered around and abruptly dumped jockey Lorcan Murtagh into the frame of the hurdle. The loose horse caused even more chaos by jinking left into Knight Of Allen and forcing him off the track and out of the race immediately. Thankfully, the race went without further hitch as the grey Gifted Angel bowled along in front. An Bradan Feasa tracked him in the early stages as the remaining seven remained tightly grouped. Burdett Road produced a few sticky jumps in the early stages but gradually warmed into the event and was spotted travelling well as the field rounded the home bend. An Bradan Feasa kicked early around the home bend and stole a few lengths advantage on the field. Opting for the inside rail, he was unable to see Burdett Road on the far side making up ground. The leader jumped the last in front but it would be Burdett Road who showed a devastating change of gear to burst up the home straight to win easily in the end. Milan Tino would take home a respectable third with Eagle Prince in fourth.
It would be a hugely impressive win for the three year old who enjoys a big reputation in this sphere. Unfashionably bred for jumping as a son of sprinter Muharaar, Burdett Road won the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot and finished third in Group company on his final flat start. Joining the young stable of James Owen, he has solidified his status as Britain's best juvenile hurdler and will likely return for the Festival in March. An exciting prospect.

Race Two: The Wienerberger Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase - Class Three - Three Miles, One Furlong - Runners: 16

Winner: HASCOEUR CLERMONT (#17) (Montmartre x Kalidria Beauchene) - N. McParlan - G. Cromwell 

This staying handicap chase limited to amateur jockeys really harks back to the golden grassroots days of the sport and these kind of contests are regularly well attended. While it gives the fully fledged riders a chance to put their feet up for half an hour, it also gives the opportunity for some of the best amateurs in the game a chance to showcase their talent in the saddle. In recent years, the likes of Nina Carberry, Jack Andrews and Sam Waley-Cohen have all returned successful in this race 

The largest field size of the day saw a whole host of in form horses and some of the best riders in the amateur scene in action. Lucy Turner, Will Biddick, and John Gleeson can all lay claim to being Cheltenham Festival winning riders and were looking to be a Cotswolds champion once again. Despite the class three status, there was a talented field on display with former Festival winners in the lineup as well as higher level race winners of the past and some up and coming talents. The Ben Pauling-trained Mole Court arrived in the form of his life following four straight wins including last time in a similar race at the October meeting. Former Grimthorpe Handicap winner Undersupervision has plenty of talent but not as much luck while Cap Du Nord landed a Grade Three race as recently as January this year. Winner of the 2021 renewal Strictlyadancer had made a gradual return to fitness following a layoff and presumably had this race in mind. The top weight Latitude and lightly raced Grandads Cottage were two others on an upward curve while Brampton Belle, Wick Green and Blame The Game held strong chances in a wide open race.

With two circuits of the famous track to navigate, the early pace was sensible as the horses and riders settled into a rhythm early on. Outside The Door, Latitude and Brampton Belle were happy to lead on the first few circuits as the field jumped well in the majority. The Irish trained grey Hascoeur Clermont was easy to spot as his near-white appearance stood out in a field of bays. He raced a shade keenly early on and jockey Noel McParlan decided to let his horse stride forward. He nosed into the lead heading out into the country for the final time and jumped well. Descending the downhill section between the fourth and third last fence, Hascoeur Clermont pulled clear round the home bend and produced another good leap at the second last. From behind, Chambard and Undersupervision bravely gave chase as the favourite Read To Return finally emerged in contention having been smuggled up at the back. Another good jump at the last was greeted with a cheer and the grey set off up the long run in. He would bravely fend off the rallying Chambard to provide the Irish with their first winner of the day. Undersupervision produced a better effort in third with Read To Return taking fourth. 
The Champion Hurdle-winning stable Gavin Cromwell sent over their progressive grey for this race following a win at Galway in similar conditions last time. The mid race move to let the horse overrule the jockey proved vital as Hascoeur Clermont was able to enjoy himself once in front. A return for the amateur riders' event at the Festival could be on the horizon. 

Race Three: The From The Horses Mouth Podcast Novices' Chase - Listed Race - 3 Miles, One Furlong - Runners: 6

Winner: BROADWAY BOY (#2) (Malinas x Broadway Belle) - T. Bellamy - N. Twiston-Davies

A potentially informative novice chase was up next and the race was given a raise in class to listed status this year. The three mile contest was won last year by subsequent Turners Chase winner The Real Whacker and further back, the likes of King George winner Thistlecrack, dual Scottish National winner Vicente and Black Corton are all high class former winners of this contest.

There would be a small field for this year's renewal, but there would be a quality line up in store. The enigmatic Mister Coffey had yet to win over fences but gave Nico de Boinville an exhibition of jumping in the Grand National before tiring into eighth. He returned to the calmer waters of novice company looking for that elusive first win. Trainer Sam Thomas has held Good Risk At All in the highest regard throughout his career and made a perfect start to life over fences with a smooth chasing debut win. Alaphilippe finished a close second in the 2022 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle before missing last season. Fergal O'Brien's nine year old made a promising debut over fences recently behind the reopposing Good Risk At All. Broadway Boy was another to make a winning first start over fences but chased home the shadow of Flooring Porter last time out. Weveallbeencaught finished behind Broadway Boy on his debut over larger obstacles but has been campaigned like a high class horse throughout his career. The six strong field was completed by Cloudy Flamingo who made his debut under rules in this hot race, but connections will be hoping for a clean round to pick up prize money for sixth place. 

Tactics would be interesting in this six runner race, but from an early stage, Broadway Boy and Mister Coffey would take each other on. At the first fence, Mister Coffey would balloon over the obstacle, perhaps thinking he was back at Aintree. There would be little change in the order throughout as Broadway Boy and Mister Coffey galloped happily in front with Weveallbeencaught, Good Risk At All and Alaphilippe keeping the leaders in sight with the newcomer Cloudy Flamingo struggling from an early stage. The grey point to point recruit would be soon pulled up as the lead was taken overall by Broadway Boy. Under Tom Bellamy, the five year old jumped brilliantly and approaching the business end of the race, he had burned off his rivals one by one to enjoy a big lead rounding the home bend. Two more sound jumps sealed the race and despite finishing tired in the gruelling conditions, he crossed the line a massive twenty lengths clear. The race for second was much closer as Weveallbeencaught battled gamely to hold off Good Risk At All with a big gap to the final finisher Mister Coffey.
It was a brilliant display of jumping and galloping by the winner who, despite his age, looked a seasoned pro in this race. The son of Malinas won on his chasing debut at the end of September before appearing at the Showcase Meeting last time. He would run well in defeat behind the high class Flooring Porter, a dual Stayers' Hurdle winner, as that one was confidently ridden. A deserved second win over fences for the soon to be six year old who could be a regular in the big staying chases and maybe even a Grand National in the future. 

Race Four: The Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase - Grade Three - Two Miles, Four Furlongs - Runners: 14

For a more in-depth look at this race, head across to the Race In Focus section below:

Race Five: The Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle - Class Two - Three Miles - Runners: 15

Winner: BUDDY ONE (#1) (Sans Frontieres x May's Magic) - J. Gilligan - P. Gilligan 

The first of two exciting handicap hurdles took place with a tasty blend of regulars at this level and young up and comers. The race was won last year by Annual Invictus who added his name to the list of former winners which include the high class Sporting John and On The Blind Side.

This year's renewal looked a red hot contest with plenty of high class names in the line up. The Nicky Henderson-trained Chantry House was a Gold Cup contender only last year while Shan Blue and Real Steel have plenty of high class form in the book over fences. Buddy One crowned off a progressive novice season over hurdles by finishing placed at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals this spring while the prolific winning chaser Minella Trump was last seen competing in the Grand National in April. Come On Teddy is another highly talented sort in handicaps and made a return to action after a season out. Jonjo O'Neill's progressive Judicial Law arrived in good form while Placenet made his debut in Britain for trainer David Pipe. The French recruit had plenty of strong form and joined a stable highly capable with these sorts. The Irish scene was represented by Noble Birth, Walking On Glass and Dartan while the home team pinned their hopes on the likes of Polish, The Newest One and Moka de Vassy amongst a classy field of fifteen. 

The well contested race would see plenty of competition for the lead but the grey Dartan settled into the lead following the flag fall with Buddy One, Real Steel and Noble Birth all racing close up for the Irish contingent. The longshot Hunting Percival would choose a wider route but was close up throughout the race and The Newest One was also easy to spot. Approaching the sharp end of the race, Noble Birth attempted to slip the field under Emmett McNamara and brought the field into the home bend. The strong favourite Buddy One travelled powerfully and a big roar went up from the crowd as he rounded the bend in the lead. An committed jump at the final hurdle sealed the deal and he charged up the run in with the delighted crowd willing him home. The Newest One gave chase all the way up the hill but the line came just in time for Buddy One who would win by a length. There was also a good return to form for Chantry House who crept into the race and finished strongly into third. 
It would be a family occasion as young Jack Gilligan, brother of similarly exciting apprentice Danny, rode a Cheltenham winner for his father Paul. He was confident onboard his horse throughout and the six year old delivered. Buddy One had strong form going into the race following a third in the Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle at the Festival back in March where he bumped into the exciting Iroko. Returning to Cheltenham here on the back of a win at Galway, he ranks as a rapidly improving sort in the hurdling scene. 

Race Six: The Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Intermediate Handicap Hurdle - Listed Race - Two Miles, Five Furlongs - Runners: 9
Winner: SPRINGWELL BAY (#1) (Kayf Tara x Winning Counsel) - J. O'Neill Jnr - J. O'Neill. 

The second handicap hurdle lived up to its listed race status with some highly talented and promising individuals who were hopefully destined for greater things.
This year's renewal could easily be mistaken for a Graded race such was the quality of the line up. The top weight Springwell Bay has always been held in the highest regard and took part in Grade One company at Aintree last time. He would have to give weight away to Grade Two winner Rock My Way, who despite his recent form, was still a talented sort. The talented trio at the top of the racecard would be completed by Olly Murphy's Resplendent Grey. The five year old was last seen chasing home Captain Teague in a Grade Two at the season opening meeting at Chepstow. The smart Irish runner Another Choice and progressive Londonofficecallin provided a strong challenge from the other side of the Irish Sea. The four year old Wonderful Eagle was the most lightly raced of the bunch and had the benefit of receiving weight from all of his rivals. Joe Tizzard's five year old Gyenyame was heading the right way when last seen and the former Irish trained Fortunefavoursdbold fell over fences on her latest start. The talented Northern raider Tiger Jet completed the fascinating field of nine. 

There would be a good pace on offer with plenty of habitual front runners and it would be Rock My Way who settled into the lead from the outset. Springwell Bay, Wonderful Eagle and Gyenyame were close to the pace along with the keen going Resplendent Grey and Irish challenger Another Choice. Having jumped the first few hurdles in the pack, James Smith accepted his fate and allowed Another Choice to stride on into a clear lead. The keen going gelding soon built up a a big lead at the halfway stage but his early antics put pay to his chances. Rock My Way would retake the lead approachig the home bend as Springwell Bay loomed large in his mirrors. Approaching the final hurdle, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained six year old was booted into the final hurdle and responded with a good leap to the delight of punters. Springwell Bay would bound into a clear lead up the run in, but the chasing pack would be hot on his heels. There would be a few nervy moments as Springwell Bay began to tie up on the run in, but the line came just in the nick of time. It would be a fifth win from eight career starts for the highly regarded hurdler.

Progressive as a novice, he was last seen in the Grade One Mersey Hurdle at Aintree but could only manage sixth. Whether his future lies over hurdles or fences, he remains a high class prospect. In behind the winner, Gyenyame held on gamely for second with the strong finishing Tiger Jet nicking third on the line. 

Race Seven: The Karndean Designflooring Mares' National Hunt Flat Race - Listed Race - Two Miles - Runners: 15

Winner: BABY KATE (#2) (Champs Elysees x Augusta Kate) - B. Hayes - W. Mullins

The day of quality racing on the Cotswolds would finish with a classy "bumper" for the fillies and mares which has a rich history of producing high class names. The exciting Queens Gamble would win this race by a wide margin last year and beat 2021's winner Bonttay in the process. Flat stables have also tasted success in this race thanks to Hughie Morrison's Urban Artist and Peter Atkinson's Irish Roe. 
The stables of Nicholls, Mullins, Russell and Henderson were all represented in this final act which gave compliment to the strength of this race. The all conquering Willie Mullins stable saddled Baby Kate, a winner on debut and daughter of a Grade One winning mare. Paul Nicholls gave a return to Larchmont Lass, who won a similar race at Sandown at the end of last season when last seen and it seemed notable that the five year old was kept in this discipline. Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell sent down the promising Backdoorflush, who finished strongly into second on debut. Nicky Henderson's Easy Peasy put her unbeaten record on line and looked to be well named given the ease of her latest win. Elsewhere, the Irish challenger Sharp Object chased home the highly regarded Aurora Vega last time which looked to be strong form. Micks Jet caused a big surprise when winning at the April meeting for Northern trainer Phil Kirby and returned to the scene of her victory. The pair of four year olds Sunset Marquesa and Springs A Girl made perfect starts to their career while Jeune Belle, Tour Ovalie, Miss Applejack, World Of Fortune, Disco Daisy, Betty's Tiara and Mill House Creek rounded out the field in a competitive race to send punters home happy. 

The race would be run in near darkness as the time had ticked down to sunset. In the early stages, former course winner Micks Jet cut out the early running with the likes of Jeune Belle, Disco Daisy and World of Fortunes in a prominent position. There would be little change in the order as jockeys tried to outbox each other. Approaching the home bend, Micks Jet surrendered the lead and it would be Jeune Belle who took up the running under Bryony Frost. A shock result was on the cards but the eye was drawn to the opposite side where Baby Kate had arrived on the scene. With the action spread across the track, the Willie Mullins-trained Baby Kate released the boosters and charged up the run in, leaving Jeune Belle in her dust. In an impressive display, the four year old crossed the line over four lengths clear of Jeune Belle and the valiant Micks Jet holding on for third. It would be a classy display from a promising sort, but not so much of a surprise to see the Willie Mullins yard take home a bumper contest. A well bred daughter of the Grade One winner Augusta Kate, the filly is diminutive in size but packed with talent. She put her marker down as a top bumper prospect and it wouldn't be a surprise to see her take her place in the squadron of Willie Mullins runners in the Champion Bumper back here in March.