Berkshire’s loss proved to be the West Country’s achieve right here on Saturday because the Grade One Clarence House Chase, re-routed from its same old house at Ascot, produced a memorable duel up the Cheltenham hill earlier than Editor Du Gite, who was once no longer within the box for At its scheduled date closing weekend, edged out Edwardstone with Energumene, closing 12 months’s Champion Chase winner and odds-on at 4-9, best 3rd.
Editor Du Gite, a 14-1 probability, set a tight gallop from the off underneath Niall Houlihan, a conditional rider at Gary Moore’s backyard, however gave the look to be booked for 2nd as Edwardstone, closing season’s Arkle Trophy winner, moved right into a slim lead To set up midway up the hill. When Houlihan requested for one closing effort, then again, Editor Du Gite answered impressively to edge again in entrance a couple of strides from the road.
Josh Moore, who suffered a life-threatening an infection after a fall in April 2022 and showed his retirement from race-riding previous this month, was once within the winner’s enclosure to greet Editor Du Gite and Houlihan, and the strong will now hope to emulate the The triumph of Sire Du Grugy, in the similar purple and blue colours of co-owner Steve Preston, within the 2014 Champion Chase.
“He loves it around here,” Moore stated. “He confirmed he was once a just right horse at Kempton Park [last time so] it isn’t unexpected he has received, however Edwardstone and Energumene, it did not seem like they might be crushed.
“I did not have the rest to do with Sire De Grugy however it’s just right that the ones colours are going again once more. One of the house owners, Trevor Jacobs, has been in sanatorium for almost six months, so it is just right for him. He is making growth which is just right even though. I suppose we will be able to take a look at the Champion Chase now however he would possibly not be a 14-1 probability for that.”
Editor Du Gite is now top-priced at 13-2 for the Champion Chase on 15 March, in what is now an open market for the two-mile feature of the second day at the Festival. Energumene and Edwardstone are joint-favorites at 3-1, with Blue Lord third-best at 9-2.
There was an emotional success with Ahoy Senor in the Cotswold Chase for trainer Lucinda Russell, whose 95-year-old father, Peter, who had a share in the winner, died this week. Russell played a significant role in setting up Russell’s stable in Scotland, where she trained One For Arthur to win the Grand National at Aintree in 2017.
“My dad was once an out of this world individual,” Russell said. “As he went on in his life, the racing meant a lot to him and he would always phone me before and after the races and I’ll miss that intensely.
“He loved this horse and really wanted him to do well. It was dad that set me up and gave me the desire and determination, and he’d be very proud today. He’s always been good, but I think he came of age today.”
Ahoy Senor was once reduce to round 12-1 for the Gold Cup in March, in a marketplace headed via Galopin Des Champs at 13-8.