BHA Race Upgrades: Aintree re-name Grade Two chase in honor of Many Clouds,

Embed from Getty Images

Popular Grand National winner Many Clouds has been honoured in the BHA's latest pattern race upgrades, with a Grade Two chase named after Oliver Sherwood's star.

The former Hennessy winner recorded Grand National victory carrying a huge 11st 9lb, becoming the highest handicapped winner of the signature steeplechase since Red Rum's second win in 1974.

Many Clouds tragically suffered died following his victory over Thistlecrack in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.

“We’re delighted and honoured to re-name Aintree’s Listed Chase," said John Baker, Regional North West Director of the Jockey Club.

"The Many Clouds Chase, in honour of the 2015 Grand National hero and, as many people described, the people’s horse.

“I’d like to extend our gratitude to Trevor Hemmings, Oliver Sherwood and his team for allowing us to do so.”

Embed from Getty Images

Fingal Bay was one of the most popular winners of the Pertemps Network Final, when winning the prize in 2014 for Phillip Hobbs and Richard Johnson.

Elsewhere the Cheltenham Festival's Pertemps Network Final has been upgraded from a Listed race to Grade Three, in the BHA's annual pattern upgrades.

The handicap features on day three of the Festival, and previous winners include Fingal Bay, Holywell and Call The Cops.

Last year the prize was taken by Presenting Percy, providing both trainer Pat Kelly and Davy Russell a second consecutive victory in the race.

“The Pertemps Network Final, staged on the third day of The Festival in March, has received a deserved upgrade to Grade 3 status," said Ian Renton, Cheltenham Racecourse's director

“The three-mile handicap hurdle is ultra-competitive and there have been at least 22 runners for each renewal over the last 35 years.

"Pertemps Network, the backer since 2002, is a most loyal and valued supporter of the Final and its qualifying races.”

Embed from Getty Images

Cue Card won The Robert Mottram Memorial Trophy at Chepstow in 2011, four years later he was a King George winner.

Chepstow's Robert Mottram Memorial Trophy, which has been won by Cue Card in previous years, has been boosted from a class two to a Grade Two race.

In the Grand National meeting the Betway Handicap Chase has been upgraded from Listed to Grade Three, this season it was won by Sizing Codelco.

Three new Listed mares races has been added to the calendar, including a bumper at Market Rasen, novice chase at Newbury and chase at Perth.

Promising jockey Jack Sherwood teams up with Festival winning Henry Daly

Embed from Getty Images

Jack Sherwood has become the latest jockey on the move, as the pattern winner has switched to Henry Daly's Ludlow setup.

The teenage jockey enjoyed a sole Cheltenham Festival success in his four years at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat setup, winning the Martin Pipe with Ibis Du Rheu.

The man who is also partnering Grade Two winning novice Present Man, enjoyed 17 victories last season but has already ridden a trio of victories this season.

Sherwood can boast being one of few jockeys to have beaten Hennessy and Welsh National hero Native River this season, he rode Silsol to victory in Wetherby's bet365 Hurdle back in October.

"Had my last day at Paul Nicholls today," Sherwood posted on Twitter.

"I enjoyed the last 4 years immensely! I will be moving home and Henry Daly will hold my licence.

"I will be forever grateful to Paul and team Ditcheat for all the big Saturday winners, Graded winners and a Cheltenham Festival one too."

Embed from Getty Images

Henry Daly saddled 21 winners last season

Henry Daly hasn't tasted Festival victory since his double in 2003, but has enjoyed Grade One successes with Hand Inn Hand and Mighty Man.

The Shropshire handler's most recent big race glory came with Quentin Collonges winning Sandown's feature bet365 Gold Cup four years ago.

He has enjoyed a fine start to the season, winning eight races and posting a 32% strike rate. His partnership with talented jockey Sherwood should improve that tally.

Bryan Cooper dropped as Gigginstown's top jockey, as rides shared with Davy Russell and Jack Kennedy

Embed from Getty Images

National Hunt giants Gigginstown have dropped Gold Cup winning jockey Bryan Cooper as top jockey in a riding reshuffle.

Cooper who partnered Don Cossack to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in 2016, will now have to share the rides with the likes of Davy Russell and Jack Kennedy.

Cooper enjoyed two Festival success this year with Apple’s Jade in the Mares Hurdle, and Road To Respect in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate.

"There's been no parting company,” said Gigginstown Stud's manager, Eddie O'Leary.

“We'll still be using him a lot, he just won't have automatic first choice as of today.

"We'll still be using and supporting him, but he won't have first call on the horses, that's all."

Embed from Getty Images

Bryan Cooper and Don Cossack beat the likes of Djakadam, Don Poli and the fallen Cue Card to land the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Gigginstown team earnt the top owner at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival, with Apple’s Jade, Tiger Roll, Road To Respect and Rock The World all tallying up to four wins.

Gigginstown jockey ranks remain exceptionally strong, with Davy Russell boasting a wealth of big race experience, most notably riding Lord Windermere to Gold Cup glory in 2014.

Meanwhile Jack Kennedy has built up a strong relationship with Gigginstown’s top handler, and Cheltenham’s top trainer, Gordon Elliott.

The teenager has ridden the likes of Death Duty and Outlander to Grade One glory, but is best known for his shock 50-1 Supreme victory aboard quirky Labaik.

"There are a lot of good riders out there,” he added.

"Be it Bryan or Sean Flanagan or Davy Russell or Jack Kennedy, we'll be using the best available."

Market Rasen Summer Plate Day: John Constable emerges as outside Champion Hurdle contender

Embed from Getty Images

Evan Williams' John Constable has been priced as 33-1 for the Champion Hurdle, after overcoming a 16lb hike to win the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen.

The six-year-old was raised by the handicapper following his impressive victory in Haydock's Swinton Hurdle.

Yet against some tough opposition he carried top weight to victory, to land the prize by just over two lengths from Dan Skelton's Red Tornado.

"He's a different horse. He's by Montjeu and they can be tricky. He was always a good horse in hiding, but we could never get him to win," Williams told Racing UK.

"He came to life before the Swinton. I wanted to go Royal Ascot with him for the two-mile handicap, but he got balloted out. Then the Flat programme frightened me a bit, so I thought we'd come here.

"He's entered in the Galway Hurdle. I will have to see how he is.

"It's good we've had a warm spring and summer. He loves the sun on his back.

"He's a very good horse when conditions are right and he's in the right frame of mind."

Some bookmakers have shortened John Constable's Champion Hurdle price to as low as 33-1.

Embed from Getty Images

Paul Nicholls' may have a top chaser on his hands after Alcala landed the competitive Summer Plate.

Elsewhere on the card the feature race went to Paul Nicholls, as his improving chaser Alcala landed a third straight victory in the Summer Plate.

The improving chaser powered home to enjoy a hard fought success, which impressed jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.

 "He might have gone up a bit too much in the handicap, but he got into a lovely rhythm," jockey Sam Twiston-Davies told Racing Uk.

"They went a good gallop. A fast-run race like this really suits him and he jumps and stays well."

Alcala may target the Galway Plate as he hopes to continue his good form over the summer.

Cheltenham Festival 2018: Tuesday's Early Favourites

Embed from Getty Images

Our man James Stevens believes day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the best, and he's run us through the early favourites. His antepost selections, and more previews are coming throughout the build up to Cheltenham.

Embed from Getty Images

Supreme Novices Hurdle - Fayonagh (14-1)

Gordon Elliott's Fayonagh has been priced at 14-1 for the curtain raiser at the Festival, after picking up two Grade One prizes last season. He came far from the back to land the Champion Bumper, before adding more top level glory at Punchestown. He has looked head and shoulders above the rest, and should stack him up well. His victory at the Cotswold was mightly impressive, and rarely do you get a Champion Bumper winner that doesn't go on to win more top level honours.

Debuchet is a second favourite (16-1) for the curtain raiser, he finished second behind Gordon Elliot's star before going on to add listed glory by just over five lengths. Willie Mullins' Getabird (20-1), Gigginstown's unbeaten Samcro (20-1) and Nicky Henderson's Daphne Du Clos (25-1) all outside chances.

Embed from Getty Images

Arke Novices' Chase - Defi Du Seuil (10-1)

Another impressive Cheltenham winner was Defi Du Seuil (10-1), who is a three-time Grade One winner at the age of four. He won Chepstow's Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle, before enjoying a convincingly five length success in the Triumph Hurdle. He completed an unbeaten season at Aintree, when winning the 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle. He hasn't been tested over fenced, but he looks a remarkable prospect especially if he remains a novice.

Neon Wolf (14-1), who was narrowly defeated in the Neptune, is expected to go the the Arkle with a chance. Whilst the bookmakers aren't ruling out Supreme first and second Labaik (14-1) and Melon (16-1), popular top class hurdler Yanworth (16-1), and Irish Champion Hurdle winning Petit Mouchoir (16-1).

Embed from Getty Images

Champion Hurdle - Buveur D'Air (4-1)

Nicky Henderson's star hurdler Buveur D'Air is best priced at 4-1 to reclaim his Champion Hurdle prize, making him the first to do so since Hardy Eustace twelve years ago. He was impressive when winning the prize last season, beating stable rival My Tent Or Yours in an impressive manner before beating the same rival easily at Aintree a fortnight later. Rightly so, he is the one to beat at this stage of the season.

Faugheen (10-1) won the Champion Hurdle in 2015, but has missed out on a chance to retain his prize in the previous two renewals. Arkle favourite Defi Du Seuil (8-1) may stay over hurdles, and if so would be fancied in Tuesday's feature contest.

Embed from Getty Images

Mares Hurdle - Apples Jade (3-1)

Last year's Mares Hurdle was an absolute thriller with Apples Jade (3-1) battling hardest up the hill to deny hot favourite Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag. She is currently the bookmakers favourite to reclaim the Grade One prize, but she may have some other options available against the boys.

Limini is priced at 8-1 to turn the form around in the Cotswolds, whilst stable companion Vroum Vroum Mag is 10-1 for Willie Mullins. Another Mullins and Rich Ricci star mare Let's Dance is priced at 12-1, whilst former Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power is 8-1.

Embed from Getty Images

National Hunt Chase - Ballyoptic (16-1)

Nigel Twiston-Davies' former Sefton winner Ballyoptic (16-1) is an early favourite in what looks a very open National Hunt Chase. He hasn't shown much since winning at Aintree, with his best run coming second behind the Unowhatimeanharry in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury. The seven-year-old was last seen finishing seven lengths behind Yanworth in the Liverpool Hurdle. A switch over fences and a longer trip should benefit him this season.

Gordon Elliott's Fagan (20-1) couldn't have done much more when winning by 95 lengths on his chasing debut; in the 2016 Festival he finished second in the Stayers' Hurdle. Nicky Henderson's Constantine Bay (20-1),  Henry De Bromhead's Monalee (20-1) and Gordon Elliott's Sutton Place (20-1) are all in with chances. Ben Pauling's Barters Hill is a 25-1 chance to earn a Festival victory.

Bradstocks aim for Hennessy over King George as Coneygree targets second Cheltenham Gold Cup

Embed from Getty Images

Sara Bradstock insists Coneygree is 'unlikely' to head to the King George VI Chase, as he hopes to retain the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years on.

He has been plagued with injury ever since landing the Festival’s highlight race in 2015, but returned to his best when finishing third in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Most likely he may target Newbury’s Ladbroke Chase (formerly known as the Hennessy) where the likes of Bob’s Worth, Native River and stable superstar Carruthers have all won in recent years.

He had come back from a lengthy absence that day, and may well be set for another big year this season.

"Coneygree proved at Punchestown that he is still, despite his advancing years and fractures in three legs, arguably the best staying chaser in Britain and Ireland,” Bradstock wrote on the team’s website.

"With everything against him, he approached the second last going much better than Sizing John and Djakadam. Then momentarily, it all went wrong when he decided that the ground was a little too fast to jump off the long stride that would be so natural to him on winter ground.

Embed from Getty Images

Coneygree was only beaten a length and a half by Irish, English and Punchestown Gold Cup winning Sizing John on return from a five month break 

"He hit the fence hard and was momentarily brought to a standstill, before picking himself up and regaining his position alongside Djackadam and Sizing John at the last. Only then did the lack of a recent run begin to tell and he was beaten into third.

"He is back in training after a short break and we will have him ready to run early in the autumn 2017 if there is some suitable ground either here or in Ireland.”

Last year Coneygree made his return in Betfair Chase at Haydock, but he was second best when fifteen lengths behind Colin Tizzard’s Cue Card.

Another venture to Ireland could be the plan for the dual Grade One winner, but he will want to go where he gets ideal soft ground.

“The possibilities are the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase at Listowel in September, the JN Wine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal in early November, the open handicap at Chepstow or the Bet365 Charlie Hall at Wetherby,” she added.

"After an initial run, he will probably be aimed at the Ladbrokes (previously the Hennessy) Gold Cup at Newbury, unless we discover at Listowel that his superior stamina is not suited to giving away weight in a handicap race. In which case he may go back to the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Embed from Getty Images

Coneygree made history when becoming the first novice to win the Gold Cup since Captain Christy in 1974.

Yet Bradstock is unlikely to take the ten-year-old to the King George on Boxing Day, where the chaser won the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase by thirty lengths on the same card.

“He would only run in the King George VI at Kempton Park if he came out of the Ladbrokes (Hennessy) or Betfair Chase completely fresh,” she added.

“We are thinking that he may skip that and head for the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January or the Denman Chase at Newbury in February, to prepare for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.

“He is, and will always be, our massive and miraculous hero who owes us nothing.”

Bookmakers are pricing as high as 25-1 to retain his Gold Cup prize, a market headed by King George winner Thistlecrack and last year’s winner Sizing John.

Daryl Jacob set for partnership with leading Gloucestershire trainer Ben Pauling

Embed from Getty Images

Ben Pauling, who saddled Willoughby Court to Neptune glory last season, has announced Daryl Jacob will become first choice jockey for the yard.

Pauling who also trains Barters Hill, is responsible for a growing yard in Gloucestershire as he picked up a record 32 wins.

The Bourton-On-The-Water handler has already enjoyed four wins this season, and is looking forward to his partnership with Jacob.

"We have had a fantastic few years with the yard growing season after season and I am not somebody who wanted to go down the route of using the best available," Pauling told the Racing Post.

"With Nico de Boinville being kept busy by Nicky Henderson and David Bass now being first choice at Kim Bailey's, I felt the yard needed some continuity and a jockey who would be available for much of the time.

Embed from Getty Images

Willoughby Court gave Ben Pauling his first Cheltenham Festival success, denying hot favourite Neon Wolf in the Neptune.

"The matter has been discussed with Simon Munir, Isaac Souede and their racing manager Anthony Bromley and an agreement has been reached, they will come first as far as Daryl is concerned but that means he is free to ride for us for the rest of the time."

"If there is a clash on big days like Saturdays we will cross that bridge when we get to it but for the most part Daryl will be fully available and I am looking forward to building on what the yard has already achieved in just a few seasons."

Jacob will still work for reigning champion trainer Nicky Henderson, and has ridden the likes of Bristol De Mai, Top Notch and L'Ami Serge in Simon Munir & Isaac Souede's famous green colours.

He hasn't tasted Cheltenham Festival glory since riding Lac Fontana to County Hurdle glory in 2014, and was narrowly beaten on two occasions last March.

Last season the man who saddled Neptune Collonges to Grand National success, enjoyed two Grade One successes with Top Notch in Scilly Isles Novices' Chase and Messire Des Obeaux in Newbury's Challow Hurdle.

The pair will team up with Calva D'Honore at Worcester tomorrow evening.