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Which horse has won more King George VI Chases than any other, plus other key facts about this historic Boxing Day race

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:30:43 +0000

On Boxing Day (26 December), we will be treated to the sight of some of the greatest National Hunt horses currently in training in the UK going head-to-head in the King George VI Chase, a horse race that has become synonymous with Boxing Day.

Here are 13 things you need to know about this great race…

1. The King George VI Chase first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king.

2. The first race was won by Southern Hero who, to-date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old.

3. It is held during the Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey.

4. The race is over a distance of three miles and consists of 18 chase fences.

5. It was only run twice before World War II, during which Kempton Park was closed for racing and used as a prisoner-of-war camp.

6. The most successful horse to run in the King George VI is Kauto Star (pictured top alongside Long Run), who won it a remarkable five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011).

7. The leading jockey of the King George VI Chase is Ruby Walsh, who won it five times — all aboard Kauto Star.

8. The leading trainer over the race’s history is Paul Nicholls — See More Business (1997, 1999), Kauto Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Bravemansgame (2022).

9. The great grey, Desert Orchid won the race four times before bowing out in the 1991 race. He attended Kempton Park to parade every Boxing Day until his death in 2006, aged 27.

10. It is a Grade One race and this year offers £148,098 in prize money to the winner.

11. The race will be shown live on ITV and RacingTV at 2.30pm.

12. The current betting market for the 2024 running of the race has Spillane’s Tower, who is trained by Irish trainer James Joseph Mangan, as the favourite, in what is a top class line-up for this season’s renewal.

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Who are the runners in the 2024 race?

Let’s take a look at this year‘s runners and riders, plus their odds, so that if you fancy it, you can have a flutter.

These runners and riders, plus the odds, are correct as of 23 December. Odds may vary depending on your bookmaker.

Horse: Spillane’s Tower | Jockey: Mark Walsh

Trainer: James Joseph Mangan | Odds: 7/2

Horse: Grey Dawning | Jockey: Harry Skelton

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Il Est Francais | Jockey: James Reveley

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Banbridge | Jockey: TBC

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Odds: 6/1

Horse: Corbetts Cross | Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor

Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Odds: 12/1

Horse: L’Homme Presse | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Odds: 12/1

Horse: Envoi Allen | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead | Odds: 16/1

Horse: Bravemansgame | Jockey: Harry Cobden

Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Odds: 20/1

Horse: Juntos Gananmos | Jockey: Felix De Giles

Trainer: D Cottin | Odds: 22/1

Horse: The Real Whacker | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Trainer: Patrick Neville | Odds: 33/1

Horse: General En Chef | Jockey: Benjamin Gelhay

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 100/1

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How do I place a bet on the King George VI Chase?

Follow our complete guide on how best to bet to find out more.

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Horse & Hound’s 140th anniversary legends: Desert Orchid – ‘Everybody thought I’d gone mad when I sent him to the King George’

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A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

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14 things you might not know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:24:23 +0000

Find out everything you need to know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls.

1. Paul Nicholls, born on 17 April 1972, is a British National Hunt trainer based at Manor Farm, Ditcheat in Somerset.

2. Nicholls left school at the age of 16 to work at a local point-to-point yard and in 1982 he became a conditional jockey under trainer Josh Gifford.

3. In 1984 he joined David Barons as stable jockey and enjoyed some notable successes, including back-to-back wins in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury with Broadheath in 1986 and Playschool the following year.

4. However, due to injury, he retired as a jockey in 1989 having ridden 133 winners over a seven-year career.

5. He then served a two-year apprenticeship as assistant trainer to Barons before taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1991.

6. Paul Nicholls began renting Manor Farm, Ditcheat from a local dairy farmer, Paul Barber, and had just eight horses in training to begin with.

7. His first winner, Olveston, was owned by Nicholls’ father and named after the South Gloucestershire village where he grew up.

8. His career developed steadily but the 1999 Cheltenham Festival, however, was to mark the start of Nicholls’ real success when he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Call Equiname, the Arkle Chase with Flagship Uberalles and the Cheltenham Gold Cup with See More Business.

9. At the end of the 2005-2006 season Nicholls was crowned champion National Hunt trainer for the first time. He has now been crowned champion National Hunt trainer 11 times.

10. Paul Nicholls trained his 50th Grade One winner in December 2008 when Master Minded — ridden by AP McCoy — won the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

11. Irish jockey Ruby Walsh played a central role in Nicholls’ success, including winning the 2007 and 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cups for him aboard Kauto Star. Sam Thomas won the same race aboard Denman in 2008. After the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, he had racked up 45 Festival winners.

Article continues below…

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12. Kauto Star and Walsh won the King George VI Chase at Kempton a record five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011). Nicholls has more recently won this race with Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Frodon (2020).

13. Nicholls won the Grand National in 2012 with veteran chaser Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob.

14. Paul is married to Georgie Brown and he has three daughters. His eldest daughter, Megan, from his second marriage is a professional Flat jockey.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Ruby Walsh hangs up his racing boots after a 24-year career

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 02 May 2019 13:35:59 +0000

After a career in the saddle spanning 24 years, top National Hunt jockey Ruby Walsh announced his retirement on winning the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Kemboy yesterday (Wednesday, 1 May).

The 39-year-old Irishman waved goodbye to the Punchestown crowd following his two-length victory in the Grade One contest in Ireland.

The jockey has ridden more than 2,500 winners and has more Cheltenham Festival successes to his name than any other rider in history.

The former number one jockey to champion trainer Paul Nicholls decided to spend more time at home in Ireland and took up the full-time role riding for Willie Mullins’ yard in 2013.

Ruby burst on to the scene in this country when winning the Grand National in 2000 on Papillon, who was trained by his father, Ted. He became a dual National-winning rider when triumphing aboard Hedgehunter in 2005.

His other big successes in the saddle came on two notable horses; Hurricane Fly and Kauto Star. He steered Hurricane Fly to two Champion Hurdle titles and the Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star to two Cheltenham Gold Cups, plus five King George VI Chase wins.

“You have a dream and you keep going until the dream turns into a nightmare. Thankfully, it never did and I have just been so lucky. Riding is all I ever wanted to do and I have got to live that dream — it’s brilliant,” Ruby wrote in his Racing TV blog.

“I had made up my mind that I would retire if Kemboy won this week [at Punchestown]. There comes a time when you think you have had enough of this and want to do something different. I probably decided last summer that I was going to retire.

Continues below…

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Jockey Ruby Walsh has a ballad dedicated to him

Top jockey Ruby Walsh is to have a song released in his honour by Irish folk singer Christy Moore

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Kauto Star wins another King George VI Chase

Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh won a second consecutive Stan James King George VI Chase in devastating style

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

“Any jockey is only as good as the horses they are riding. I rode some absolute superstars from Imperial Call at Punchestown 20 years ago, to Azertyuiop, Denman, Kauto Star, Big Buck’s, Master Minded, Vautour, Annie Power, Faugheen, Hurricane Fly — I have ridden them all. Even if you had a crystal ball, you could not have seen how lucky I was going to be.”

AP McCoy paid tribute to his friend and former weighing room colleague on Twitter saying: “Congratulations to my great friend Ruby Walsh on an amazing career. He was like Lionel Messi on a horse. What he has is uncoachable and unteachable — just better than everyone else.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

Day one at the Cheltenham Festival: Buveur D’Air holds on to his crown, impressive comebacks and Festival firsts

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:51:17 +0000

The iconic Cheltenham “roar” signalled the start of a brilliant opening day of racing at the four-day Festival today (Tuesday, 13 March), and it was Buveur D’Air who hit the headlines.

The seven-year-old, who is trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by JP McManus, was making a return to the Festival to retain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown from 12 months ago.

Under Barry Geraghty — who missed out on the winning ride last year when sidelined by injury — the 4/6 favourite had to work hard up the tough Cheltenham hill when challenged by the Willie Mullins-trained Melon. However, the pair held on to win by a neck and it was the son of Crillon’s 10^th consecutive win.

“It was a long year last year, but it’s been a great year this time and I can’t complain,” said Barry. “Coming here, you are banking on a winner. Bad luck was the only thing that was going to beat Buveur D’Air today. Having missed last season, it’s great to get a big winner for the boss.”

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Walsh bounces back

Ruby Walsh, who broke his leg in a fall in November, made a remarkable winning comeback on day one of the Festival, when Footpad stormed up the home run to take a comfortable 14-length win, despite some jumping errors, in the Racing Post Arkle Novices’ Chase beating the Nicky Henderson-trained Brain Power.

Ruby rode a patient race when Petit Mouchoir and Saint Calvados set off hastily and distanced themselves from the rest of the runners. However, there was no panicking from the winning jockey, who gradually picked them off round the home turn and up the hill.

Footpad’s trainer, Willie Mullins, said: “Going past the stands the first time the horse was off the bridle and when he made that bad mistake I thought ‘oooh that’s it, over’ and he was off the bridle the whole way down the back. But Ruby sat and waited for the two in front to come back — he had a feeling the ones in front were going too fast and it turned out to be right.”

Ruby added: “The way he stayed as a four-year-old suggests he would stay further, particularly as he is getting older. He has brains, he has pace and he has stamina. He is not a work horse at home, he is a racehorse and he saves himself for the racecourse — he is high class.

“I cannot say I was confident down the back, when he landed on the first one, but I said to myself that they were going too fast in front and can’t keep going.”

The Irishman followed this up later on with victory in the Grade One OLBG Mares’ Hurdle aboard Benie Des Dieux — the hot favourite Apple’s Jade finishing a disappointing third behind 33/1 shot Midnight Tour in second.

However, there was some disappointment during the day for Ruby when Faugheen “the Machine” looked a shadow of his former self in the Champion Hurdle, finishing sixth and another Rich Ricci-owned runner, Getabird, was an unplaced favourite in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ won by the Tom George-trained Summerville Boy.

Kelly’s first Festival victory

Lizzie Kelly celebrated her first Cheltenham Festival winner when partnering Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima Handicap Chase. They held on by a neck to Shantou Flyer ridden by James Bowen.

“I came here today and it was like I had grown up five years,” said Lizzie. “We feel all the pressure but I think last year here with Tea For Two falling in the Gold Cup and picking the wrong horse in the Fred Winter, it was an educational year.

“After last year, I made my peace with never being a Cheltenham Festival winner and now I am — I am shocked and don’t really know what to say for the first time in my life.”

Sadly, Mossback and Report To Base were both fatally injured during the final two races of the day.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham Festival preview, on sale now (8 March 2018). Read the Cheltenham Festival report in the 22 March issue of Horse & Hound, plus read daily round-ups online (13-16 March 2018).

9 reasons to head to a point-to-point ASAP

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:15:26 +0000

If the prospect of arctic winds is giving you (dangerously) cold feet about heading out to your local point-to-point this season, we’ve come up with nine very good reasons to sway you to wrap up and get out there

1. Spot National Hunt stars in the making

Ruby Walsh, Robert Thornton, Paul Carberry and Sam Twiston-Davies are just a few of the big National Hunt names who have cut their teeth in the point-to-pointing world.

2. Get up close to the action

Unlike with racing proper, there’s no chance you’ll be corralled into a “cheap seats” area where you’re unlikely to see a horse for the duration of your day. Some of the best viewing is at Littlewindsor, where cars are parked on a slope with the course laid out below. At Trebudannon the whole course is visible from the winning post and at Whittington, near Kirkby Lonsdale, there is a good viewing bank at one end of the course looking down the Lune Valley.

3. Wear your wellies with pride

Cheltenham might mean digging out your best suede boots — but for your local point-to-point, grab the nearest pair of wellies to the front door. Minimal effort required.

4. Cameras at the ready

Point-to-point courses are situated in some of the most picture-perfect country Britain has to offer. Holnicote at its Exmoor location between Dunkery Beacon and Selworthy church stands out, as does Flete Park, on the late Lord Anthony Mildmay’s estate. The course there encircles a cricket ground and the ladies changing room is in the pavilion. Llanfrynach is another one to take note of, with the snow-capped Brecon Beacons providing a stunning backdrop.

5. Celeb spot

Celebrities might don an overcoat and think they can slip into a point-to-point unnoticed. But we’ve sussed out where you’re likely to spot one. David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson have been seen at the Heythrop, actor Robson Green has been spied at Alnwick and Horseheath had an episode of Made In Chelsea filmed there in 2013 (if that counts…).

6. Prove your picnic prowess

Tables trump rugs, china trumps plastic and anything that needs a knife and fork trumps a sandwich. Or if you want to boycott the competitive picnicing altogether, make your way to the burger van…

7. Limit your financial losses

Your wallet can feel worryingly empty post-racing, but at a point-to-point, placing a £1 bet is entirely acceptable.

8. Entertain your non-horsey friends

With busy bars, children’s rides and tradestands on offer, the most unhorsey of friends (or family) can be kept entertained. The Meynell & South Staffs stage the pony racing finals as well as hound racing; Godstone’s second meeting has sheep showing and High Easter has a big screen for Grand National coverage.

Continued below…

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7 reasons to love winter (plus a few reasons not to!)

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8 (demanding) thoughts of a pampered stabled horse this winter

9. Look forward to soaking in a long, hot bath afterwards

Scheduling a long, hot bath to thaw out post point-to-point is a crucial part of the programme. If hot water supplies are looking dubious, forget reasons one-to-nine — cancel your plans and do not leave the house.

For more information visit: pointtopoint.co.uk

Don’t miss our point-to-point special in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (23 November 2017), complete with a full fixture list plus we visit leading trainer Dean Summersby at home in the West Country

15 riders reach the point of no return

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 11:05:22 +0000

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the cross-country round of your life and the next you experience that sinking feeling as you realise gravity is about to take over and, inevitably, you and the ground are going to become thoroughly acquainted.

Yes, it’s that moment every rider dreads — the point of no return. We bring you 15 classic moments, all of whom we’re pleased to say could see the funny side…

1. Barry tries his Best

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The HSBC Maltings proved the undoing of Rosie Thomas and Barry’s Best at Burghley in 2010. The chestnut is doing his utmost to keep himself out of trouble but the sideways exit for Rosie is now inevitable.

2. Look, no hands!

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National Hunt jockey Richard Johnson tries every balancing act in the book but, when Swnymor hits the deck at the final hurdle at Chepstow, the mud beckons.

3. Bring on the wall

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When Kool Kaiser declines to jump the famous wall at Great Yorkshire Show, he and Joe Whitaker send the bricks flying. The astonished expression on both horse and rider says it all.

4. The starfish

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Eventer Joe Meyer (Black Andy) adopts the starfish position before making a splash at Burghley in 2008. Waterwings are unfortunately not provided.

5. See ya!

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One competitor at Mid Herts Show is shown the side exit by his overexuberant mount. The only way is down.

6. Feet first

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If you manage to time it just right, it is possible to land elegantly on your feet. Much easier said than done, however.

7. Too late to hail a cab

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Nice try, Ruby Walsh, but the Cheltenham turf beckons when Twist Magic crumples on landing at the Festival.

8. A trip to the dry cleaners

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Jade Hunter takes a spill while hunting with the Tynedale. We all know what’s coming next — mud bath anyone?

9. The swan landing

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The showjumpers usually leave the dunkings to the event riders, but at Aachen in 2013, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Desteny Van Het Dennehof make a splash landing, skimming through the water jump before grinding to a halt.

10. If I can just hold on a bit longer…

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James Robinson (Comanche) defies gravity for as long as possible, but doesn’t escape an early bath.

11. Don’t worry, I can wait

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Blow The Budget stands patiently as young jockey Antonia Platt wriggles back in to the saddle at HOYS. A great recovery!

12. The stuntman’s exit

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Point-to-point rider Alex Edwards could audition for the next Bond film after this dramatic dismount off Chief Heckler at the Cambridge University Hunt Club meeting.

13. Going head first

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Sometimes the horse will help you out in these kind of situations, but we all know that when his head goes down, that neck becomes a slippery slide to terra firma.

14. It happen to the best of them…

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Even Andrew Nicholson can’t avoid a spectacular splash landing every now and then and the New Zealand rider’s turn comes in Luhmuhlen in 2013.

15. The ultimate sinking feeling…

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The worst possible place for your horse to take proceedings into his own hands is at the top of the 10ft 6in Hickstead Derby Bank. Germany’s Axel Wockener clings on vainly in 1976, but his horse Glasgow’s decision to tackle the obstacle backwards was never going to end prettily.

Faugheen wins 2015 Champion Hurdle

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:48:39 +0000

Hot favourite Faugheen was an impressive winner of the 2015 Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham today (Tuesday 10 March).

In what was one of the most anticipated races of the season, “Faugheen the Machine” — as the seven-year-old gelding has been dubbed by fans — thrilled the crowd during showpiece of day one at the Cheltenham Festival.

And was a one-two-three in the race for Irish trainer Willie Mullins, who sent out Arctic Fire to finish second and Hurricane Fly in third.

Unbeaten Faugheen led from the off and travelled strongly throughout. Coming down the hill third from home his stablemate Hurricane Fly, Jezki and The New One all looked in contention, but Faugheen quickened away under Ruby Walsh when he was asked to pick up after the last.

He won by a length and a half, ahead of fast-finishing Arctic Fire, who was ridden by Danny Mullins.

The victory extended Faugheen’s unbeaten stretch to nine.

“I wasn’t concerned at any stage, I thought he was well in control all the time,” said Mullins.

“I didn’t think he would win that impressively. Ruby rode him with huge confidence and he showed that he was the good horse Ruby and everybody else thought he was.

“Faugheen has to be right up there with the other great horses I’ve trained. I’m not going to say he is as good as Hurricane Fly in his heyday as he has a lot more improving to do. This is only his second Grade One. He is a very good horse and probably over hurdles the second best I’ve trained.”

Hurricane Fly won the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in 2011, and became the first horse in 38 years to regain the crown when he won again in 2013.

The popular Irish hurdler secured his 22nd Grade One win — setting a record — in January, winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Mullins praised the 11-year-old’s performance.

“Hurricane Fly ran a terrific race, I thought he was going to get right into it at the second-last. I think Paul [Townend] was very happy and I was happy how he ran — no disgrace,” he added.

Walsh, who partnered Hurricane Fly in the horse’s previous Champion Hurdle wins, had a tough decision on his hands heading into the race, but he always had faith in Faugheen.

“It was a massive decision not to ride Hurricane Fly,” said Walsh.

“I know the betting reflected that I was always going to ride Faugheen but when you are in a stable like Willie’s and you see what Hurricane Fly is doing at home, it is still a big call to make and get off him.

“This [Faugheen] is an incredible little horse, a fine horse. He was awkward at the second last but pinged the last and saw it out well. This is probably the best feel I’ve ever had from him — it was certainly his biggest challenge facing all these good horses.”

Jezki, the winner last year, trained by Jessica Harrington, finished fourth.

The New One finished fifth, with Kitten Rock in sixth, Bertimont in seventh and Vaniteux in eighth.

Annie Power “ok” after fall

Faugheen provided trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh with their third winner of the day, as the pair had earlier triumphed in the opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Douvan and then in the Arkle Chase with Un De Sceaux.

The combination looked set to score for a fourth time with favourite Annie Power in the OLGB Mares’ Hurdle, when the seven-year-old fell at the last.

Mullins reported Annie Power to be fine after her fall in the race won by Glens Melody.

“Annie Power’s good. It was a horrible fall, she is going to be sore in the morning on her leg and shoulder but she is ok,” said Mullins, who also trained the winner.

Glens Melody, who was second to Quevega last year, is to retire to the paddocks at the end of this season, following today’s victory.

A record first-day Festival crowd of 63,249, up 6,166 on last year, was at Cheltenham today for the racing.

Hurricane Fly makes history again [VIDEO]

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:07:10 +0000

Popular Irish hurdler Hurricane Fly secured his 22nd Grade One win yesterday (Sunday 25 January), winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

More than 8,000 racing fans cheered in the Irish hero as he came into the winner’s enclosure following a record-breaking run.

He secured his fifth win in the race, surpassing the tally set by the mighty Istabraq, who won the Irish Champion Hurdle four times between 1998 and 2001.

Hurricane Fly is a course expert, having now won 10 races from 10 at Leopardstown.

He may be 11 years old, but he proved age was not a consideration by winning by 3 1/4 lengths to six-year-old Arctic Fire. Seven-year-old Jezki was a further four lengths back in third.

Jezki, who is trained by Jessica Harrington, blundered at the last and pecked on landing, leaving Hurricane Fly’s stable-mate Arctic Fire open to claim the runner-up position.

“He gave me a brilliant jump [at the last]. He’s an incredible horse,” said jockey Ruby Walsh.

“He’s beaten the reigning English [Champion Hurdle] champion [Jezki] three times this season,” said trainer Willie Mullins. “It’s all go for Cheltenham now.”

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Hurricane Fly won the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in 2011, and became the first horse in 38 years to regain the crown when he won again in 2013.

Willie Mullins is also aiming Hurricane Fly’s stable-mate Faugheen at the Champion Hurdle, leaving jockey Ruby Walsh with a tough decision.

Hurricane Fly is currently 5-1 with the bookies, while the unbeaten seven-year-old Faugheen, who put in an impressive performance in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton is evens favourite.

However, Ruby has said he will wait until much nearer the time to make his choice.

For more on Hurricane Fly’s win, and H&H columnist Richard Johnson’s thoughts on Ruby’s tough decision don’t miss H&H, out Thursday 29 January.

H&H jockey recovering after freak accident

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:00:03 +0000

The list of injured jockeys grew last week after several nasty falls at the Cheltenham Festival (11-14 March). But all the riders are understood to be on the road to recovery.

H&H racing columnist Daryl Jacob said he is “not feeling too bad” when he spoke to H&H earlier today (Wednesday 19 March). He is now home from hospital following his freak fall last Friday.

He broke his left leg, knee and elbow when being thrown off on the way to the start of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, when his mount Port Melon spooked.

Daryl was thrown into a Channel 4 camera — breaking his knee and leg — before landing on the concrete, breaking his elbow.

He had successful operations on Saturday (15 March), but as yet does not know how long he will be off for.

“I’m just resting up at home at the moment — I’m just tired and sore,” he said.

“It all happened very quickly. When I landed I thought I was alright and that I was just sore. But the paramedics wouldn’t let me get up, which is a good job really.

“I’m lucky, it was a freak accident and it certainly could have been worse. Bryan Cooper’s mangled his leg and poor Jason Maguire has lost part of his liver.”

In the ups and downs of racing, Daryl had ridden the winner of the previous race — Lac Fontana (pictured). Both horses are trained by Paul Nicholls.

Paul told H&H: “I went to see Daryl last night (Tuesday 18 March) and he seemed in good spirits. He was more mobile than I’d expected, but I’ve said he needs to be patient, there’s no rush and he needs to recover properly.”

Update on other injured jockeys

Ruby Walsh is set to be on the sidelines for around 2 months after breaking his arm in a fall on the same day (14 March). He is due to see a specialist this week, but will miss the Grand National.

Gigginstown House Stud’s number 1 jockey Bryan Cooper suffered a complex leg break on Wednesday (12 March). The break was reportedly the worst his surgeon had seen.

Bryan had a successful operation in Bristol on Friday and is hoping to return home to Ireland within the next week. He looks likely to be out of the saddle for 6 months.

Jason Maguire is reported to be recovering well following a serious fall last Monday (10 March) at Stratford after which he had to have part of his liver removed.

Jason was kicked in the abdomen by another horse after he fell from Scots Gaelic. He fractured his sternum and had bleeding on his liver so was put into an induced coma and operated on.

Trainer Kim Bailey said he was recovering well and today Jason’s friend, former jockey Niall Hannity, tweeted: “Just spoke to Jason Maguire, he’s improved more in the last few days than Hunt Ball did a few seasons ago. #flying”

For more don’t miss Daryl Jacob’s comment in 27 March issue of H&H magazine

Sanctuaire put down after schooling fall

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:37:58 +0000

Popular racehorse Sanctuaire has been put down after a schooling accident yesterday (Sunday 17 November).

The 7-year-old broke his shoulder and leg in the fall schooling after racing at Punchestown. Ruby Walsh, who was riding him, was uninjured.

Sanctuaire was formerly in training with Paul Nicholls and won 7 races including the Grade Two Celebration Chase at Sandown on his last run in April.

The horse was moved to Willie Mullins’ yard in Ireland after being sold at Doncaster in August, fetching £170,000 from new owner Susannah Ricci.

It was a sad end to the day for Mullins and Walsh, who had earlier celebrated Hurricane Fly’s win the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle. This was his 17th win at this level and set a new world record for Grade 1 victories.

Ruby Walsh steps down as Paul Nicholls’ stable jockey

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:10:17 +0000

Top jump jockey Ruby Walsh is to leave his role as stable jockey at Paul Nicholls’ Somerset yard to spend more time in Ireland.

Walsh, who has been retained rider for Nicholls since October 2002, said it was the “hardest call” he’s had to make.

The split marks the end of one of the most successful partnerships in National Hunt racing, recording wins with top horses including Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and Big Buck’s.

He will be replaced by Daryl Jacob, who won the 2012 Grand National aboard the Nicholls-trained Neptune Collonges.

Walsh, 34, has been Irish champion jockey six times and will focus on riding for Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, for whom he is also number one jockey.

He said he also wants to spend more time with his wife, Gillian, and two daughters.

“When I chose to live in Ireland, this was always going to be a job that involved an awful lot of travelling,” Walsh wrote in his column for the Irish Examiner.

“Being stable jockey [at Ditcheat] has enabled me to ride in — and win — the biggest races in our sport, so walking away from my position was never going to be easy.

“However, I felt towards the end of last season that the travelling was starting to take its toll; my family and I were like passing ships in the night.

“In my eyes there was never going to be an easy or right time to make the decision to leave Paul’s yard, and all it entails, behind me. I know it will be difficult to watch them [top horses] and emerging talent run next season but there are only so many times one can walk into Dublin airport before 6am. By the time the week’s done, I may have seen my children for a couple of hours.

“I have loved each and every one of the past 11 seasons. However, at 34 years of age, I no longer feel that I can give 100% to two yards. My future will be very different but I think it is still bright as Willie Mullins’ yard is well stocked with talent and hopefully some future stars.”

Cheltenham Festival: Bobs Worth wins the Gold Cup

Horse & Hound — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:38:57 +0000

Barry Geraghty held his nerve and produced favourite Bobs Worth with a perfectly-timed run from the final fence to win the most important steeplechase of the season, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In the end Geraghty – who bought Bobs Worth as a yearling and sold him to his trainer, Nicky Henderson, as a four-year-old – had seven lengths in hand over second-placed Sir Des Champs.

“He struggled on the soft ground for most of the way,” said Geraghty. “After a mile I knew he wasn’t happy so I started trying to conserve his energy and save a bit. I thought I was beaten with five or six to jump but he ran on down the hill and from there I just held him together.”

Henderson and Geraghty also took Wednesday’s big race, the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Geraghty paid tribute to his friend JT McNamara, who suffered a serious neck injury at Cheltenham yesterday.

“Even though this is one of the biggest days of my career, all I could think about was John Thomas. He’s a friend of ours and I hope and pray he will be ok,” said Geraghty.

Long Run, ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen, led for most of the race but faded in the final stages to finish third. Fourth was The Giant Bolster, and Cape Tribulation was fifth. The much-fancied Silviniaco Conti fell with Ruby Walsh three fences from home when travelling well.

Treble for Bryan Cooper

Unknown outside Ireland at the beginning of the week, 20-year-old Bryan Cooper has thrust himself into the limelight with three Festival winners. After Thursday’s success on Benefficient, he followed up with a double on Friday courtesy of Our Conor in the JCB Triumph Hurdle and then Ted Veale in the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle.

Tony Martin, who trained Ted Veale and Benefficient, said: “Bryan is riding with supreme confidence at the moment. We have been using him for a while and you could always see the potential in him as a rider. He’s a young fellow on the way up and I hope to be able to secure his services for a while.”

McCoy off the mark

After drawing a blank on the first three days, champion jockey AP McCoy finally got his first winner of the meeting when At Fishers Cross stormed home in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Trained in Wales by Rebecca Curtis, the Oscar six-year-old beat African Gold by four and a half lengths.

McCoy followed up in the last race of the meeting, the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup, when Alderwood, trained by Thomas Mullins, saw off Kid Cassidy. Both horses are owned by McCoy’s principal patron JP McManus.

Alderwood, 3-1 favourite, was second in the race last year.

And Paul Nicholls also got a winner on the board at last in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle. His nephew Harry Derham steered Salubrious to victory

Foxhunter drama

Colman Sweeney and Salsify took the CGA Foxhunter for the second year running, but somewhat by default. Jane Mangan was leading on Oscar Delta, trained by her father, Grand National-winning trainer Jimmy, when she fell off inside the final furlong.

Jane, 19, appeared to unbalance Oscar Delta when she pulled her whip through into her other hand, and the horse ran into one of the posts holding up the string used to cordon off the left-handed turn after the final fence once the runners are in the last stages of a race. The horse was baulked and just tipped the unfortunate Jane off over his shoulder, leaving the race to Salsify and Sweeney.

Festival honours went narrowly to Ireland, with 14 winners to Britain’s 13.

Don’t miss next week’s H&H magazine for a full report on all the action from the Cheltenham Festival, on sale Thursday 21 March

Cheltenham Festival: Sprinter Sacre is star of the show

Horse & Hound — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:36:33 +0000

Sprinter Sacre’s appearance in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase was the most eagerly awaited of the entire Cheltenham Festival.

And the Nicky Henderson-trained French-bred lived up to his billing, demolishing the field to stroll home 19 lengths clear of former winner Sizing Europe in a canter.

Jockey Barry Geraghty described Sprinter Sacre, last year’s Arkle winner, as “the closest thing to equine perfection around at the moment.”

“I’ve ridden some brilliant horses over the years but the ease and grave he does it with sets him apart.”

Nicky Henderson, for whom this was a third winner at this year’s meeting, said: “He’s nearly the perfect racehorse. He looks it, and it’s rare to find one that looks so good and is so good. We were well aware that anything bar very stunning wouldn’t keep people happy, but that was stunning.”

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Sizing Europe finished six lengths ahead of third-placed Wishfull Thinking.

Twiston-Davies has a New star

The New One gave Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies a big winner at his local track when taking the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

The trainer’s son Sam rode the handsome son of King’s Theatre. It was a first Festival winner for Sam outside the amateur ranks (he took the Foxhunter on Baby Run in 2010).

They finished four lengths in front of Rule The World and Davy Russell, with favourite Pont Alexandre back in third under Ruby Walsh.

And Alan King was back in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure with a one-two in the Coral Cup courtesy of Medinas (Wayne Hutchinson) and Meister Eckhart (Aidan Coleman).

Mullins’ luck is still in

After three winners on the first day, Irish trainer Willie Mullins carried on where he had left off, taking the first race, the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase, with Back In Focus.

The Bob Back eight-year-old was ridden by Mullins’ son Patrick, who just collared Nina Carberry and Tofino Bay on the line.

“My father won this race twice [in 1982 and 1984] and it means a lot for me to put my name beside him,” said Patrick, 23.

And the yard signed off the day by winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with Briar Hill.

Owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, Briar Hill went off an unconsidered 25-1 under Ruby Walsh, but produced an impressive turn of foot in the final furlong to streak away from the favourite Regal Encore and AP McCoy.

That’s five winners for Willie Mullins and four for Ruby Walsh so far this week – with plenty more chances to come in the next two days.

First Festival success for Best Mate’s jockey

Jim Culloty, who rode Best Mate to all three of his Gold Cup wins, scored his first Cheltenham triumph as a trainer when Lord Windermere took the RSA Chase.

Jockey Davy Russell didn’t have an entirely smooth run through the race on the Oscar gelding, but managed to produce a run up the hill that gave him a length-and-three-quarters win over Lyreen Legend.

Unioniste, the Paul Nicholls-trained favourite, could only manage fourth.

There will be a precautionary inspection of the main track at 8am tomorrow, followed by an inspection of the cross-country track at 11am. The cross-country race was postponed from Tuesday until Thursday in the hope that the ground would improve. After a day of sunshine and a drying breeze at Cheltenham it should have done, but temperatures are expected to be several degrees below freezing again tonight.

It’s Ruby Tuesday at the Cheltenham Festival

Horse & Hound — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:13:16 +0000

The brilliant Irish team of jockey Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins swept the board on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, taking the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Stan James Champion Hurdle and the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

Only six of the seven planned races were run, as the cross-country race has been postponed until Thursday in the hope that the ground on that separate track improves after partly freezing.

Walsh started the day as he meant to go on, with a superbly attacking, front-running ride on Champagne Fever in the Supreme Novices’. The Stowaway gelding, winner of the Champion Bumper last year, just saw off My Tent Or Yours and AP McCoy.

Things didn’t go Walsh’s way in the next race, the Racing Post Arkle Trophy. He pulled up Arvika Ligeonniere, also trained by Mullins, and it was Barry Geraghty’s time to shine on the odds-on favourite Simonsig.

The grey Simonsig wasn’t as impressive as expected, pulling hard and lacking some fluency in jumping. But he was able to give his trainer Nicky Henderson a 47th Cheltenham Festival success, beating Mouse Morris’ Baily Green by more than two lengths.

The third race, the JLT Speciality Chase, went to 18-year-old Brendan Powell jnr and the Colin Tizzard-trained Golden Chieftain. The Tikkanen gelding carried bottom weight in the 24-runner handicap.

But Walsh and Mullins were back in force in the big race of the day. Despite running in snatches and having to be ridden along at halfway, Hurricane Fly accelerated away up the hill and won a second Champion Hurdle.

The son of Montjeu took the race in 2011 but lost his crown to Rock On Ruby last year. The placings were reversed this time, and Hurricane Fly finished two and a half lengths in front of the Harry Fry-trained Rock On Ruby, with the five-year-old Countrywide Flame third for Denis O’Regan and John Quinn.

This victory took Hurricane Fly past the £1.3million mark in prize-money, and made him the highest earning Irish-trained jumps horse of all time.

“This means a great deal,” said Mullins, “but most of all that the horse came back and proved himself. He has justified our faith in his ability, and has done on the track what he had been telling us at home he could do.”

And Walsh and Mullins’ day was completed by Quevega’s victory in the mares’ hurdle. It was her fifth consecutive win in the race and she received the biggest cheer of the day from the crowd.

“It’s an amazing feeling – she’s some mare, isn’t she?” said Walsh. “She has a tremendous little engine and a wonderful attitude and you’d have to say she is trained by a genius.”

The final race of the day, the Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase, went to Rajdhani Express. Owned and bred by Cheltenham’s chairman Robert Waley-Cohen and ridden by his son Sam – whose wife Bella gave birth to their first child last weekend – the Presenting gelding carried top weight of 11st 12lb to victory. It was also a second winner of the day for trainer Nicky Henderson.

After extremely low temperatures overnight, racing was postponed by half an hour. The course will be covered up again tonight and a precautionary inspection is planned for 8am tomorrow morning.

Kauto Star wins fifth King George

Horse & Hound — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:44:13 +0000

The 11-year-old Kauto Star thrilled a huge Boxing Day crowd at Kempton with a magnificent display of jumping to break Desert Orchid’s record and win a fifth William Hill King George VI Chase under Ruby Walsh.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, the French-bred dual Gold Cup winner lost his Christmas crown to Long Run last year. But, despite being five years older than Long Run, Kauto Star held him off by a length this time.

Walsh had Kauto Star positioned on the outside well up with the early leaders, Golan Way and Nacarat, and Sam Waley-Cohen tracked them on Long Run. But Kauto Star’s jumping was so extravagant that, with a circuit to go, he was in front and travelling beautifully. By the fourth fence from home, Kauto Star was four lengths clear and Waley-Cohen was having to ask Long Run for an effort.

Kauto Star, who started at 3-1, jumped the final fences perfectly and just tired a touch on the run-in, allowing the staying-on Long Run to get to his tail.

The crowd erupted as Kauto Star passed the post in front – he may not be grey, but he is just as popular as Desert Orchid in his hey-day.

“He’s amazing,” said Paul Nicholls. “I knew we had him in serious order. He’s just the best.”

Ruby Walsh joked: “He’s got the hang of it now, hasn’t he?”

Owner Clive Smith’s other runner in the race, the dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, pulled up lame and was taken off for treatment.

Three winners for Ruby Walsh at the Cheltenham Festival

Horse & Hound — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:31:57 +0000

Ruby Walsh filled the one gap in his CV by winning the Stan James Champion Hurdle on Hurricane Fly at Cheltenham today.

It was the second victory of the day for the jockey, who only returned to race-riding 10 days ago after several months on the sidelines with a broken leg.

Hurricane Fly, who started favourite, beat the game Peddlers Cross by just over a length. He is by the supersire Montjeu, for whom it was a first Cheltenham Festival success.

“I never got him to settle and he ran keen all the way,” said Walsh. “We did it the hard way. We knew that he has this unbelievable speed and class but people were doubting. He is a deserving champion and a right little horse. He has a big heart and he needed it today.”

The trainer, Willie Mullins, has been champion in Ireland for the past three seasons, but this was his first Champion Hurdle win as well.

The Donald McCain-trained runner-up did well to stick with Hurricane Fly to the line, but the Flat-bred’s superior speed just told in the end.

Three winners for Walsh

Having won the Festival opener, the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, on Al Ferof – whose last run was when taking the race at Newbury before which two horses were electrocuted in the paddock in February – Ruby Walsh completed a treble in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle.

It was the easiest winner you will ever see at Cheltenham. Quevega (pictured), going for her third consecutive victory in the race, never looked like coming off the bridle and didn’t have to go more than a canter to win. She was the day’s banker at odds of 5-6, and obliged without breaking sweat.

One each for Thornton and Johnson

Richard Johnson was beaming after Captain Chris took the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy. The Philip Hobbs-trained son of King’s Theatre and the good chasing mare Function Dream has spent most of the winter finishing second – four times in a row – but, under a strong ride from Johnson, took charge from two fences out and never looked like being caught by runner-up Finian’s Rainbow.

The latter was one of three consecutive second places for trainer Nicky Henderson.

And Robert Thornton rode his first Festival winner for three years on the well-backed Bensalem in the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase in a thrilling finish from Barry Geraghty on the brave mare Carol’s Legacy.

Bensalem nearly died of pleurisy during the winter, and winning owner Alan Marsh said: “We have had a terrible year – we really questioned whether he was going to race again, let alone race properly. We are all very, very excited!”

Irish dominate cross-country

The Glenfarclas Cross-Country chase has been run seven times and there has been an Irish-trained winner every time. This year Henry de Bromhead’s Sizing Australia just held on from the veteran Garde Champetre, who won it in 2008 and 2009. Graham Lee took the last, the Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase, on the Ferdy Murphy-trained Divers.

Top jockey Ruby Walsh out of action with broken leg

Horse & Hound — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:45 +0000

Top National Hunt jockey Ruby Walsh is facing months on the sidelines after breaking his leg in two places.

The Irish rider fractured the tibia and fibula in his right leg, falling from Corrick Bridge in a handicap chase at Down Royal on Saturday (6 November).

Earlier in the day Ruby had scored a double, partnering Kauto Star and The Nightingale to big race wins.

He was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria in Belfast. His sister and agent Jennifer yesterday told press that surgery had gone well but they did not know how long he would be out of action.

Trainer Paul Nicholls now faces decisions as Harry Skelton, who also rides for Nicholls, broke his collarbone after a fall at Wincanton at the weekend too.

Nicholls is now expected to give more rides to Sam Thomas and Noel Fehily, with Sam to be reunited with Denman in the Hennessey at Newbury later this month.

Bookies also have AP McCoy as favourite to partner Kauto Star on the horse’s next outing, which could be the Hennessey or more likely the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Ruby only returned to the track in August after breaking his arm on Grand National day in April.

Ruby Walsh out for at least two months with broken arm

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:26:45 +0000

Jockey Ruby Walsh will not be back riding at a racecourse for at least two months after breaking his arm in a fall on Saturday (10 April).

Ruby missed out on his Grand National ride aboard Big Fella Thanks, who finished fourth in the race, after falling earlier that day. Barry Geraghty took the ride.

Ruby took a crashing fall from Celestial Halo in the Aintree Hurdle and was kicked by Won In The Dark.

The jockey went to see an orthopaedic surgeon earlier yesterda (Monday 12 April).

His sister and agent Jennifer said: “He went to see his surgeon Bill Quinlan. The arm is in plaster and he is going to be out for eight to 10 weeks.”

Ruby will miss the Punchestown Festival (20-24 April), the Scottish National (17 April) and Cheltenham’s April Meeting Later this week (14-16 April).

Ruby Walsh to ride My Will in Saturday’s Grand National

Horse & Hound — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:46:08 +0000

Top jockey Ruby Walsh has confirmed he will be riding the Paul Nicholls-trained My Will in the Grand National this Saturday (4 April).

Ruby, who has won the race twice before‚ on Papillion (2000) and Hedgehunter (2005) — has chosen 9-year-old My Will as he believes the good ground will suit the horse.

He was previously undecided between My Will, owned by the Stewart Family, and Southern Vic — trained by his father Ted Walsh.

Niall “Slippers” Madden — who won the race in 2006 aboard Numbersixvalverde — will take the ride on Southern Vic.

Jockey Ruby Walsh has a ballad dedicated to him

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:42:09 +0000

Top jockey Ruby Walsh is to have a song released in his honour.

The Irish jockey, who rode a record seven winners at last week’s Cheltenham Festival, is well used to the chant of the Kaiser Chiefs’ “Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby” — but he now has a song dedicated to him.

The Ballad of Ruby Walsh, by Irish folk singer Christy Moore, is to be released tomorrow (Friday 20 March).

Christy is a keen racing fan and claims he has Ruby to thank for his winnings on numerous occasions — most notably at the Galway Festival one year.

“Ruby Walsh saved my bacon below at the Galway. When he crowned my treble in Ballybrit I vowed to sing a song for him,” Christy told local papers.

The song’s lyrcis combine emotive descriptions of the sport with amusing social commentary.

“They’re under starter’s orders

Ted Walsh is commentating

Ruby’s on the favourite

He’ll surely take some batin

Necks are craned and eyes are strained

There’s fear upon the faces

There’s agony and ecstasy

Below at the Galway Races”

The Ballard of Ruby Walsh is the first single on Christy’s forthcoming album Listen, out on 17 April.

Ruby Walsh is back in the saddle less than a month after splenectomy

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:58:53 +0000

Jockey Ruby Walsh was back in the saddle this afternoon (12 December) — less than a month after he had an operation to remove his ruptured spleen.

Ruby finished 2nd on the Paul Nicholls-trained Mahonia in his return to action in the Boylesports.com “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham — the same racecourse at which he ruptured his spleen in a fall from Pride Of Dulcote on Saturday 15 November.

Top racing names honoured at awards ceremony

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:54:22 +0000

Gold Cup-winning trainer Paul Nicholls was named Jump Trainer of the Year yesterday (Monday, 1 December) for the fourth consecutive year at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) 42nd Annual Blue Square Derby Awards lunch.

The Somerset-based trainer sent out the first three home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Denman, Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges respectively) and has trained the last three winners of the Tingle Creek (Kauto Star in 2005/06 and Twist Magic in 2007). His horse Master Minded is current favourite for the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday (6 December).

Paul’s stable jockey Ruby Walsh — who is currently sidelined after having his spleen removed last month — was named Jump Jockey of the Year.

Flat Jockey of the Year went to Johnny Murtagh – whose successes in 2008 include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot (Duke of Marmalade), the Prix Morny (Bushranger) The 2000 Guineas and Irish 2000 Guineas (Henrythenavigator) and the Ascot Gold Cup (Yeats).

Aidan O’Brien received the Flat Trainer of the Year award for his 23 Group 1 winners in the 2007/08 season. The Co-Wexford-based trainer was unable to attend though as his father died on Sunday (30 November).

Breeders’ Cup winning trainer John Gosden was named International Trainer of the Year after his wins with Raven’s Pass and Donativum at Santa Anita in October while Denman’s owners Paul Barber and Margaret Findlay received the Owner of the Year accolade.