DRAMA AT CHELTENHAM

Wellington is a four-time Group 1 winner

Last season’s Clarence House Chase was one for the history books when Shishkin finished with a sustained run after jumping the last two lengths down to catch the top-class Energumene near the line.

This year was slightly different. Due to the frozen ground at Ascot the previous weekend, the fixture was re-routed to Cheltenham on Saturday. However, those on track were treated to another dramatic finish with Editeur Du Gite fending off a late surge by Arkle winner Edwardstone to prevail by a head in a photo-finish.

Odds-on favourite Energumene was not his usual self over his fences and never really got into the contest. A bad blunder at the last left him in a disappointing third, nearly seven-lengths behind the first two home.

The winner, a nine-year-old, was a shock winner of the Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas but proved that was no fluke when given a fine front-running ride in the Group One, defeating Festival winners Edwardstone and Energumene.

The victory was that much better due to the fact that Editeur Du Gite was not in the original lineup and was only added into the mix when supplemented by his connections earlier in the week.

He is now a general 5/1 fourth favourite for the day two feature at Cheltenham, with only Edwardstone and the Willie

Mullins-trained duo of defending champion Energumene and Blue Lord ahead of him in the betting.

“He was very good, and it was a good result for everyone – I was very pleased,” said his trainer, Gary Moore.

“He’s earned his place (in the Champion Chase), 100 per cent, definitely. I’m sure Willie will find improvement in Energumene, and Alan King will do the same with his fella, so it’s not going to be easy, but we will give it our best shot.”

Editeur Du Gite was briefly headed by Edwardstone after they both jumped the final fence before fighting back to get his head in front where it mattered most. His handler was delighted to see the son of Saddex not only build on his Kempton display but demonstrate plenty of resolve to secure victory on Saturday afternoon.

Moore was also keen to praise the ride given by Niall Houlihan while confirming the Irishman is in line to keep the mount for the Champion Chase.

“I would say he would do (keep the ride). Niall got him into a nice rhythm, and he knows the horse really well now,” added Moore.

He sagely concluded: “The track on Saturday I think would suit him better, but he’s won on the Old Course before. He won’t get it all his own way in a Champion Chase though, will he.” results up to: 2023-02-01

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