Cinders And Ashes starts his winning journey with William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham
A strong finish was enough for Cinders And Ashes to roll over his high status rivals in the Grade 1 William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 13, 2012.
The pair of Donald McCain and Jason Maguire seems to have working well, as they sealed victory in the John Smith's Grand National Chase (Handicap) with Ballabriggs before guiding Overturn to Stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle triumph last year.
McCain has tasted a number big wins so far, but the Supreme Novices' Hurdle success might have been a lot sweeter than many. It was McCain’s first Cheltenham victory, and that came with his most trusted runner, Cinders And Ashes.
The five-year-old could not grab an early lead, but he tracked the leaders superbly. Despite a couple of slight mistakes, the dashing gelding managed to hold a decent advantage. In the final few furlongs, he changed his gear to pump his speed.
As a result of a fantastic finish, the bay gelding beat Nicky Henderson’s Darlan, who secured second slot just by a neck distance. Under A. P. McCoy, Darlan progressed well after fifth fence, but despite an all out effort he suffered defeat by one and a
quarter lengths.
Although he was unable to challenge the triumphant, he salvaged some respect by beating Trifolium by a neck’s margin.
Maguire was delighted to register his first win at Cheltenham. He was not reluctant to lavish praise on Cinders And Ashes, who sealed his fourth consecutive win in style.
Maguire said:
"I probably got to the front a bit too soon and he got in tight at the last, but he's real smart horse with Flat pedigree. Once I got hold of him he picked up. He's hardly knows he's had a race. What a great buy by Ginger - I think he only paid five grand
for him.”
“He has probably never really had his ground because he was second in a bumper on soft ground here and then didn't stay okay in the Champion Bumper. He's stronger now and you would hardly know that he has had a race today if I am honest," added the winning
jockey.
The meeting proved to be a nightmare for Galileo's Choice, who was 6-1 favourite. Since D. K. Weld’s six-year-old was not fluent, it was impossible for him to stop top performers like Cinders And Ashes.
Alan King’s Montbazon finished fourth, while Prospect Wells, who was ridden by Ruby Wash, completed the list of top five.
Cinders And Ashes wrote a new chapter of history at Cheltenham. The ace gelding registered his name as one of the best, and the bookmakers would give him a lot of respect in the following competitions.
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