Harry Topper secures the GPG Novices’ Chase title for Kim Bailey and the connections
The Kim Bailey trained, Harry Topper, posted a back-to-back on his profile as he brought in the Grade 2 GPG Novices’ Chase on 29th November, 2012 at Newbury race course over three miles. He was the first one over the eighteen fences and beat Benefficient by 1 ½ lengths.
The bay-gelding remained in the faded mode almost throughout the race as the track seemed to be primarily a tussle between the Irish contender, Benefficient, and Highland Lodge. The prior seemed to be the undisputed winner of the race when he finally won the chasing challenge from Highland Lodge when just the final two fences remained.
At that point of time, Harry Topper still had to cover up the ten lengths gap in order to get to the leader. With rider, Timmy Murphy, onboard, Sir Harry Lewis’ bay gelding held on to the determined stance and went through the wire taking charge of the concluding moments of the race.
Highland Lodge ended third while the favourite entry of the race, Houblon Des Obeaux, could only manage the fourth position in the field of six contestants.
If there are any doubts about an effortless success then that has to be a far away thought as all the opponents were in their top and highly tuned form with recent successes lined up on their profiles.
The only entry that could not perform at par with the rest of the lot was the Nicky Henderson trained, Hadrian’s Approach, who fell earlier in the race.
The proud trainer commented:
"He won't see a racecourse very often, as Timmy said I've got to look after him as he is desperately weak.
"He'll run one or two more times this season, because he is very, very good. I've always held a very high opinion of him and he's the best horse I've had since Master Oats. He wants flat, galloping tracks at the moment, and in 18 months' time I'd hope you will see him at Cheltenham. He is the horse of my dreams."
The connections are eager for the classic gelding to keep racing on and collecting the titles.
Harry Topper had won the Betfred “The Bonus King” Beginners’ Chase on 23rd October, 2012 at Exeter race course over three miles.
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