Nicky Henderson all praise for Sprinter Sacre
Trainer, Nicky Henderson has lavished special praise on Sprinter Sacre, saying that the 6-year-old is very close to being the best chaser he has ever handled. His comments came in the wake of Sprinter Sacre’s effortless victory in Grade 1, Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday, December 8th.
The Mrs Caroline Mould-owned reached Sandown with high confidence, having five straight victories under his belt. Showing great respect, the bookmakers gave him the highest odds of 4 to 11.
In the hands of Barry Geraghty, he justified his good price, and chased the clear leader early on. Despite a mistake at the fourth fence, he travelled smoothly to gain lead well before the wire.
The 4-11 favourite was soon in full command. After getting his head in front, the bay and brown gelding kept running well, extending his advantage to a great deal. He was very impressive in the final stages, as he secured the first place by 15 lengths.
Kumbeshwar, who took keen hold in the beginning, was completely unable to pose any major threat to the victor. Sanctuaire also failed to make an impact. Under R. Walsh, the 11-4 chance led early on, but could not retain his advantage all the way through. A mistake in the final moment further made things tough for him, as he ended up third on the table.
Sprinter Sacre has kept his unbeaten record over fences intact. The Christophe Masle-bred faced no difficultly in adding another Grade One to his tally. Henderson is enormously delighted over his charge’s great progress, saying that the son of Network is a real speed horse.
"It's been a long wait and the last week has been quite a long one as well. He is a completely different type to Remittance Man. He was a charming horse, small and wiry, but he could really jump,” Henderson told At The Races.
He continued: "In a bit of work at home it wouldn't be a contest, Sprinter would be in another league. Sprinter has that touch of real class and I think he'd win (if they met). I don't know if you can say he's the best chaser I've ever trained just yet, but he must be getting very close.”
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