Simonsig sets Nicky Henderson at ease with the Betfred Novices’ Chase
The Nicky Henderson trained, Simonsig, continued with the unprecedented success that he has been known for ever since he has joined the Nicky Henderson stable. He landed the Grade 2 Betfred Novices’ Chase at Ascot race course over two miles and three furlongs on Friday, 21st December. The six-year-old grey gelding was once again under the highly capable supervision of jockey, Barry Geraghty.
There was more than a reason that made the success extra ordinary, it was Simonsig’s chasing debut, the ground conditions were not really sound and he was entered as the favourite which meant that he had to come at par with the expectations associated with him. His impressive trip over the fences has reduced the tension of the trainer to a great extent.
The 2 to 9 favourite entry for the chase challenge had four rivals to take down in the field, but the first two obstacles when entering the final circuit out of the total sixteen fences took care of the three competitors.
It did not take very long for the runner-up, Sulpius, to fade away as he could not keep up with the leader’s pace. Soon the race was between the left over fences and Barry Geraghty’s mount.
Fair Mix’s grey gelding was so aggressive and determined about the race that the jockey eventually gave in and went loose on the leash. The performance throughout the race was truly impressive and the cheery on the top came in the form of forty-nine length margin with which he eased past the wire.
Not only has he completed the feat of four wins, he has stamped greatness on his 2012 reappearance.
Henderson said: "I suppose we haven't learned much, but we know he can do this now. He will be an awful lot better when going a shade quicker, but Barry did let him go and jump them.
"This was as good a novice hurdler as I've seen in a long time and we seriously thought about him being a Champion Hurdle horse, but after a long talk over the summer we decided to send him chasing."
"He's a two-miler, not a three-miler. I wasn't bothered he was a little bit keen, that's what you want with a good horse."
Tags: