Sprinter Sacre justifies his highest odds in Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase at Cheltenham
Sprinter Sacre did not let his trainer and supports down, sealing an emphatic win in the Grade 1 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, held at Cheltenham on March 13, 2012.
The opening day of Cheltenham Festival hosted many exciting events, but the Arkle Challenge Trophy was highlight of the day. The excitement was at its best, when the officials kicked off the 2-mile event at 14:05 GMT.
Nicky Henderson’s trainee marked himself as one of the best novice chasers by displaying a fantastic show in the Racing Post Arkle. The 8-11 favourite jumped superbly in the early hours of the competition.
Not relaxing for a single moment, the exciting sprinter kept the good work going and perked up his speed in the middle. Sprinter Sacre’s fans had their heart in their mouth, when Cue Card tried to get closer.
However, everybody was helpless in front of Sprinter Sacre’s class, as he avoided the danger by pumping up his speed. In the final few furlongs, the dashing runner was quite impressive, as he crossed the wire without any trouble.
Following an excellent show all the way through, the six-year-old imposed seven-length defeat on Cue Card. Winning jockey Barry Geraghty was impressive with Sprinter Sacre’s controlled running in the high voltage competition.
Heaping high praise on the bay and brown gelding, he said at end of the race:
"He is a very good horse to ride. I said he is possibly the best and he might be. He gives you some feel. He knew what he was doing and if anything he was guilty of over jumping. He was not as fresh today, the boss had him in great shape."
Henderson was equally delighted his gelding’s thrilling performance to win hefty cash prize worth £74,035.00. Talking to reporters on the racing day, the veteran handler described:
"I always hoped he might be special and he is very flashy and showy but he can afford to do it. He could come from anywhere. They have gone a right good gallop and he has come up the hill."
Cue Card showed some fight, but the rest of the line-up was below par against Sprinter Sacre. Philip Hobbs’ Menorah ended up third by 22 lengths, whereas Paul Nicholls’ Al Ferof settled fourth on the chart.
Willie Mullins’ only representation in the clash, Blackstairmountain, could only seize fifth slot by three and a quarter lengths. The outcome was embarrassing for Foildubh, who remained in the rear right through the event. Failing to do anything special,
the John Patrick Ryan-trained completed the order of finish by 37 lengths.
Sprinter Sacre proved it to the world that why he was rated as one of the best in the business. That comprehensive triumph would have pumped up his confidence significantly. The Mrs Caroline Mould-owned will be one of the most preferred runners in his future
appearances.
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