Synchronised upsets Long Run, Kauto Star in Cheltenham Gold Cup
While all eyes were glued on last year’s winner, Long Run and the two-time champion, Kauto Star, Synchronised silently sneaked in to shock the audience in the Gold Cup.
He gave his trainer, Jonjo O'Neill, and jockey, Tony McCoy, a big opportunity to kiss the Gold Cup trophy at Cheltenham on March 16, 2012.
Kauto Star’s participation in the event took excitement to its maximum. The 12-year-old legendary chaser was 50-50 after he suffered a terrible tumble during a round of schooling only a few days before the festival.
Paul Nicholls’ hard work paid off and Kauto Star stepped into the clash with a lot of expectations. He was expected to give a tough competition to Long Run, who was declared 7-4 favourite.
Yet both high status runners failed to live up to their reputation, creating an opportunity for Synchronised to have a go. The nine-year-old made the best use of opportunity, showing a thumping performance to outplay his rivals.
He was not impressive early on, but his improved work in the later part of the contest helped him do some damage. At the final moments, Synchronised ran superbly on the rails to stretch his advantage considerably.
Consequently, the maverick sprinter seized first position by two and a quarter lengths. McCoy, who did not have the best of time on first three days of the festival, was happy to lift the trophy.
After grabbing his second Gold Cup win, McCoy said:
"It's great for Jonjo and JP, he was off the bridle the whole way and he missed the third last but luckily he was close enough and he's an amazing horse. It's a brilliant training performance."
The owner, John P McManus shared happiness, adding: "I've not had many runners but it's a pleasure to win it. I am so sorry Kauto Star pulled up but I gather he is ok and that's good news. It was lovely to win, he's not a Kauto Star but we've done it our
way."
While the connections of Synchronised were jubilant, Kauto Star’s camp was disappointed. The veteran chaser was prominent early on, but he got weakened after hitting eighth fence. Since the things started going against his favour, the experienced rider,
Ruby Walsh, pulled up before 10th hurdle.
Likewise, Long Run was below par. Nicky Henderson’s trainee challenged the leaders at the end moments, but staying on one pace did not help him. He finished third by three quarters of a length.
Synchronised’s classy success have made him the strongest contender for the Grand National at Aintree, to be held in April this year. If his connections take him to Aintree, he will definitely fancy his chances in the marathon.
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