Synchronised’s surprise victory in the Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup massively appreciated
The Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup was an exciting day for the horse-racing enthusiasts. This race took place on 16th March, 2012, where Synchronised beat the competitors under jockey Tony McCoy in an impressive manner.
The son of Sadler’s Wells, out of mare Mayasta, caused a surprise victory as his odds of winning were not the highest. It was predicted that Kauto Star and Long Run will land the Gold Cup, but the outcome was different from expectation.
Synchronised’s victory was the first Grade 1 victory for his owner John McManus. The nine-year-old gelding entered the race with odds of 8 to 1, and defeated, The Giant Bolster, by a convincing margin of 2 ¼ lengths.
The race favourite, Long Run, finished in third, where as Kauto Star could not complete the race as he pulled up. The Paul Nicholls trained gelding was running to complete his hat-trick in this race, but sustaining an injury with more than a circuit
to go did not work in his favour.
Jonjo O’Neill was particularly pleased with his runner as this was a first Gold Cup win for him as a trainer.
Synchronised started his race at a slow pace, and brought all his energy and passion forth in the closing stages.
McCoy, who had a stressful time earlier that day expressed that “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."
Regarding his first time victory and Kauto Star’s injury, McManus quoted that "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."
Nicholls was pleased with Kauto Star’s performance, telling the press that he has done the right thing.
Sam Waley-Cohen, jockey of Long Run, was banned for two days as it later came to light that he had used his whip above the permitted level.
Synchronised’s performance has shown remarkable progression since last year. He succeeded in the Grade 1 Lexus Chase which preceded the Gold Cup. It took place at Leopardstown on 28th December, 2011 where he entered the race
with odds of 8 to 1, and defeated, Rubi Light, by a large margin of 8 ½ lengths.
This race was impressive but neither of his connections was expecting him to win the Gold Cup Chase, which came as a pleasant surprise.
The gelding has been successful in adding this victory to his racing record, looking to gain more victories in the upcoming races.
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