Horse Racing

Age Before Beauty – Monet’s Garden triumphs at Ascot

Saturday the 20th saw a victory of experience and persistence over youthful confidence when 12-year-old Monet’s Garden outjumped a field of young contenders to take the win at the Betfair Ascot Chase. With Alberta’s Run placing second and The Swayer, who was considered the weakest starter of the race, making a valiant run for third place, Saturday’s race was a parade of surprises.
Favourite Planet Of Sound took a fall at the fifth hurdle; and Herecomesthetruth and Oh Crick were unable to stand their ground against the force and determination displayed by unlikely victor Monet’s Garden. Ridden by Barry Geraghty, the Richards-trained old hand of steeple chasing did not give his juniors a chance to pass him.
After a disappointing result at the Amlin1965 Chase at Ascot on 21st November 2009, which saw Monet’s Garden placing a lowly 6th out of eight starters, and being defeated by Alberta’s Run who snatched an impressive win at the event, it is clear that the grey gelding is back to true form – much to the delight of his connections.

Equally delighted was The Swayer’s trainer Bob Buckler, who was proud to see his charge rise from outsider status and place successfully. There are now future plans of entering The Sawyer into races at Cheltenham and Auteuil.