The race was off to a shaky and messy start, with Kalahari King taking a fall at the second fence – followed shortly by Schindler’s Hunt. The ten-year-old fell at the third fence, leaving jockey Paddy Flood nursing a broken collarbone.

In the thick of the turmoil Monet’s Garden managed to sneak into the lead under the careful direction of Richard Johnson, and assumed leadership of the field. McCoy, who has previously lost to Monet’s Garden at Ascot, struggled to catch up but finally managed to take over – only to be challenged savagely from Forpadytheplasterer.
While Forpadytheplasterer under Davy Russell took a valiant second place, early leader Monet’s Garden ended up placing third, losing the merciless battle on the final stretch.

Distance: 2 miles, 4 furlongs – Winning Time: 4:54.6

Master Medic, who refused to finish his last race, the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on 26th December, was not entered into the final line-up by owners Robert and Sally Alner because the going at Ascot is predicted to be on the soft side. Miss Mitch, who is also owned by the Alners, will also be missing the race.

Planet of Sound and Albertas Run last came face to face at the Amlin 1965 Chase, also at Ascot, on 21st November last year. Albertas Run, ridden by champion jockey Tony McCoy, was the first to cross the line; Planet of Sound took a valiant second place. Monet’s Garden also contended in the Amlin Chase, placing a mere sixth out of eight runners.

Master Medic is back on the track after pulling up at the third fence during his last race, the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on 26th December last year.
A contender to watch is Oh Crick who ran to place third in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on 23rd January. The seven-year-old King-trained gelding held his own against the leading field of second-placing Petit Robin and winner Twist Magic.