Horse Racing UK » Herecomesthetruth

Age Before Beauty – Monet’s Garden triumphs at Ascot

Jessica — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:42:01 +0000

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.

Final Entries for Betfair Ascot Chase

Jessica — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:50:11 +0000

There are a total of six starters set to compete in Saturday 20th February Betfair Ascot Chase, after the entries were confirmed today. Tramantano, Miss Mitch and Master Medic, who were expected to partake in the race, have withdrawn from the competition, leaving the six final contenders to fight for glory.

Horse	Age	Weight	Jockey	Trainer	Betfair Odds
Planet Of Sound	8	11-7	R. Johnson	P.J. Hobbs	2/1
Herecomesthetruth	8	11-7	R. Walsh	P. F. Nicholls	5/2
Albertas Run	9	11-7	D. C. Costello	J. O’Neill	7/2
Monet’s Garden	12	11-7	B. J. Geraghty	N. G. Richards	7/1
Oh Crick	7	11-7	R. Thornton	A. King	9/1
The Sawyer	10	11-7	N. Sweeney	R. H. Buckler	16/1

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.

All-Star Line-Up for Betfair Ascot Chase

Jessica — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:30:34 +0000

The starters for the much anticipated Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday 20th February have finally been announced. Including contenders from the training stables of training-greats like Paul Nicholls, Nigel Twiston-Davies and Jonjo O’Neill, Saturdays Ascot Chase looks promising.

Horse	Age	Weight	Trainer	Betfair Odds
Albertas Run	9	11-7	Jonjo O’Neill	3/1
Herecomesthetruth	8	11-7	P F Nicholls	4/1
Master Medic	9	11-7	R H & Mrs S Alner	10/1
Monet’s Garden	12	11-7	N G Richards	4/1
Oh Crick	7	11-7	A King	5/1
Planet of Sound	8	11-7	P J Hobbs	2/1
The Sawyer	10	11-7	R H Buckler	15/1
Tramantano	11	11-7	N A Twiston-Davies	24/1
Miss Mitch	9	11-0	R H & Mrs S Alner	15/1

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.