Gallant Gericault

     Gericault Roque 2nd at Cheltenham

Gericault Roque ran a terrific race in the Ultima at Cheltenham yesterday to finish second.  Although gutting not win he put up the performance of his life and was given a great ride from Tom Scu.  He jumped for fun and led them all a merry gallop for most of the way round and having looked to have seen off the challenge of Oscar Elite jumping the last we were overtaken on the run in by the fast finishing Corach Rambler.  Our six year is still only a novice and is very lightly raced and from five pounds out of the weights it was a super effort.  He is fine this morning which is the main thing.  We will see how he is in the next couple of weeks before deciding if that is it for the season or whether he may run again.  Whatever happens after another summer at grass he is a very exciting horse for next season.

It wasn't to be for Adagio in the Champion hurdle when a bad blunder cost him any chance. He did well to recover and was not actually beaten that far as they crossed the line but he never had any chance after the mistake.  Although disappointing, he is only a five year old and he is absolutely fine this morning as well.  It was was another amazing performance from Honeysuckle and it was a privilege to be there and watch her win the race for the second time and remain the unbeaten.  The reception she got coming back in was spine tingling and is an atmosphere I will never forget.

There were some amazing performances yesterday, Constitution Hill's Supreme win was out of this world and Edwardstone was electric in the Arkle.  The racecourse was packed with people and there was the usual customary roar as the runners jumped off in the opening contest.  The Brits and took a 3-0 lead over the Irish in the winners list but the Irish battled back to conclude the day with the Brits narrowly leading 4-3.

I am not racing today but looking forward to watching the action on the TV.  I am no good with tipping but it looks like a few favourites could win today and I am siding with Sir Gerhard, Shishkin and Tiger Roll all to win today.  I can imagine the unbelievable emotional scenes we may get to see should the latter named win in the Cross Country race in which could be the final start of his career.  From a Cheltenham Festival Preview evening I am going to be having a few quid on Camprond in the Coral Cup as well.  Tom Scu is in action at Huntingdon and he tells me he will win the 3.50pm at Huntingdon!

Have a good day everyone and enjoy the Cheltenham Festival action once again.