The Cheltenham Festival is underway, with Kargese claiming victory in the Arkle.
Kargese Triumphs in the Arkle
Kargese, ridden by Danny Mullins, won the Arkle. According to owner Kenny Alexander, it was a tremendous performance. He thought she was very good beforehand and she beat two special contenders fair and square. Danny Mullins said he has always had a good relationship with this filly and that they got it right tactically. He wanted to use her jumping as her strongest asset. Even when she was headed, he knew they weren’t done with and she did her best work in the last furlong.
The official winning time for the Arkle was 3m52.35s, just 0.35s above Racing Post standard, indicative of good ground.
Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes both made mistakes. Charlie McCarthy, owner of Kopek Des Bordes, said that you have to be as gracious in defeat as in victory and that his horse gave it his all. He added that if his horse jumped the last he might have won but that he’s a right horse and we’re going to hear a lot more of him.
Sadly, Hansard, trained by Gary and Josh Moore and owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate, suffered a fatal injury on flat during the Arkle.
Market Movers in the Fred Winter
Saratoga, initially the 9-2 favourite for the Fred Winter, has drifted out to 9-1. Mustang Du Breuil has seen a significant market move. He was a 10-1 shot this morning but is now 7-2 favourite. There has also been support for Manlaga, into 11-2.
JP McManus, on his 75th birthday, owns all three of the horses mentioned.
Upcoming Races
The Fred Winter and Ultima Handicap Chase are coming up. These races offer big-field conundrums for punters.
- Fred Winter
- Ultima Handicap Chase
Ammes is also being considered.
Punters are favouring Seven Barrows after a result in the opener. Lulamba at 6-5 is favourite for the Arkle as Kopek Des Bordes drifts to 13-8. It’s 13-2 bar. Arkle card.
The Cheltenham Festival continues with more races to come.