Wodhooh has won the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, giving Gordon Elliott his first winner at the Festival. Jockey Jack Kennedy expressed his delight after the race.
Kennedy’s Triumph on Wodhooh
Jack Kennedy was greeted with a big roar from the crowd after the win. Kennedy said, “She’s some mare. It has been a frustrating couple of days, but we knew we had a proper shot at getting on the board.”
Kennedy added, “She can hit a little flat spot, but she was better coming here. It was a long way up the straight, but she is so honest – really she dug me out of a hole.” Kennedy also reflected on not having a winner last year and expressed gratitude to Gordon Elliott and the team.
Charlie Poste described the win as a relief for Gordon Elliott, who had been under pressure to secure a winner at the Festival. Wodhooh’s victory marked Elliott’s first of the event.
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race
Wodhooh, the favourite, managed to hold off Paul Townend on Jade De Grugy to secure the win. At the second to last, the runners were starting to bunch up. Dream On Baby had the early lead.
Jade De Grugy had an awkward landing on the first fence but recovered. Sunset Marquesa fell at the fourth to last and was out of the race. Jetara overtook Dream On Baby, who then dropped into second.
Reactions to Wodhooh’s Victory
John Hunt described Wodhooh as the equivalent of boxer Katie Taylor in terms of class and toughness. Hunt also noted that Wodhooh was the first big-backed winner of the day.
Poste said Kennedy had the time and space to do as he pleased on Wodhooh during the race. Hunt initially described the race as an anti-climax, considering the intensity of the other races.
Harry Redknapp will hope his Jukebox Man brings him luck tomorrow, when it goes in the Gold Cup.