Tony Barney celebrated in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure after Jingko Blue’s victory, a year after Jango Baie’s Arkle success.
Bowen’s Winning Ride
James Bowen secured his second winner of the Cheltenham Festival on Jingko Blue. It was a second festival success for Bowen, who had broken his duck at the meeting only the previous day on Holloway Queen in the National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase. Jingko Blue was backed from 10-1 overnight into 9-2 favourite.
Bowen stated that making the running wasn’t the original plan. Sean, Bowen’s brother, offered congratulations, despite not yet winning a race at the festival.
Jingko Blue’s Performance
Jingko Blue made all the running for a six-length victory in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle. The seven-year-old has gone back to hurdling after a spell over fences last season. Jingko Blue had flagged up his chance when runner-up to Stayers’ Hurdle contender Kabral Du Mathan in the Relkeel Hurdle at the track on New Year’s Day.
Franciscan Rock finished as runner-up, shadowing Jingko Blue on the first circuit. Storm Heart was another four and three-quarter lengths back in third. Ballyadam made the frame in the race for the third straight year at the age of 11, finishing fourth at 40-1.
Sentimental Victory for Barney
Tony Barney said the colours are sentimental after losing his son James. He added that they think Jingko Blue is as good as Jango Baie after that. “It was great to have James Bowen riding as he has the same first name and initials as our son, who we lost in 2008. We’re so proud of James for what he’s done today.”
Henderson’s Thoughts
Nicky Henderson and James Bowen continued their strong start to the Cheltenham Festival when Jingko Blue landed a gamble in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle. For Henderson, who was successful with Old Park Star and Holloway Queen on the opening day, it was a third win at this year’s festival and his 78th in all.
Henderson said it wasn’t exactly the plan to make the running. He also said that Jingko Blue is not the easiest horse to keep on the right side of.
Barney has a live chance to follow that up in the Gold Cup on Friday. Henderson added, “At least the owner has got a day to calm down before Jango Baie in the Gold Cup. He might need it!”