Jango Baie faced the challenge to claim an astonishing update to the beginner’s pursuit of My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham.
Nikki Henderson’s Bay couldn’t go at a fast pace and found himself heading behind the 5 small field as the race developed.
On the hill, the race appeared to be between a fantastical pair of Majeboro and La Au Du Sude, but Django Beyer did not surrender behind the pack, but he fought for the final progress and scored 5/1 under Nico de Boyneville.
Henderson was originally set to win the field in favorites with Ir Gino, but his season was shortened through injury.
“Without Ir Gino, will this horse be three? [miles] Or up to two. We were going to run, but he couldn’t go fast enough,” Henderson said.
“It was some rides! He let them go, they got intense, and it’s a nice ground – it was a good fast jump ground, and they were hammering.
“I’ve seen it when they’re above it, you always have a hill that comes to your aid if you need it, I have to admit that he has never dreamed of needing it, but he flew to the end and was just running – I didn’t know he was that fast, I have to admit.
“From where I was, I thought it was too late. It was incredible, he was just nailing them. I didn’t know what I had to say, the gods think you can take it from me.
“It was from Nico’s 50th grader. It was a great ride to get it on the board early and do something.”
It was already an emotional opening afternoon, and owner Tony Barney said: “I bought a horse the day my son was killed. His name is James Barney, his horse is Django Bear, the same initials. My son looks down at me.”
Image: Winner Tony Barney
Deboinville said:
“I couldn’t go to the gallop, but I knew he would stay, so it was just to see if I could fill him and turn the hill over.
“It’s a great feeling to know you’re getting there, but when you go down to your neck or by your head, it’s brave.
Gavin Cromwell was the last Gasp defeat on the night alone on the jaw. He said: “She ran and jumped very well and I thought we were at home for a few seconds and were robbing the hose.
“We just passed away late to our stayers. I’m happy that we chose the right race anyway. It’s a shame that we can’t win when you run well, but we’re happy.
“You always like to see them running well at the beginning of the week, which keeps them in high confidence that they are in good condition.”
Of the third home of Majuboro, Willie Mullins said:
“It’s a shame because it’s not like him because it’s a great ride from the winner Nico, our mates didn’t jump. But to make the mistake he finished third and second, it shows the type of engine he has.
“We weren’t worried about his jump at all. We’re amazed that he did it, but that can happen in the heat of fighting.
“He looks like that [Gold Cup] The horse type, I know he has an engine to do it, we have to leave his jump right and sound behind. ”
Harry Skeleton is equipped with black eyes and stitching kicked by the foal, adding the L’Aeu du Sud, trained by his brother Dan.
“He was beaten just the length and somehow ended up fourth. He’s running well.”
