Barbers cuts a majestic figure

BARBERS Shop bids to put to an end a long line of unsuccessful, yet creditable, efforts by Royal runners at the Cheltenham Festival today.

Since Antiar won the Spa Hurdle for the late Queen Mother in 1965, there have been many near-misses for the British monarchy at jump racing’s Olympics. Carrying The Queen’s colours, the promising Barbers Shop continued that run last spring when he took second place in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Today, the seven-year-old chases the ultimate prize as he goes for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Queen’s first love has always been Flat racing and she even has a prospect for Classic honours this year in the colt, Free Agent.

But racing’s rulers are hoping the Nicky Henderson-trained runner can now play a prominent role and propel the sport into the headlines.

“It’s going to put racing on the front page and her horse has a very good chance in an open year,” said Jockey Club steward Andrew Merriam.

“Tony McCoy’s feat in riding 3,000 winners was pushed off the news pages by Scolari’s sacking (as Chelsea manager) but this would not be so easy to ignore. I just hope the horse runs its race.”

Lord Oaksey, who came close to his own Festival success with Carruthers on Wednesday, is delighted to see the monarch among the leading chances.

He said: “Hitherto the Queen hasn’t been particularly connected to jump racing - it was her mother’s passion while the Queen was more involved in Flat racing.

“It’s wonderful that she has a horse to compete at this level.”

Although owner Paul Barber will be in opposition with last year’s winner Denman, he is delighted the Queen is among his fellow Gold Cup owners.

“It’s wonderful the Queen will be here and with a horse that is obviously very serious,” he said.

“On good ground he has every chance. Anything the Royal family does that is connected with National Hunt racing is a great boost.”

Ian Balding trained plenty of winners for Her Majesty on the level but he recalls her first National Hunt interest.

“It’s fabulous, particularly as she will be here in person,” he said.

“Her first racing interest was in a jumper called Monaveen who she shared with her mother so she has gone full circle. Barbers Shop is a particularly nice horse.”

Cheltenham commentator Mark Johnson would love to call home a Royal Gold Cup winner.

He added: “It would be huge for racing if Barbers Shop put his head in front and very positive publicity.”

Nick Cheyne was clerk of the course at Ascot – the Queen’s racecourse – for 10 years and believes a victory for Barbers Shop would raise the roof at Cheltenham.

“It would be the most amazing thing for National Hunt racing if Barbers Shop wins. It’s fantastic the Queen’s got a runner, let alone one with a winning chance,” he concluded.

“What a way to end Cheltenham week!”

Former royal jockey Bill Smith, who now runs the Kelanne Stud in Hampshire, believes there is more to come from Barbers Shop, but is only too aware of the task he faces today.

“Barbers Shop is an improving horse but whether he’s good enough to beat Denman or Kauto Star of course is a different matter. The fences out there though do sometimes change the result of the races.”