Davids Lad denied run at Festival
Trainer Tony Martin had declared the nine-year-old to run in the Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Handicap Chase as part of his build-up to the Martell Cognac Grand National.
Now the dreams of Martin, rider Timmy Murphy and particularly those of the horse’s owners, the four-strong Eddie Joe’s syndicate, have been put back on hold.
But the battle is not over as a full hearing will be held tomorrow in the Dublin High Court at 11.30am to finally determine whether the horse’s 42-day suspension will stand, which would rule him out of the Grand National.
The saga began when Davids Lad finished last in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas on February 23.
The stewards found the racecourse had been used as a training ground and that Murphy had made insufficient effort aboard the horse.
Murphy was banned for seven days, trainer Martin fined 1,000 and Davids Lad banned for 42 days, which ruled him out of the National on April 5 for which he had been 14-1 second favourite.
The horse’s owners took their case to court after their appeal against the suspension was turned down by the Turf Club’s Appeals & Referrals Committee.
The owners then successfully made an ex-parte application to the High Court for a stay on the decision which was yesterday reversed following a challenge from the Turf Club.
Meanwhile Jessica Harrington yesterday reported that Moscow Flyer enjoyed a “smooth journey” from Ireland on his way to this afternoon’s Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
"He travelled very well”, said Harirngton.
"Barry (Geraghty) rode him on the track this morning and he has settled in and is eating well.
"The ground won’t make any difference to him and he just needs luck in running. He jumped brilliantly for Barry here last year and I hope he will again.”
Last year’s winner Flagship Uberalles bids to become the first horse since Viking Flagship (1994 and 1995) to win the two-mile championship in consecutive years.
Having failed to shine in two races this term, trainer Philip Hobbs is trying the gelding in blinkers for the first time.
The second and third home 12 months ago, Arthur Moore’s Native Upmanship and Paul Nicholls-trained Cenkos, will renew rivalry along with 2000 winner Edredon Bleu, fourth in 2002.
The 11-year-old races over two miles for the first time since winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in 1997.
Trainer Willie Mullins has plumped for this race rather than tomorrow’s Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup in which Florida Pearl has twice been placed.
He has a good record at the Festival having also won the Royal & SunAlliance Chase over three miles in 1998.
But he has had a poor season so far and was pulled up in the Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February when found to have a respiratory tract infection.
Paul Nicholls is doubly represented with Cenkos and Kadarann, as is Martin Pipe, the champion trainer saddling last year’s fifth Tiutchev and Seebald, owned by soccer stars Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.
Champion jockey Tony McCoy partners Tiutchev with Norman Williamson on Seebald.
Nicky Henderson, who sent out Tiutchev to finish fifth last year following an interrupted preparation, believes his representative Geos has place prospects.
“Mick Fitzgerald is adamant that two miles on good ground is what Geos wants and hopefully he has a place chance,” said the Seven Barrows trainer.
“It’s a very open Champion Chase. There all sorts of permutations you could have.
“Moscow Flyer was very good last year when he won the Arkle but there are lots with chances.
“Tiutchev has a very good chance. He obviously had a poor preparation for us last year but Martin Pipe is doing well with him.”
The field is completed by Brian Ellison’s Latalomne, who fell at the second last fence when leading last year.
Edward O’Grady, fresh from a superb victory with Back In Front in yesterday’s opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, expects a bold showing from Pizarro in today’s Royal and SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.
Said O’Grady: "He stepped off the box yesterday and his tail was on his back-he’s certainly in better form than his trainer!
"I’m very happy with the horse, but we will just have tto see what happpen. I’m worried about Coolnagorna, I think he’s the best of the English.
"Coolnagorna will love the ground and I was talking to Jonjo (O’Neill), who thinks he is one of his best chances of the week. But I wouldn’t put you off backing Pizarro, he has been pleasing me recently.”
Owner David Johnson is confident of a big run from Weatherbys Champion Bumper favourite Liberman.
The Martin Pipe-trained five-year-old was beaten on his debut for Johnson and the Pond House handler but only by Rhinestone Cowboy in a hot bumper at Cheltenham in November.
“He’s working very well,” Johnson told attheraces.
“You must respect the Irish horses and Paul Nicholls’ horse (Cornish Rebel) but I think Liberman is the one they have to beat.”
