Drever dream still alive, says Brennan
Howard Johnson’s charge bids to recapture the title he won in 2005 after injury robbed of him of a defence last term.
Inglis Drever put in a pleasing performance when second in the Cleeve Hurdle at Prestbury Park last Saturday when partnered by Brennan for the first time - although the jockey was not happy with his performance in the saddle.
“Myself and Howard had a chat before the race and the plan was to go where Robert Thornton did on the winner (Blazing Bailey). I had been out to walk the track and that was where the better ground was,” said Brennan.
“Coming down the hill, I was just panicking a bit as it was the first time I had ridden him and I wanted to be in a position where I could challenge Black Jack Ketchum.
“Where it went wrong was when Black Jack Ketchum faded away and left me in front a lot sooner than I wanted.
“He didn’t do much once he hit the front and he did get tired, but if I had delayed my challenge a little bit longer and done what Robert Thornton had done, it’s hard to say I would have won but I would have been an awful lot closer.
“He has come out of the race 100% and everybody is happy with him.
“I’d rather I made a mistake in the Cleeve Hurdle than the World Hurdle as that is the main target. It was a joy to ride such a good horse.
“We go there very hopeful now but you’d have to say that Black Jack didn’t run his race.
“All I can say, more so than in any race at the Festival, I would not swap Inglis Drever for anything,” said the jockey.
Brennan hailed trainer Kevin Bishop in getting Ashley Brook to win at Cheltenham after a long lay-off.
The nine-year-old returned from a 14-month absence to slam his rivals by 20 lengths in a handicap hurdle on Saturday from a mark nearly three stone lower than what he competes at over fences.
Ashley Brook is now set to revert to bigger obstacles with the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase as his main objective.
“He felt like the old Ashley Brook, if not better,” said Brennan.
