Bookies hammered by imperious Denman
Findlay part-owns the massive gelding with Paul Barber and backed his charges throughout the winter.
He refused to be drawn on exactly the final tally of winnings, but said: “It is not as much as people think, it is less than £1m.
“When we knew Alan King wasn’t going to run My Way de Solzen in the race we really started to back Denman and took all the 10’s, 8’s, 7’s and anything else we could get. Thanks to Alan we have landed a massive gamble, because only two could win this race.
“Everyone thought I was mad saying he should be 1-2. Ruby (Walsh), Paul (Nicholls) and the whole team were very confident. That horse is so safe at his fences.”
As Walsh dismounted in the winner’s enclosure, Findlay congratulated him with the words: “What a bold, front-running ride, well done sir.”
Denman made a lot of the running, but was taken on and, indeed, headed going out for the final time by Aces Four.
Walsh, as canny as you can get, sat tight and waited his opportunity. It came going to the third last and he put the squeeze on his rival. Denman led over the obstacle, Aces Four blundered, and it was left to Willie Mullins’ Snow Morning to chase home the hot-pot at a distance of ten lengths.
Said Walsh: “He was pricking his ears and waiting for something to come to him. He’s just very good and could be a Gold Cup horse. It is a great relief when you win on a horse as well fancied as him.
“You start to believe all the rubbish written by the doubters, but we have always known he was a good horse. I knew he was right today, he has never been better. He looks great and gallops and jumps. He’s still a big baby and will improve.
“I didn’t mind whether I was sat in first or seventh place, I was just concerned that they went a good gallop.”
Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power and Boylesports all have Denman at 5-1 for next year’s Gold Cup.
Mullins was thrilled with Snowy Morning. “That was a terrific run, I’m delighted’, he said.
“I thought he might be placed with a bit of luck. We will have a look and he could go to both Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”
The Irish banker of the meeting, Aran Concerto, the medium of sweeping rumours regarding his well-being before the race, proved a huge disappointment in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle. His jumping left plenty to be desired and he was certainly none too clever over the fourth from home.
He was still in contention, although hardly running away, when bumped by Tidal Bay after the second last. He immediately stumbled and that was that, eventually trailing in a remote fifth.
Murphy’s Law nearly always kicks in for Noel Meade at this meeting and he commented: “He was very disappointing.
“Tony (McCoy) said the horse didn’t settle and he felt, if he rode him again, he would have him up with the leaders or walk him out the gate.
“He said he was in the middle and Aran Concerto would not relax - tanking along. He described him as babyish.
“He felt the opener on Tuesday (Supreme Novices’) might have suited better, because there was a better gallop.”
Victory went to Massini’s Maguire, for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson, who had an horrendous opening day with Detroit City and Fair Along.
He battled on in fine style to hold the persistent challenge of Tidal Bay by a neck, with Edward O’Grady’s Catch Me running a cracker for Ireland in third. O’Grady said: “You are never happy when beaten, but he ran well”
Remarking on his change of fortune, Hobbs said: “We thought we had our two best chances of the week yesterday by a long way and, having seen them beaten, we believed that was the end of this year’s Cheltenham for us.
“Sometimes he’s been a bit inconsistent, but I don’t know why because he is very genuine.”
Said Johnson: “Yesterday didn’t go very well, it’s amazing the difference a day can make.”
Following a bright start on Tuesday, when we had three winners, the invaders had to settle for a lone success yesterday, coming in the concluding Bumper when Jessica Harrington’s Cork All Star, partnered by Barry Geraghty, faced the hill in style to hold the flying late surge of the four-year-old, Sophocles.
Next home were Aranleigh, Shirley Casper and Fiveforthree, meaning Ireland filled the first five places.
Reported Harrington: “Barry sat on him for the first time yesterday and said he gave him no feel at all.
“Then, on the way to the start, he told Ruby (Walsh) he felt he was sitting on a machine. I don’t know if he’s qualified for Punchestown, having now won four. He jumps hurdles really well and is probably finished for the season.”
Pauline Ryan, who partnered runner-up Sophocles, was suspended for nine days, five for use of the whip and four for careless riding.
Burntoakboy stormed away from the second last to beat Michael Phillips’ Powerstation in the Coral Cup.
He is trained by Doctor Richard Newland, who has just six horses in his care. It was a first Festival success for 18-year-old conditional rider, Sam Jones.
Phillips was more than pleased with the effort of Powerstation. “The horse has been sick since I got him and today was the first time I’ve really had him right.
“I think he could well run in Graded races and we will look at Aintree and also the Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown.”
Oliver Brady indicated that third placed Baron de Feypo could turn out again on Friday in the County Hurdle.
Cloudy Lane jumped ahead two from home before going on to beat Parsons Legacy in the Kim Muir Chase. Cheeky Lady did best of the Irish in third.
