Henderson: No excuses for Long Run
So impressive last year when finishing seven lengths clear of Denman and 11 lengths in front of Kauto Star, the young chaser and his jockey, Sam Waley-Cohen, were cut down by Synchronised on the run from the final fence and eventually pipped for second by The Giant Bolster.
Henderson was also responsible for fourth-placed Burton Port in what has been a fabulous Festival for his Seven Barrows stable.
He has strong ties with Synchronised’s owner JP McManus, jockey Tony McCoy and knows trainer Jonjo O’Neill well too.
“I’m thrilled with my two boys and I have to give credit to the winners,” Henderson said.
“JP is one of the stalwarts of National Hunt racing and Jonjo and AP are superstars.
“You have to say Long Run was not quite good enough on the day – he was always struggling to get to the pacemakers, but Sam rode a great race.
“He jumped well, it was a good run and a great race. We’ll be back next year anyway.
“I’d imagine they’ll both go to Aintree, the three-mile race (the Bowl) would be good for Long Run.
“I don’t know about Burton Port, I’ll have to talk to Trevor (Hemmings, owner) but you’d say there’s no reason why he wouldn’t go to the Grand National as it’s the only chance he’ll get to run off 11st 7lb.”
Sam Waley-Cohen added: “I’m very disappointed he didn’t win, but I’m not disappointed in the horse – he’s run all right.
“When landing over the last I thought his stamina might see it out, but it didn’t.
“I’m pleased with him – no excuses, that was the result on the day.”
Local trainer David Bridgwater felt more than vindicated by running 50-1 shot The Giant Bolster.
“That’s marvellous,” he said.
“I thought this was a Gold Cup horse from day one and he’s exceptionally good.
“People think there are only two trainers in the sport and he should never have been a 50-1 shot – he should have been 16s.
“I don’t want to run him again this season because he’s only a baby. We’ll go for all the big ones next year including the King George and hopefully we’ll be back here again.”
Owner Simon Hunt added: “I’ve had horses with him for five years and I can say there’s not a better trainer to have horses with.
“I lumped on at 66-1 because Bridgy told me he’d nearly win this.”
Time For Rupert led to the second-last fence and produced a stellar effort for fifth.
Paul Webber’s runner was overheated after finishing but recovered after he was cooled with water.
Knockara Beau took sixth, ahead of early leader Midnight Chase, whose jockey Dougie Costello said: “It’s tough in this grade.
“He hasn’t done anything wrong – it’s the Gold Cup – and he has run a game race.”
Along with Kauto Star, both Weird Al and Diamond Harry were pulled up.
Jason Maguire reported Weird Al had bled, while Noel Fehily said of Diamond Harry: “He went well, but probably hasn’t had the best preparation and got a bit tired.”
