IT was a big shock and a real shame when My Drogo came a cropper when coming to win his race yesterday.
He jumped great right up until the second-last — and he even jumped that one perfectly but just couldn’t sort his front legs out quick enough on the landing side.
He just buckled a bit and slipped and that was that.
It was one of those things and the curse of Cheltenham’s second-last fence again.
They have moved it around a lot to try and help but it seems wherever that fence is put it still catches the horses out.
It’s a tricky fence for sure and could be something to do with coming round swinging offf the bend and going into it quickly.
The main thing is My Drogo was up and about after hitting the deck and is absolutely fine.
He will be checked over by the vet when he gets back home but he was fine after the race and that;s the main thing.
OFFERS OF THE DAY
William Hill: Bet £10 get £40 – £30 in free sports bets + £10 Casino Bonus – CLAIM HERE
Betfair – £60 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU PLACE A £10 BET ON RACING – CLAIM HERE
Sky Bet: Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets – CLAIM HERE
Paddy Power: £60 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU PLACE A £10 BET ON RACING – CLAIM HERE
William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. New customers using promo code M40 only. 1x per customer. Min £/€10 bet. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Free bets of 2 x £/€15 issued after first qualifying bet settles. Max £/€10 Bonus. 35x wagering requirement. Max redeemable bonus: £25. Casino bonus expires after 72 hours. UK & Eire only. Additional T&Cs, including free-bet, game, location, payment method and stake contributions apply. Begambleaware.org
Betfair – Place a £10 bet on horse racing on 12th or 13th November, at min. odds 1/5 (1.2) — get £60 in free bets. Only deposits via cards will qualify, Apple pay not valid on this promotion. T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.Org
Sky Bet: NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £10 BET TOKEN. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS FOR HORSE RACING & FOOTBALL ONLY. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. BEGAMBLEAWARE.ORG.
Paddy Power: New Customer offer. Place a pre-race £10 bet on any horse racing market (November 12th – November 13th), at min. odds 1/5 (1.2) — get £60 in free bets. Your qualifying bet must settle by Saturday 23:59, 13th November. Only deposits via Cards will qualify (Apple Pay not valid on this promotion). Free bets will be awarded after the qualifying bet has been settled. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. 18+ BeGambleAware.Org
We would have won but there are no sour grapes and there will be plenty more big days as he is uch a lovely stamp of a horse.
I would like to say well done to Rachael Blackmore. It was amazing how she kept her poise and balance when Gin On Lime slithered on landing too. A top piece of riding which we have come to expect from such a fabulous jockey.
I have another massive day today and the favourite in the big race — the Paddy Power Gold Cup which has always been the plan for PROTEKTORAT (2.15).
Owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, my sponsor Ged Mason and the Hales Family, I’m hoping they will all be celebrating this afternoon.
Protektorat has done loads of work in the lead-up to this — he won’t be needing the run, that’s for sure.
It is one of the most competitive handicaps of the season but he’s a Grade 1 horse in a handicap which has to be a positive.
There are no negatives, it’s just if there is anything lurking down below in the deep with a few pounds in hand of the handicapper.
But we’re very happy with him and he comes into it in good form.
Our other runner Spiritofthegames was second in this last year. He’s knocked on every door in all these big handicaps and really deserves it to open one day.
He ran nicely over hurdles at Newbury the other day and he certainly wouldn’t be out of this.
DOWNLOAD THE NEW SUN RACING APP NOW
The ultimate home for all your racing needs.
Number one for tips, betting offers and news – as well as full racecards and an interactive results and odds comparison service.
Download from the App store – HERE
Download on Android – HERE
I kick things off with ROCKY MAN (12.30) in the Triumph Trial. He ran nicely on debut over hurdles at Chepstow behind Magistrato who he takes on again today.
He came out of the race well and although it will be hard to turn the form round, he won’t be far away.
We were delighted with THIRD TIME LUCKI (1.40) here last month and he should take all the beating in the Grade 2 novice chase.
We’ve always thought a lot of him. We probably over-ran him a bit last season but he’s got plenty of experience now and we’ve always seen him as a chaser.
PROSCHEMA (2.50) ran really well in the West Yorkshire Hurdle and looks to have a good chance back in handicap company.
He definitely stayed at Wetherby and we’ll ride him patiently again, let the race unfold and play our cards late.
UNEXPECTED PARTY (3.25) won nicely when stepping up in trip at Wetherby a couple of weeks ago. The handicapper has had his say, but he’s an improving horse and the trip and ground will suit.
My last ride of the day is SIGNAL POINT (3.55) in the mares’ bumper. She’s improved over the summer and it’s worth having a go at a race like this as it’s so important to try to get these mares some black type.
We’ve got another big day tomorrow where one of our stable stars NUBE NEGRA (2.20) goes for the Grade 2 Shloer Chase.
He ran a cracker in the Champion Chase in March and he’s been working really well at home.
He’s lightly-raced and definitely getting stronger, so he has to have a good chance, especially as he goes so well fresh. It won’t be easy against Put The Kettle On, who we have to give 7lb to, but he’ll certainly make her work for it.
We won the Greatwood Hurdle a few years ago with North Hill Harvey and we have WEST CORK (2.55) tomorrow. He had to miss last year because of injury but he’s made a full recovery and has a bit of class about him. He’s done loads of work.
My final ride of a busy weekend is PIKAR (3.30) in the Supreme Novices’ Trial. He showed up well at Chepstow on debut goes into a good race here. He’s only four, if he won we’d all be delighted, but we’re pitching him in at the deep end.
- Harry Skelton is an ambassador for Grosvenor Sport
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Source: Read Full Article