THE I NTERNAT I ONAL 13-14 December 2019
Christmas comes early to Cheltenham every year, with the greatest gift of them all – two days of quality racing action at the Home of Jump Racing CHR I S TMA S CRACKE R
W ith the festive season about to enter the home straight, Cheltenham regulars rarely leave the racecourse without a spring in their step from The International meeting. With an overseas are in the cross country race, and a Gold Cup of its own, the race meeting is a highlight of the Christmas racing calendar and kick starts the festive sporting season. Day one of the meeting hosts the popular Grade 3 Handicap Chase which in 2019 saw local favourite Cogry return to form when holding o the popular Rock The Kasbah (James Best) by a short
holding o Stolen Silver in the British EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle. Next into the Winners’ Enclosure were the familiar colours of Mrs Patricia Pugh when Pym came home in front under Nico do Boinville. The gelding nished clear in the 3m1½f Novices’ Chase, and a very pleased Nicky Henderson said of the performance: “He is very honest and straightforward and consequently he is not one you get excited about every day. He gets out of bed, does his work and is uncomplicated. And that is what he was the whole way round.” French raider, Easysland claimed a decisive success in the Glenfarclas
head for jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. A delighted Sam said of the win: “When you want to become a jockey, it’s because you’ve been watching horses like him go round. He put in some massive leaps and tried incredibly hard. This is one we’ll really enjoy.” The day had gotten o to a yer for trainer Nicky Henderson who had a quick-re double in the opening races on the day. Chantry House looked a very exciting prospect for the green and gold team of Cheltenham Festival ambassador, Barry Geraghty and JP McManus. Justifying odds-on favouritism, the stable star showed all his promise when
18 KALENDAR
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