the international
smart bumper performer for Warren Greater and champion jockey Richard Johnson. Robert Walford was full of praise for jockey James Best, who timed his run to perfection aboard Smaoineamh Alainn to pip Remiluc in the Catesby Handicap Hurdle. “She is a beautiful filly and James has given her a great ride, as cool as you like,” said the trainer. “Everyone at home has done all the work – I just turn up here and take all the credit.” Final word on the day again went to Tizzard for finally managing to get a victory over fences for Sizing Tennessee in the Horse Comes First Novices’ Chase. The gelding had been patchy in seven previous tries over the bigger obstacles before this much-improved effort under Bryan Cooper. “We gave him three or four jumping sessions because he had lost his nerve a bit after falling,” admitted Tizzard. “He’s not the easiest of rides.”
Carols at The International
Molly Childers ridden by Ciaran Gethings during OLBG Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
future flag-bearer for the Colin Tizzard stable in the likes of the RSA Chase. Pleasant weather greeted racegoers on 2017’s International Friday, this year held on 14th December. It’s one of the season’s quieter meetings, making it a great opportunity to entertain friends and clients or for some unhurried last-minute Christmas shopping from the trade stands. The track’s star performer was Colin Tizzard’s Robinsfirth, a lightly raced jumper who had plenty in hand under Robbie Power as he collected the Grade Three Unicoin Group Handicap Chase. Unfortunately, Robinsfirth was not seen again during the season but looks a future Grand National type if he can return in the same form, with Power describing him as “a big baby with not a lot of miles on the clock”. Another winner clearly going places was Ms Parfois, who showed enthusiasm and talent under Noel Fehily in the CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares’ Handicap Chase. A great hope for Anthony Honeyball’s Dorset stable, Ms Parfois went on to not only win Listed events at Warwick and Newbury, she finished a gallant second to Rathvinden in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Festival. “We’ll make the most of her novice tag but will be looking at three-and-a-half-mile handicap chases next season,” Honeyball explained. There were few better events for young horses throughout the season than the British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle, with Sky Bet Supreme winner Summerville Boy managing third and Lalor, who hit the jackpot in the Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, only second. Highest honours here went to Western Ryder, a very
THE EVENT The International Friday December 14 and Saturday December 15 2018
TICKETS
In Advance
On the day
Club/Tattersalls Club/Tattersalls RacePass 18-24 Raceday Essentials Package Club/ Tattersalls Club/Tattersalls Saver
£25/£30 £30/£35
£15/£17.50
£42/£47
£27.50/ £32.50 £22/£25
Groups Club/ Tattersalls +10
Best Mate
£10/£12 £15/£16
Best Mate RacePass 18-24 Raceday Essentials Package Best Mate
£7.50/£8
£27/£29
Best Mate Saver
£12.50/ £14.50
Group Best Mate +10
£9/£10
BOOKING Booking fees may apply Tickets Visit cheltenham.co.uk or call 0344 579 3003 Hospitality Visit cheltenham.co.uk or call 01242 537 653
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