IN OCTOBER this website began building a list of horses to keep on the right side of during the National Hunt season. I was thrilled that 10 of these talented beasts lined up at the Cheltenham Festival. I was even happier with how most of them ran and so was my bank balance. Here is how they got on…
OUR CONOR: Singled out on this blog on November 13, he was probably the easiest winner of the meeting and looks a Champion Hurdle winner in waiting next season.
MEDINAS: A 33/1 winner and the reason I’m still smiling. Only small, but he has improved by almost two stone this season and his effort to carry 11st 10lb to victory in the Coral Cup was one of the stand-out performances of the week.
MANYRIVERSTOCROSS: One of the first horses on the list back on October 15, he bounced back to form by coming an excellent third in the County Hurdle. I took 33/1, which was a silly price. A step up to 2m 4f could be on the cards and he could go well at Aintree or Punchestown (or both).
O’FAOLAINS BOY: A three-time winner for our list this seasson, this embryonic chaser led the field until two out in the Albert Bartlett and stuck to his task well. He looks an exciting fencing prospect for Rebecca Curtis.
TWO ROCKERS: Outpaced but not disgraced in the Neptune, connections will be kicking themselves that they didn’t enter him for the Albert Bartlett, especially as he would have had his favoured soft ground. A fine chasing prospect for next season.
KASHMIR PEAK: Disappointing in the Triumph but put a line through that run. He needs good ground and hated the soft, so don’t discount him if he turns up on drier ground at Aintree.
CAUSE OF CAUSES: Not disgraced in the Supreme Novices, but he looked to be feeling the effects of a long and hard season.
TENOR NIVERNAIS: Fell early on in the JLT Chase after being nibbled in the market.
BAKBENSCHER: Ran a lovely race to be seventh in the Pertemps. It’s a pity the rain didn’t come a day earlier.
NUTS N BOLTS: Ran a blinder to be sixth in the JLT. Only a novice, but he stayed on really well and looks a fine staying chase prospect. A National horse one day, perhaps?
For the full horses to follow list please click here
