Chianti Classico and native coach relishes win at Cheltenham Competition

Native coach Kim Bailey and jockey David Bass had been again within the winner’s enclosure for the primary time in 4 years when Chianti Classico gained right now’s Ultima Handicap Chase [12 March] on the Cheltenham Competition.

Chianti Classico, a seven-year-old owned by Sir Francis Brooke and R A Pilkington, went off at odds of 6/1 and got here residence four-and-a-half lengths away from his nearest rival in a 21-runner area.

David Bass mentioned: “What a stunning horse. He simply travelled and jumped in all places. I used to be there miles too quickly, however he’s bought a contact of sophistication. It’s good for the homeowners, good for the yard – we’ve been a bit quiet, however we will get them to the massive day in good type.

“It meant rather a lot. It’s an absolute privilege to experience good horses right here – I’m so fortunate. It’s laborious to win right here – 2020 was the final time I rode a winner right here and that’s too lengthy.

“I managed to get to the entrance and get a breather into him, get during the last two and he had somewhat peck on the final, however he picked up properly and I feel he’s gained fairly properly in the long run.  He’s a progressive horse and thrilling. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Chianti Classico’s coach, Horse & Hound’s common columnist and latest visitor on The Horse & Hound Podcast Kim Bailey mentioned: “It’s big. It’s big for the yard, Matt my assistant and all of the crew at residence have labored so laborious on this. They believed within the horse. David has been assured all alongside and he was proper. He adores this horse and says he’s an enormous terrier. He’s as laborious as nails and never very massive, however he’s bought a lot capability and he’s so agile – and all the time has been.

“When Aiden Murphy and I purchased him, we all the time mentioned we’d deliver him right here, however I by no means thought it will occur. We’ve been knocking on the door right here for some time so it’s nice for everyone that we’ve performed it right now – it’s big for the crew. Having winners at Cheltenham is what it’s all about. The homeowners are massive supporters of racing and this has been the plan for a very long time.”

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H&H options, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an skilled journalist, having been a part of the H&H crew since 2014, who’s obsessed with all equestrian sports activities, together with racing and point-to-pointing. She has loved using out for high trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took half in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting skills have taken her to quite a few five-star occasions round Britain and Europe, in addition to European championships.