Langer Dan turns into first twin winner of Cheltenham Coral Cup

Langer Dan created historical past on the Cheltenham Competition at this time (13 March) by changing into the primary twin winner of the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, repeating his 2023 success beneath Harry Skelton for coach Dan Skelton and proprietor Colm Donlon.

Harry Skelton mentioned: “It feels good. He’s a beautiful little horse and he travelled very well and it was only a query of me not likely letting him go too quickly, however he’s magic. He’s not very large, however he’s been very good.”

Harry defined that the eight-year-old by Ocovango has had some points since successful this race final yr.

“He simply hadn’t been firing like we actually wished him to, however within the final month, we’ve managed to get him out on to our grass gallops. That’s actually turned him on and actually introduced out the advance in him. Dan’s achieved a unbelievable job, and Amber Blyth, our head lady, who takes care of him has achieved a powerful job with him all yr.

“There’s no hiding what Cheltenham is – it’s a really, crucial 4 days of our calendar and our Olympics. To have a winner is particular.”

Langer Dan’s coach Mr Skelton mentioned: “That’s outstanding actually, and all credit score to the horse. I’ve by no means been prouder of a outcome than this. We’ve got some large winners and Grade Ones and every thing else, however I’ve by no means been prouder of a outcome than this as a result of what folks don’t know is that he had a surgical procedure after successful this final yr.

“He had a horrible winter and bled on one event. We gastroscoped him and located ulcers, and it was a large workforce effort to get him proper.

“He gained’t practice at our important yard as a result of he’s a unusual little buyer and simply gained’t take part. Amber runs our second yard and after we labored him on Saturday I advised her to seek out the slowest horse we’ve received and someway beat him on the gallops. He solely gained by a head, which simply exhibits you what he’s like. He’s slightly character, however what a personality.

“He’s received his personal clock and trains himself. He simply doesn’t play ball within the winter – he’s a nightmare.”

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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 workforce since 2014, who’s keen about all equestrian sports activities, together with racing and point-to-pointing. She has loved using out for prime 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.