POSH TRISH LORDS IT OVER RIVALS
The Paul Nicholls-trained Posh Trish (9/4 favourite) plundered Listed honours in the concluding race on day two, BetVictor Gold Cup Day, of the November Meeting with an impressive three and a quarter-length success in The Experience The Theatre At The Festival Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
Always travelling under Harry Cobden, the Irish-bred filly stayed on powerfully in the closing stages to register a commanding victory over Grageelagh Girl (11/4) in second.
The four-year-old daughter of Stowaway cost £135,000 after winning a point-to-point at Lemonfield and Ditcheat handler Nicholls was delighted that the Highclere Thoroughbred-owned filly, owned by the Posh Trish syndicate, many of whose members were present] had maintained her unbeaten record under rules.
Nicholls, who registered a 15.25/1 double on the day, following Black Corton's success in the mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase said: "She's a very nice filly. She just needed her first run at Aintree [awarded race in stewards' room] and we knew she would improve on that as she was a little bit green but she loved the soft ground here.
"Aintree was a little bit too quick for her but I was keen to get a run into her coming into today and she has improved for that run.
"I'm not sure whether to find another mares bumper or to go hurdling. We will have to make a plan, but she has schooled wonderfully."
4.00pm Experience The Theatre at The Festival Mares' Standard Open NHF Race (Listed)
1 POSH TRISH (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Posh Trish) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Harry Cobden 9/4 Fav
2 Grageelagh Girl (The Yes No Wait Sorries) Fergal O'Brien 6-11-00 Paddy Brennan 11/4
3 Pineapple Rush (Bradley Partnership) Philip Hobbs 4-11-00 Richard Johnson 11/2
Distances: 3¼, 2
Tote Win: £2.80 Places: £1.20, £1.50, £2 Exacta: £9.20
HARRY LOVES A BIT OF POSH
Jockey Harry Cobden was enthusiastic about the future for Posh Trish after the four-year-old mare produced a commanding performance when winning the Experience The Theatre At The Festival Mares' Bumper at Cheltenham this afternoon.
The 9/4 favourite had won a point-to-point in Ireland in March of this year before being bought by Highclere for £135,000. She finished second by a nose in an Aintree bumper last month behind Grageelagh Girl (runner-up today) but was awarded the race in the Stewards' room.
However, she turned the tables on that mare in no uncertain terms this afternoon, travelling well under Cobden and bounding away up the hill to record a three-and-a-quarter length success.
Cobden was bullish about the filly's future after the race.
"She certainly didn't need the help of the Stewards this time!" said the jockey.
"I'd say she's the best bumper mare I've ever ridden. She's a big, 16.3hh mare and she's got so much power in her. She looks like a gelding - she's that big and scopey.
"She could be very special. She's got such a big stride and I can't wait to see her over hurdles and fences in the future. I've actually schooled her over Mr Nicholls' (Paul - trainer) loop at home and she jumps well. Hopefully she's one for the future.
"I'm very excited by her - she's definitely one to look out for."
To view a replay of the race, please click here -
http://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/video/20171118/2730011/16368311
