Henry de Bromhead received the perfect 51st birthday present on the racetrack after Dancing On My Own secured a tenacious success in the opening Epic Value At William Hill Handicap Chase at Cheltenham today, day two of The Showcase.
No stranger to tasting victory at the Home of Jump Racing, the Grand National and Gold Cup-winning trainer celebrated more glory at a place he has enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career thanks to the nine-year-old’s battling victory in the hands of Rachael Blackmore.
Racing front throughout the two mile contest the gelded son of Milan, who struck gold in last season’s Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree, found himself locked in a battle with favourite, and long-time leader, Haddex Des Obeaux on the run to the last.
However, the complexion of the race changed after Haddex Des Obeaux parted company with Jamie Moore at the last leaving Dancing My Own with a healthy advantage on the final climb to the line.
Although the staying on Triple Trade attempted to mount a challenge in the closing strides he could not quite get on terms with Dancing On My Own prevailing by two lengths.
De Bromhead said of the 14-1 winner: “He is some horse, and he is such a warrior. Rachael was brilliant on him, and he has toughed it out well to win with near top weight. I’m delighted for the Sean and Bernardine Mulryan (owners).
“He was good at Aintree in the spring, but to do that today off the weight he was carrying was very impressive. I think he ran well in fairness behind Easy Game at Listowel.
“He is a super horse and we are absolutely delighted.”
With Dancing On My Own scoring off a mark of 151 the Irish handler hinted that a step up to Grade Two company for a tilt at the Shloer Chase at the track on November 19th could be on the agenda.
De Bromhead added: “We will see what we do next but he could come back here for the Shloer Chase, although that is reading like a very good race. He probably has a preference for going left-handed though.
“We will see what we do next as today was the plan so we will enjoy that. He was brilliant and we are delighted. It always helps having a winner on your birthday.”
