Did you see MALONE ROAD dismantle a good one from the Mullins yard MT Leinster in the bumper at Punchestown Sunday? Really impressive turn of foot to put the race to bed going away in a canter. Elliott had a twinkle in his eye talking about this lad afterwards, straight to the festival now. http://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Punchestown/18-November-2018/1555/#
I couldn't get a replay of that win, ( his second from just the two Bumpers ) but his initial win on November 3 at Down Royal was amazing. He probably didn't beat much, but his turn of foot when asked to go, was eye catching. It looks like the 325,000 pounds was well spent.
Interestingly Malone Road is a half-brother to Ravenhill Road and Windsor Avenue who both looked like world beaters in their early bumper runs but have been ultimately a tad dissapointing over timber. The dam was a pretty slow handicapper trained by Lucinda Russell.
I wonder what Cheveley Park are doing investing all that money in a NH horse? I don't think they've had many over the years - maybe they realise (finally) that they can no longer compete on the flat?
They’ve got at least three horses with Gordon, interesting to see if this develops even further. Can this boy jump though? Who knows!
Cheveley Park Stud is owned by the Thompson family odddy. They have always been lovers of both codes. They have even had the honour of owning a Grand National winner. Although I dont recall their jumps horses running in the stud colours before, they have always run under the family name rather than the business logo! They dont mind a bit of a footie either and in their time have had major shareholdings in Queens Park Rangers and dirty Leeds United.
9 stallions currently standing including Dutch Art, 140 broodmares and 100+ horses in training spread across 15 trainers. I would say they are not doing too badly. Didnt they have a winner at the Breeders Cup last year?
Cheveley Park had Chief Justice in training with Dick Fahey (since his 2YO days) and he recommended they go juvenile hurdling with him after he had refused to race on the level back in May. Proved something of a success with form figures of -21 for old boy Dick. Cheveley Park enjoyed this foray into the NH sphere and asked him to train some more for them re the winter game. He politely said ‘no’ wanting to concentrate on the Flat but recommended they call Gord Elliott. This they did and the rest is history – Chief Justice moved there and they bought some other expensive sorts to be trained by him. Re the ‘Champion Bumper’ I see that Skybet currently have Royal Illusion (or Queen’s Illusion as I incorrectly called the old girl yesterday) the 3rd fave. However, unless the conditions of the race have changed since last year she won’t be qualified to run – is for 4 - 6YO’s and Royal Illusion will be 7 come March. Never her of her trainer though so perhaps he's not aware of the 'rules' and said she will go back to Cheltenham in March.
I dont think you can blame the trainer you have never heard of for not understanding the entry rules Barney old chap. Entries are NOT even open yet for the Champion Bumper! Just a bookie being stupid or dare I say looking to fleece punters!
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooh, the rotters. People, don’t let them fleece you. Maybe, it will be hurdles now for Royal Illusion – although only Bet365 are quoting her re the ‘Mares Novice’ at the Festival.
