Gary Moore’s confidence in star mount was somewhat misplaced
Sire de Grugy was the main attraction for racing fans in this afternoon’s action at Newbury in the Betfair Price Rush Chase, but failed to live up to the hype on his long awaited comeback after 10 months out of action.
The horse didn’t look at all comfortable at any stage, and after a bad mistake at the fourth from home, he unseated Jamie Moore at the next fence to fail to finish on what was meant to be a glorious comeback.
It now puts in major doubt his potential to defend the Champion Chase title next month at Cheltenham, after comments from Gary Moore on Friday suggested anything less than a win and the horse would not travel.
Instead the day belonged to Mr Mole and AP McCoy, who romped home for the Irishman’s 200th winner. Incredibly the champion jockey then announced his decision to retire from the sport after the success.
In the Denman Chase Coneygree underlined his Cheltenham prospects with an impressive showing on just his third time over fences
He had to fight off some competition from Houblon Des Obeaux throughout, but the 15-8 favourite was very impressive heading towards the finish and won well to streak home by seven lengths under Richard Johnson and Unioniste finishing third.
The Betfair Hurdle was won impressively by Violet Dancer by Josh Moore at a whopping 20-1. Moore looked composed throughout and by the third last had built up a solid lead.
His main challenge was from Cheltenian but Moore was strong and he came home by three lengths with Activial in third for Gary Moore to make up somewhat for his earlier disappointment.
