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'An absolute gem of a contest' - Leighton Aspell with his big-race verdict
The dual Grand National-winning rider analyses a memorable Clarence House Chase
What a race! We were treated to an absolute gem of a contest with the two best two-mile chasers, rated just 1lb apart, arriving at Ascot unbeaten and race-fit after hiccup-free preparations.
We knew we were in for a truly run race and a potential duel for the lead between First Flow and Energumene – but Paul Townend headed that off by being so sharply away from the tapes.
That put the other jockeys on the back foot and by the time they reached the first fence they had almost accepted their position. Round one to Paul!
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- 'We’re delighted with how it's going' - joint-trainers prepare for exciting year after Flat string is doubled
- 'We’ve had to work hard this sales season' - Kennet Valley seeking to build on success with biggest string
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