King George hero Clan Des Obeaux has Gold Cup pedigree says co-owner Mason

A dig in the ribs does not often appear on a wishlist, even if it is courtesy of television presenter Jeremy Kyle, but Ged Mason will be hoping for just that on Gold Cup day in March when his King George VI Chase hero Clan Des Obeaux lines up at Cheltenham.

It was a gentle prod from the ITV show host that prompted Mason, who co-owns Clan Des Obeaux with Paul Barber and Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, to shout home the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old to a first top-level success under Harry Cobden at Kempton on Boxing Day.

An evening with the Nicholls team at the Manor House Inn, preceded by a McDonald's pitstop, completed a magical day that made it a Christmas like no other for Mason.

Mason, chief executive of engineering recruitment company Morson Group, said: “It’s been nice to finally get back in the office – we had quite a long celebration! Boxing Day was topped off when we headed back to the yard and celebrated with everyone at Team Ditcheat.

“I was in the stands taking in the atmosphere when it came to King George time on Boxing Day, but I tend to get quite nervous when the race is on and feel every jump. I was quiet until the second-last fence, at which point Jeremy Kyle elbowed me to say we had a chance, and then I started to scream and shout him home!”

The Denman Chase at Newbury on February 9 has been earmarked as a possible next destination for Clan Des Obeaux, who is a best-priced 10-1 with Betfair Sportsbook to land the Magners-sponsored Gold Cup.

Clan Des Obeaux has finished second on three of his four visits to Cheltenham and Mason feels he has the class and progressive profile to go well.

Mason added: “Cheltenham is a totally different type of track and he’ll have to cope with a likely fierce gallop, but Clan Des Obeaux is a class horse and only just turned seven so he’s improving all the time.

What A Friend: a two-time Grade 1 winner for Mason and Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson (left)Credit: Edward Whitaker

“The race can be a bit like the FA Cup final, sometimes it throws out a different result, but he’s run well there in the past. He’s just out on the journey at the top and Paul says he’s come out of the King George well and in good order. Paul has been in this situation plenty of times and knows how to get the best out of his horses and to get them to peak on big days.

“I’ll wear the carpet out at home and in the office when we get close to the race. I get nervous and butterflies in the stomach – but that’s why you do it really.

“The pressure will be on a little – sometimes it’s nice to be the underdog, like at Kempton – but at the same time there are some very talented horses he’ll come up against and it will be competitive, as ever.”

Mason experienced the excitement and tension of owning a Gold Cup runner with Lexus Chase – now the Savills Chase – and Aintree Bowl Chase winner What A Friend, whom he described as "quirky but with bags of talent", faring best on his first attempt when finishing fourth to Long Run in 2011.

Mason landed the County Hurdle with his first horse, Sporazene, in 2004 and his relationship with ten-time champion trainer Nicholls has blossomed.

The Manchester United fan said: “We’ve become good friends and there’s loyalty with us both ways. Paul’s communication skills are excellent – he picks up the phone, rather than send you an email – and there's a personal touch.

“He’s very open and a very patient man. He’s at the top of his game and his record speaks for itself. We go to football and rugby together and with Paul you get to know his whole family at Team Ditcheat.

“It’s easy to say those words about team spirit but it really is the case at the yard. There are so many unsung heroes, including Clifford Baker, who is the anchor man at the base. He’s brought all these horses along, he’s the lieutenant to Paul and deserves plenty of credit.”

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