PartialLogo
Comment
premium

Al Dancer capable of giving me the best start of all in Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Al Dancer: has a big chance in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Al Dancer: has a big chance in the Supreme Novices' HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

My build-up to Cheltenham certainly hasn’t been without controversy. Immediately after the EBF Final at Sandown on Saturday I felt really disappointed that One For Rosie had been beaten in the last stride by Third Wind. Then somebody told me we had won.

My immediate reaction was surprise and then sheer elation quickly took over from disappointment. Suddenly it all changed again and I was told we’d lost. These things really pull on your emotions. I went from such a high, winning a prestigious Saturday race on a really nice horse for Dad to realising I hadn’t.

The Cheltenham Festival is different to any other place and it is seriously hard to ride winners there. When I get out of the car and walk towards the weighing room on Tuesday I’ll be feeling a bit excited and a bit nervous. But when I get to the start of the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30), in which I ride leading contender Al Dancer, I’ll be really focused and into it.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock
  • Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
  • Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
  • Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
  • Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
  • Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
  • Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Subscribe

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on inComment

Last updated

iconCopy