Lack of quality in Coral Gold Cup a reminder jumps Pattern needs a radical rethink

There was broad agreement about two aspects in the preamble to the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday. The first was the race no longer boasts the prestige of its forerunner the Hennessy, and the second was this year’s renewal had the makings of a deeply competitive contest.

That synopsis was right on both counts. In terms of quality, it was disappointing that top weight of 12st was carried by Sam Brown, a 154-rated 12-year-old would who have been running from out of the handicap when the Hennessy was in its pomp 40 years ago.

In terms of the Pattern, which redefined jump racing’s rhythms when it was overhauled significantly in 1989, Sam Brown’s defining victory came in a Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock. However, that was nearly four years ago. He is the joint lowest-rated topweight to contest the race this century.