Yorkhill transformation a feat which deserves joyous celebration

Last week was a magnificent time to be a racing fan. The heir to the Seven Barrows throne, Shishkin, put in a jumping round fit for a king on his chasing debut, Thyme Hill charged into the Stayers’ Hurdle picture, Cloth Cap marmalised the Ladbrokes Trophy field and Almond Eye bowed out in glorious fashion in the Japan Cup. And that was all before Envoi Allen and Honeysuckle extended their flawless records at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

But for many, it was Yorkhill’s return to the winner’s enclosure in the Rehearsal Handicap Chase that best showcased how magical horseracing can be.

Whether it be the unadulterated power he showed when winning the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle in 2016 or the erratic left-handed jumping that saw him throw away the Ryanair Gold Cup a year later, countless hours have been spent talking about Yorkhill since he ran out in a Toomebridge point-to-point in 2014. Yet in the Rehearsal on Saturday he was back in the headlines for the best reason.

It was Yorkhill at his paradoxical best. On his second start for Scottish trainer Sandy Thomson, he tanked his way to the front, careless at one fence and splendidly exuberant at the next. As the challengers mounted in the straight, he dug in to defy them all, showing courage he did not need as a young horse. The two foot-perfect leaps at the final two fences were reminiscent of his most spectacular days.

The ten-year-old’s starting price of 66-1 reflected his tumultuous journey back to the winner’s enclosure. Pulled up on his first start for his new connections in the Old Roan at Aintree, Yorkhill had won only once since the 2017 JLT Novices’ Chase, his performances often slipshod and short-lived. He had even managed to outfox the wily Willie Mullins.

In November's Fans' Favourites, his new owner Dave Armstrong explained the challenges involved in revitalising the horse.

He said: "One day we went for a hack and put him over some poles, then the next day we went to the beach and when we brought him back to the gallop he was full on. He was a totally different horse. Like watching a 90-rated horse turn into a 150 one.

"You can’t keep him in a routine, you’ve got to give him a little bit of something different. Other horses will get fed, get in the water, go up the gallop, come back, get fed again and get put back in the box. If you do that with him every day he’ll just go sour on you."

That transformation which saw him return to the winner’s enclosure on Saturday showed racing at its very best. It is tempting to launch into the customary metaphors about a phoenix rising from the ashes or a battered veteran showing the youngsters how it’s done, but the latest chapter of Yorkhill’s story has been so much more than that.

It has been about the constant mission to unpuzzle a horse whose quirks match his abilities.

For Armstrong's team in Bebside and Sandy Thomson's staff at Lamden Farm, the Rehearsal Chase was not just a reflection of what a change of scenery can do, but a celebration of their constant care and hard work.

Those behind the scenes are becoming increasingly acknowledged in our sport and rightfully so, as they have a huge amount to be proud of. We should never be afraid to shout about their commitment and dedication.

It was called the Rehearsal Chase but, after everything, arguably this was Yorkhill’s finest act. So let’s give him the standing ovation he deserves and, as ever, wait for him to tell us when the curtain is ready to fall.

Playle's plays

2.25 Sandown, Friday

This Grade 2 usually produces top-class horses. Threeunderthrufive has proved he has latent potential and I’m hoping his presence means Star Gate will be a decent price. The Evan Williams-trained four-year-old coasted home to win his 2m3½f Chepstow maiden hurdle a second quicker than Grand Mogul in the first division, while the third Tide Times has won since and the fourth Royal Pretender ran a cracker to be third in a hot maiden hurdle at Ascot. He’s a hugely exciting prospect.

Playle's lays

Greaneteen
2.25 Sandown, Saturday

Admittedly Altior will be a short-priced favourite, but I think the young pretender Greaneteen still has a lot to find considering he’s next best in the market. The form of the Haldon Gold Cup is beginning to look unimpressive and a rating of 158 puts him a long way adrift of stablemate Politologue. The one I’d be much keener to back is Rouge Vif, who took a huge step up on his seasonal reappearance and is rated 6lb higher than Greaneteen but is three points bigger.

Read more from Maddy Playle:

Arkle dark horse has what it takes to tackle red-hot Shishkin

If racing is to develop it's vital it listens to those who speak out on race

The Weekender is out every Wednesday and is available at all good stores. You can also download the edition from 9pm on Tuesday evening