Cheltenham calling for progressive Breizh River after gallant success in feature handicap chase

Cheltenham is calling for Breizh River after the six-year-old outbattled Malystic to land the feature Simply Ned Handicap Chase for Paul Robson and Sean Quinlan. 

The likeable prospect always raced prominently and battled strongly after the last to secure victory from 7lb out of the handicap, meaning he has won three races since May and only been out of the first four in two of his 12 starts.

He took some notable scalps this time, including the third-placed favourite Tommy's Oscar, and Robson is targeting a meeting he won at last year with the smart hurdler Cannock Park. 

"He's a cracking horse," the trainer said. "He's been very lightly raced and we're just going to target him at certain races throughout the season. He won't take a lot of racing because he's only six and is quite backward in his mind, but he's obviously very tough. 

"I got a bit of stick for running him in a race like this, but we always believed he deserved his place and were proven right. Sean said he was pulling himself up and he was quite happy Malystic came up alongside him.

"He'll have a break now and we'll aim him at the Southam Handicap Chase over two and a half miles at Cheltenham's November meeting. That was always the plan and we know he wants further."

Nearly two for Cobden

Harry Cobden had just two rides at the track and nearly struck on both.

The champion jockey enjoyed an easy time of things aboard Jumping Susie, who cantered to success in the 2m5f novice hurdle, while Yokkell was denied by just a nose in the 2m novice hurdle won by Samwise.

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