'Hopefully we can get to Cheltenham' - Harry Redknapp eyes festival target for novice chase winner

Harry Redknapp has become accustomed to triumphant moments in his illustrious career, and the FA Cup-winning manager is eyeing a return to the Cheltenham Festival after Bowtogreatness scored in the 2m7½f novice handicap chase.

Redknapp, who joint-owns the eight-year-old with Sophie Pauling, wife of trainer Ben, recorded success at the festival with Shakem Up'arry last season and is hopeful of seeing Bowtogreatness feature at Prestbury Park in the spring after he got off the mark over fences at the 13th attempt.

The National Hunt Chase, which will be open to professional riders for the first time after changes to the festival programme announced in September, is under consideration by connections.

Redknapp said: "He was foot perfect and he’s a beautiful horse. Hopefully we can have some fun with him and get back to the festival."

The winner Bowtogreatness (Ben Jones) leads Destroytheevidence over the last fence in the 3m novices' handicap chase

Bowtogreatness (Ben Jones) leads Destroytheevidence over the last fence before winning the 3m novices' handicap chaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bowtogreatness was travelling well in last season’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham before finishing 11th, but Ben Pauling is confident he still has plenty to offer.

He said: "I always thought he was a good novice prospect, but we’re in our third season of chasing and he was nought from 12 before today. I think he lost the know-how to win a race, but he’ll come on a lot for winning.

"He jumped brilliantly and he’s a very nice horse. It’s a shame he’s not in the Coral Gold Cup, but I thought we’d lower our sights this year and try to build our way back up. I dropped him back in grade and hopefully we can have fun in the future."

Listed potential

Dan Skelton continued his red-hot form and identified a Listed event at the track on Coral Gold Cup day as a potential next step for easy winner Listentoyourheart.

A 21-length winner at Market Rasen in September, the five-year-old followed up with an eight-length success in the 2m½f mares' novice hurdle.

Harry Skelton and Listentoyourheart jump the last to win the mares' hurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Skelton said: "She went off at a skinny price, but she’s a lovely mare with a good attitude for it. The race worked out nicely for her and we’re really happy for her.

"I’d have thought she’ll come back for the Listed race here as long as the ground isn’t too soft, but she’s progressive and we’ll keep pitching."

Festival secured

A place at Cheltenham March is already confirmed for American Sniper, who landed the 3m Pertemps qualifier for David Pipe.

Ridden by Jack Tudor, the six-year-old took advantage of a small field to finish a neck clear of Emitom.

Tudor said: "He’s owned by a great bunch of lads who are in it for the craic, so now he’s won I’m sure they’ll be looking for some nice days out."

Eyecatching winner

David Maxwell moved to within one winner of riding out his claim after El Cairos produced a powerful turn of foot in the 2m½f bumper.

Trained by Gary Moore and owned by Maxwell, the €200,000 purchase bolted up, beating Bobajob by six and a half lengths.

Maxwell said: "He is just a proper tough horse and I love him. That’s why I keep going in this sport, I love it. There’s no drug that will ever replace that feeling.

"I did think that when he changed gear like that I had gone too soon because he’s still young, but he’s got a real racing brain."

Read this next:

Paul Townend hails 'hardy bit of stuff' as prolific Saint Sam powers to victory in Clonmel Oil procession