Top-class chaser Santini moves to Polly Gundry yard from Nicky Henderson

Polly Gundry's small-scale operation in Devon has been boosted by the news she will train high-class chaser Santini, who finished second for Nicky Henderson in the 2020 Gold Cup.

The strapping son of Milan, who was last seen when pulled up in the festival highlight in March, is no stranger to Gundry's operation near Exeter as he spent his younger years there learning the ropes and won a point-to-point for her husband Ed Walker before joining Henderson.

Now nine, Santini, who is owned by Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes, finished third in the Albert Bartlett at the 2018 festival and was a fine second to Topofthegame a year later in the RSA.

Polly Gundry: trainer is based near ExeterCredit: Edward Whitaker

He enhanced his smart Cheltenham record when winning the 2020 Cotswold Chase before his neck second to Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup, but has not won since.

Gundry, who also pre-trained the owners' exciting My Drogo before he moved to Dan Skelton, said: "I think Richard feels things went a bit downhill last year for whatever reason and he's thinking of only one more season in training for Santini before he retires for hunting and, because we know him, he's let him come back to us, which is extremely kind.

"It was quite a shock and I love being part of his team, but I'm not about to train all of his horses and Nicky did a great job. This is on the way to Santini's retirement, but it's a lovely opportunity for us to train an amazing horse; I've always thought a lot of him.

"He's been with us since April and, because his feet were a bit of an issue last season, we've kept an eye on them and he didn't get turned away. He's in very good form and relaxed."

Santini, who has finished out of the first three just once in 14 starts under rules, is unlikely to appear until December and Gundry added: "We need to get him fit and there aren't many options as Richard isn't keen on handicaps and I wouldn't be keen on the Ladbrokes Trophy either. We'll probably go for a level-weights race."

Santini with Nicky HendersonCredit: Getty Images

Gundry, a record-breaking point-to-point rider who has excelled with useful staying chaser Dawson City, has followed Santini's career closely and is thrilled to get this chance.

"We broke him in as a three-year-old and hunted and educated him," she continued. "He's the most gorgeous horse, who could have done any job. He's just a lovely horse to ride and very special from that point of view.

"Richard is keen that we aim at the Gold Cup and he's only nine coming ten. I've got nine boxes and I don't think this will mean we get bigger.

"I've always said it's about the quality of life and if we had more – Ed has 25 boxes in his yard next door – I couldn't carry on riding. I'll ride Santini most days – he's a nice horse to get out of bed for."

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