The November Meeting recently took place at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse.
Tens of thousands of punters filtered through the Prestbury Park gates over the three days, and they certainly will not have left disappointed as the National Hunt Racing took off.
There were plenty of thrills and spills across the weekend of action, so let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the Cheltenham November Meeting.
Stage Star wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup in dramatic fashion
The favourite backers on Paddy Power sports will have been prematurely counting their winnings when Stage Star pulled clear of his rivals, as the field stormed around the final bend with two fences left to spare of the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
However, hearts will have been in mouths as the 4/1 market leader stumbled upon landing after the last obstacle.
It’s beggar’s belief how Stage Star and jockey Harry Cobden managed to remain in partnership, but somehow the rider managed to stabilise the horse and still win by an impressive four lengths.
It was a third win in the Premier Handicap for 14-time British Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, and a first for Cobden after seven prior attempts.
Jonbon wows in the Schloer Chase
Fan favourite Jonbon is sure to attract plenty of attention every time he takes to the course, and it was no different when he lined up for the Schloer Chase on the final day of the November Meeting.
Some questioned if the Nicky Henderson-trained horse deserved to be so short in the market for the Grade 2 contest, but the seven-year-old proved himself, and then some, when going clear two out before winning by nine-and-a-half lengths.
Jonbon now looks set to reignite his rivalry with El Fabiolo, whom he was second to in the Arkle at last year’s Festival, in the Champion Chase — and that would make for a fantastic renewal of the top-level contest at Cheltenham in March.
Minella Missile strikes as Captain Teague flatters
You didn’t need an odds calculator to tell you that Captain Teague was the overwhelming favourite for the Grade 2 Hyde Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day of the meeting.
Another Nicholls-trained horse, Captain Teague made a successful start to life over the smaller obstacles when winning a Grade 2 at Chepstow on reappearance in October.
That had garnered a lot of interest for the five-year-old, and he was expected to carry on his upward trajectory from odds-on at Cheltenham.
However, Captain Teague was stunned by 22/1 shot Minella Missile, who stayed on well in the closing stages to beat the favourite by over a length – and deliver owner Janet Davies her 100th win.
Iberico Lord lands the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle
Back to Sunday for the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, the feature race on the final card.
Just 35 minutes after Jonbon’s success, Henderson, Nico de Boinville and esteemed owner JP McManus were back in the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham.
Iberico Lord was fancied at 7/1 on what was his first appearance in 204 days but he travelled extremely well, and a good jump at the last meant he was able to pass Lookaway and Luccia up the hill to the finish for the win.
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Burdett Road, who carried on his progression from a 12-length win at Huntingdon on his first appearance over hurdles to land the Grade 2 Triumph Trial, also deserves a mention.
