For Lambourn-based coach Jamie Snowden, Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup – previously the Hennessy – is the ‘local Gold Cup’, so it’s no shock {that a} plaque commemorating final yr’s triumph within the race sits proudly in his yard.
Datsalrightgino, who sadly died within the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, was Snowden’s 2023 hero, offering a little bit of an upset as Gavin Sheehan steered the 16/1 shot house on his first begin over three miles.
The identical connections at the moment are hoping to repeat the feat with Colonel Harry, whose profession thus far appears remarkably just like his former stablemate.
Talking to Sky Sports activities Racing forward of Saturday’s characteristic, Snowden mentioned: “Their careers have almost mirrored each other. They even started off in the same novice chase at Chepstow and both won it.
“It is simply the best way it is labored out however they’re each Grade Two winners as novice chasers, Grade One positioned and unexposed as staying chasers.
“Datsalrightgino was a bit more of a bull, whereas Colonel Harry is more athletic. He’s a lovely horse and we’ve been working back from this race.”
Requested concerning the problem of making an attempt over three miles for the primary time, Snowden mentioned: “In his early days he was fairly eager and that is why he did most of his profitable over two miles.
“The older he’s got, the more relaxed he is and the easier he is to train.”
The opposite query mark hanging over Colonel Harry is whether or not he’ll deal with the hustle and bustle of the Coral Gold Cup area, for which 16 horses stay in competition.
His work rider Stefan Namesansky mentioned: “He’s never faced such a big field but I think he’s brave enough. As long as we get plenty of rain and the ground is soft, that will play to his strengths.”
Gavin Sheehan celebrates as Datsalrightgino wins the 2023 Coral Gold Cup at Newbury
Ought to Colonel Harry ship, Snowden will turn into the primary coach to win the race in consecutive years since his former boss and Lambourn neighbour Nicky Henderson in 2013.
“It feels a very special race for anyone living in the local area,” Snowden mentioned.
“When I was at Nicky’s [Henderson] we had Trabolgan win the race and I remember the big parties and celebrations off the back of that.
“We definitely celebrated arduous when Gino [Datsalrightgino] received!”
