I have to start with last week and Snow Leopardess, she was just incredible round those Grand National fences at Aintree. I’m so glad we managed to just hold and win the race, as it would have been gutting to lose it right on the line like that after how well she travelled and jumped. I’m hoping we will be back there in April for the big one, the Grand National.
Saturday – Cheltenham
12:05
Keepyourdreamsbig has been quite disappointing and will probably struggle here against these horses. He hasn’t really come on since winning the juvenile hurdle at Worcester back in September.
1:15
Notre Pari should have won last time out at Carlisle, but the mistake 2 out cost us the race – this is tougher, but we go there in great form and with a solid chance.
1:50
The run in the Gold Cup at the November meeting here at Cheltenham was much better from Dostal Phil. He jumped and settled very well in the race and this new track we’re racing on will suit him a lot better as it’s more of a galloping track than the old course at Cheltenham. I’m confident about our chances, as long as we can back up our last run.
2:25
Barrony Legend was meant to have ran last week, but he got kicked down at the start and the vets pulled him out of the race. There was not a scratch on him when we checked him out at home and he was absolute fine. We all know the vets have a tough job to do, but we felt he should definitely have run. He was also a well-backed favourite as well, so I feel for the owners and punters that backed him that day. This race is a lot tougher and it will be hard to beat the favourite, but we will give it a shot.
3:00
My best chance of the day is definitely Song For Someone in the Grade 2 International Hurdle. We won this race last year and we have had the ideal prep coming into the race this year. He ran a cracker at Ascot, just getting caught late by Buzz of Nicky Henderson’s. Every jockey wants to ride in the big ITV races on a Saturday and I’m very lucky I get to ride these brilliant horses with great chances. Hopefully we can repeat what we did last year and win this race again.
3:35
I finish the day with on a lovely mare called Martello Sky, who also has to have a big chance. She won a listed race here last April in really good style staying on well up the Cheltenham hill and I will be looking to give her the same ride. There are a few horses in this race coming here off the back of a win, but we are in good form and I think she will be tough to beat.
Good Luck and Stay Safe, Aidan