Cheltenham Festival
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02 Sep 11
19:01
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05 Jan 10
Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase after being out of action for nine months.
Nick Williams' charge landed the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbuy last November but has been out of action ever since with a suspensory ligament injury meaning he had to sit out the Cheltenham Festival in March, where he was tipped to make an appearance in the Gold Cup.
The eight-year-old's problems appear to have subsided and he has trained well over the past few weeks, leading connections to target the West Yorkshire showpiece on October 29 as a possible outing for the talented star.
Owner Paul Duffy revealed that he has looked good on the gallops and may well feature at the end of October if the ground suits.
"I went down to see him recently and he's fine," he said.
"He looks a stronger horse now than he was last year.
"We're actually looking at the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby as a possible starting point for him, as long as the ground is not too firm."
A defence of his Hennessy title has not been ruled out but connections do not want to get ahead of themselves after Diamond Harry's extended period of inactivity.
"We'll obviously look at the Hennessy but he would probably be near the top of the weights this year and it's something we would need to assess. We'll just take it one race at a time," added Duffy.
"We've had to be patient with him but he looks well and Nick is very happy with him."
Nick Williams' charge landed the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbuy last November but has been out of action ever since with a suspensory ligament injury meaning he had to sit out the Cheltenham Festival in March, where he was tipped to make an appearance in the Gold Cup.
The eight-year-old's problems appear to have subsided and he has trained well over the past few weeks, leading connections to target the West Yorkshire showpiece on October 29 as a possible outing for the talented star.
Owner Paul Duffy revealed that he has looked good on the gallops and may well feature at the end of October if the ground suits.
"I went down to see him recently and he's fine," he said.
"He looks a stronger horse now than he was last year.
"We're actually looking at the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby as a possible starting point for him, as long as the ground is not too firm."
A defence of his Hennessy title has not been ruled out but connections do not want to get ahead of themselves after Diamond Harry's extended period of inactivity.
"We'll obviously look at the Hennessy but he would probably be near the top of the weights this year and it's something we would need to assess. We'll just take it one race at a time," added Duffy.
"We've had to be patient with him but he looks well and Nick is very happy with him."
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Lovely, lovely strong travelling horse, the kind one enjoys watching.
Thought he may have gone straight to Haydock tbh, decent record there after all. Goes well fresh etc
Thought he may have gone straight to Cheltenham.
, Howdi, didn't even realise I'd done it, the time of night tells a lot, I'd had a few.
If he is at his Haydock brush hurdle level, he is arguably the best staying horse in training, seriously.
Will do the usual trick of winning first time out and then not doing owt after being hyped for Cheltenham
Will do the usual trick of winning first time out and then not doing owt after being hyped for Cheltenham
IMO not a spring horse an not a Cheltenham horse. Should be aimed at the King George.
If he goes to the King George Im taking my wheel barrow will have them all at it. Never truely got credit for Henn win he never came off the bit.
King George would seem an ideal race for me too, has bags of speed
One concern though, he's never raced right handed?
One concern though, he's never raced right handed?
had a small few bob on at 25/1 earlier in the yr. never raced right handed but most horses lead with their right leg so if anything generally only have issue with left handed tracks. it wouldnt worry me tbh! the kg will be a super hot race this year tho and whatever wins will be a warm order for the gc!
Why not another Hennesssy? I know he will have a lot of weight but it didn't stop Denman.
revedesivola
05 Sep 11 23:56 Joined: 14 Sep 10 | Topic/replies: 10,575 | Blogger: revedesivola's blog
had a small few bob on at 25/1 earlier in the yr. never raced right handed but most horses lead with their right leg so if anything generally only have issue with left handed tracks. it wouldnt worry me tbh! the kg will be a super hot race this year tho and whatever wins will be a warm order for the gc!
Denman,punchestown?[:x]
05 Sep 11 23:56 Joined: 14 Sep 10 | Topic/replies: 10,575 | Blogger: revedesivola's blog
had a small few bob on at 25/1 earlier in the yr. never raced right handed but most horses lead with their right leg so if anything generally only have issue with left handed tracks. it wouldnt worry me tbh! the kg will be a super hot race this year tho and whatever wins will be a warm order for the gc!
Denman,punchestown?[:x]
Sage - I think a run in the Hennessey would be a good prep for him for the KG, but I doubut he'd win - he's likely to run into something well handicapped. Denman was a freak, not a guide to the norm. Problem might be that DH doesn't seem to take much racing so they may not want to give him 3 races before Christmas if they want to aim him at the Festival. Personally, I'd run him 3/4 times by Januiary then put him away for the year.
strot, i doubt hed win too with the weight hed carry and i doubt theyd want to run him in a race they wouldnt expect to win. last years novices is where to look for the winner i suppose!
DH is up 12 lb. for his win last year and because he did not run again, that could still be a competitive mark. He was rated 165 over hurdles so 168 over fences may be fair. The real issue is whether the injury leaves a permanent mark. Many Hennessy winners have hard races later in the season and never recover from the experience but at least he has had the rest of the year to recover.
Sage, I agree, he's not without a chance given how handily he won last year, and the prize money is very good so (as I said above) it would be worth a run. But something like Weapons Amnesty (for example) could be 20 lbs in front of the handicapper. You can always run in to one in a good handicap.
Let's hope he does recover well - same for Burton Port and Weapons Amnesty.
Let's hope he does recover well - same for Burton Port and Weapons Amnesty.
I seem to remember Nick Williams saying last year that he didnt see DH as a King George horse.
The horse loves Newbury, I hope he turns up in the Hennessey.
Betfair Chase Haydock imo,likely to get cut in the ground and likes the course
Can't see him facing Long Run and Kauto that early in the season, we don't get that lucky do we?
I've already booked my tickets and mouth is watering at a clash between Long Run and Kauto, surely won't get even more superstars lining up?
I've got mine as well. £17 in the County Stand a bargain! Cant wait.
He's good enough to beat anything on soft ground, fresh and a flat left handed track. I'd still back him in the Hennessy off his current mark as I can't see anything in last year's novices to beat him. Biggest dangers probably Aiteenthirtythree and Michel Le Bon but surely they couldn't stay with him.
i like him but it is concerning that williams states that he's not in the same form now as he was at this stage last season.
Surely 4-1 too good to miss. He's done me loads of favours and owes me nothing but his record under these circumstances is phenomenal. Heard they're watering up there and surely will want him to turn up but just think the course will be tailor made. I know the trainer says he's not pleasing like last year but this isn't the Hennessy and his record fresh speaks for itself.
Time for Rupert for me in the Charlie Hall, 9/2 is far too big and he's the best long term prospect out of these.
I'd rather just watch Diamond Harry on his first run back; just don't know how fit he is or if the injury has left a mark and the 5/2 and 9/4 is far too short imo.
Nacarat is getting on, and this is a much hotter race than last year, and Poquelin is a complete unknown at this trip. Midnight Chase's limitations were highlighted in the Gold Cup, and Chicago Grey has been firmly put in his place by Time for Rupert in the past. Backing Weird Al would take a big leap of faith at the moment.
All points to one horse for me....
I'd rather just watch Diamond Harry on his first run back; just don't know how fit he is or if the injury has left a mark and the 5/2 and 9/4 is far too short imo.
Nacarat is getting on, and this is a much hotter race than last year, and Poquelin is a complete unknown at this trip. Midnight Chase's limitations were highlighted in the Gold Cup, and Chicago Grey has been firmly put in his place by Time for Rupert in the past. Backing Weird Al would take a big leap of faith at the moment.
All points to one horse for me....
Agreed chief don't usually like getting stuck in this early in the season but have made an exception for this one.
Diamond Harry is still widely available at 7-2. No one needs to take 5-2 or 9-4 but I will agree that the only 2 plausible dangers are Poquelin and Time For Rupert.
Poquelin?? The race is 3m 1f,why is that plausable,never been further than 2m5 i believe.
Rupert i agree,think he will win if hes fit.
Rupert i agree,think he will win if hes fit.
Nicholls seems to think he needs the step up in trip. That's what the jockey said after The Ryanair and he's top rated in the race. He's normally best fresh and should travel well on the bridle for most of the race but I don't think he'll see which way Diamond Harry goes. Apart from the top 3, the others would need to improve loads to have any chance.
Ok,i shall watch and see re Poquelin,of course he may be better over further,but its taken him a long time to work that out if it is the case.
DH been off for near on a year,bit risky imo at the prices.
TFR would be a tentative choice,but really i think a non betting race.
Be watching with interest though,could have the future Gold Cup winner on show.
DH been off for near on a year,bit risky imo at the prices.
TFR would be a tentative choice,but really i think a non betting race.
Be watching with interest though,could have the future Gold Cup winner on show.
Agree with all you say although 4-1 last night was too big to risk for me on a horse with Diamond Harry's talent and record fresh. He'd been off since a bad run in The RSA Chase when he won The Hennessy easily and has more going for him than anything else in the race. On the balance of form there's little between him and Time For Rupert but the first time out record sways me to him.
tricky race too i think....i think a small bet on nacarat for me....tfr, dh and wa are all coming back from setbacks of one sort or another and there big days lay elsewhere, whereas this is one of nacarats big targets so i'll just side with him.
will be backing TFR after the first fence most likely
Is Neptune Collonges a likley runner? Big price for a horse of his quality, and the Charlie Hall is not usually won by inexperienced chasers.
Charlie Hall 10 Year Trends
• 9/10 - Returned 6/1 or less in the betting
• 9/10 - Aged between 8-10 years-old
• 8/10 - Won the race on their seasonal reappearance
• 7/10 - Had a RPR of 160 or higher
• 7/10 - Placed in their previous race
• 5/10 - Won by an 8 year-old
• 2/10 - Won by the favourite
• 2/10 - Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, also won it 1994 (Young Hustler), 1992 (Tipping Tim)
• 2/10 - Trained by Evan Williams
• 2/10 - Ridden by Graham Lee
• 2/10 - Ridden by Paul Moloney
• 9/10 - Returned 6/1 or less in the betting
• 9/10 - Aged between 8-10 years-old
• 8/10 - Won the race on their seasonal reappearance
• 7/10 - Had a RPR of 160 or higher
• 7/10 - Placed in their previous race
• 5/10 - Won by an 8 year-old
• 2/10 - Won by the favourite
• 2/10 - Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, also won it 1994 (Young Hustler), 1992 (Tipping Tim)
• 2/10 - Trained by Evan Williams
• 2/10 - Ridden by Graham Lee
• 2/10 - Ridden by Paul Moloney
I feel very depressed seeing that J Reveley is booked against his name on saturday.
I have followed DH after his first bumper win at newbury, DH & Darryl were perfect together. Obviously i didnt enjoy Murphy riding him like he was dancing brave considering his previous winning form.
DJ's ride on DH in last years Hennessey was as good as it gets for rider knowing his horse.
I have followed DH after his first bumper win at newbury, DH & Darryl were perfect together. Obviously i didnt enjoy Murphy riding him like he was dancing brave considering his previous winning form.
DJ's ride on DH in last years Hennessey was as good as it gets for rider knowing his horse.
Don't know much about the jockey but I would have thought the ground would be a bigger negative against DH. Probbaly not much between DH and TFR but DH would definitely prefer it softer so TFR for me
Diamond Harry, he´s for my money the class act in the race and Williams said "I don't think he'll improve too much for the run as he's normally very good first time out" he´s unbeaten fto and while 5/2 ain´t the best odds it´s just enough to make a bet worthwhile.
I think his Hennessy form is very strong given Denmans subsequent Gold Cup run, plus Burton Ports form with Long Run from last years RSA. Also he´s best fresh and I like him, think he´s a good un so would like to be onside.
I think his Hennessy form is very strong given Denmans subsequent Gold Cup run, plus Burton Ports form with Long Run from last years RSA. Also he´s best fresh and I like him, think he´s a good un so would like to be onside.
im with time for rupert tommorrow, as impressive as dh was in hennessy, denman wsas giving it 2 stone, off levels there would off been no race, tfr had valid excuses last time, in the long term cant see dh winning gold cup, got beaten a mile as a novice and pulled up in rsa, i just think dh is a bit from been top class, althought a great horse, we'll find out more 2morrow but i expect there will be alot of disspointed people, gl all
im with time for rupert tommorrow, as impressive as dh was in hennessy, denman wsas giving it 2 stone, off levels there would off been no race, tfr had valid excuses last time, in the long term cant see dh winning gold cup, got beaten a mile as a novice and pulled up in rsa, i just think dh is a bit from been top class, althought a great horse, we'll find out more 2morrow but i expect there will be alot of disspointed people, gl all
im with time for rupert tommorrow, as impressive as dh was in hennessy, denman wsas giving it 2 stone, off levels there would off been no race, tfr had valid excuses last time, in the long term cant see dh winning gold cup, got beaten a mile as a novice and pulled up in rsa, i just think dh is a bit from been top class, althought a great horse, we'll find out more 2morrow but i expect there will be alot of disspointed people, gl all
Diamond Harry a non runner - lame. Hope this is only a short-lived problem 
Good performance by Weird Al in the race today, he wasn't on my radar to be honest. Still wouldn't fancy him in the Gold Cup, but he saw out the 3 miles really well, which opens up a few options for him.
I thought it was an adequate run from Time for Rupert, with the front two pulling miles clear of the rest. Hopefully he'll come on for the run, and only having his fourth run over fences, and first out of novice company.
Will have to step up massively though if he is to pose a threat in the Gold Cup though, although thats a long way away yet. Maybe he might come to Cheltenham for the Argento, which was the plan last year?
It's clear Poquelin didn't stay, and Nacarat is probably past his best and the Bowl at Aintree will be his Gold Cup.
I hope Diamond Harry makes it to Haydock, hopefully he will be fine in a month. He'd have to be the main danger to Long Run in that.
I thought it was an adequate run from Time for Rupert, with the front two pulling miles clear of the rest. Hopefully he'll come on for the run, and only having his fourth run over fences, and first out of novice company.
Will have to step up massively though if he is to pose a threat in the Gold Cup though, although thats a long way away yet. Maybe he might come to Cheltenham for the Argento, which was the plan last year?
It's clear Poquelin didn't stay, and Nacarat is probably past his best and the Bowl at Aintree will be his Gold Cup.
I hope Diamond Harry makes it to Haydock, hopefully he will be fine in a month. He'd have to be the main danger to Long Run in that.
I also hope DH turns up at Haydock as I'm going to that.
IMO Time For rupert wasn't given the cleverest of rides today. Taking on Nacarat for the lead probably meant he had little left at the end.
Weird Al was given a perfect stalking ride by Timmy Murphy - be interesting to see whether he can repeat this performance - was fancied by many this time last year, but nothing went right after his dh with Little Josh - today clearly shows he retains some ability and still young enough that there maybe more to come.
Certainly won't be giving up on TFR after that, they both finished a long way clear of the third.
IMO Time For rupert wasn't given the cleverest of rides today. Taking on Nacarat for the lead probably meant he had little left at the end.
Weird Al was given a perfect stalking ride by Timmy Murphy - be interesting to see whether he can repeat this performance - was fancied by many this time last year, but nothing went right after his dh with Little Josh - today clearly shows he retains some ability and still young enough that there maybe more to come.
Certainly won't be giving up on TFR after that, they both finished a long way clear of the third.
I'll also be there Resner; ealry bird tickets of £11 each is too tempting to turn down.
I'm mainly going to see Kauto - will probably go to all of his races this year wherever they are - hopefully he'll run with pride and gets home safe.
Diamond Harry, in my opinion, put in his career best performance there over the fixed brush hurdles, better than his Hennesy performance imo. I think he'll go off second fav in the Betfair Chase if he was to turn up
I'm mainly going to see Kauto - will probably go to all of his races this year wherever they are - hopefully he'll run with pride and gets home safe.
Diamond Harry, in my opinion, put in his career best performance there over the fixed brush hurdles, better than his Hennesy performance imo. I think he'll go off second fav in the Betfair Chase if he was to turn up
Kauto the main reason for me too.
Have gone the other end of the scale treating the missus to a weekend away and have got a table in Harrys Bistro. Never been to Haydock before so looking forward to it.
Diamond Harry would add some real spice to the race as Long Run was not at his best first time up last year and DH usually is.Always the hope of one last great performance from Kauto as well but like you just hope he comes home safe.
Have gone the other end of the scale treating the missus to a weekend away and have got a table in Harrys Bistro. Never been to Haydock before so looking forward to it.
Diamond Harry would add some real spice to the race as Long Run was not at his best first time up last year and DH usually is.Always the hope of one last great performance from Kauto as well but like you just hope he comes home safe.
I'll be there too, I fear it could be Kauto's last race tbh
If Diamond Harry turns up, i'll definitely be backing him
If Diamond Harry turns up, i'll definitely be backing him
I'll be there too, I fear it could be Kauto's last race tbh
If Diamond Harry turns up, i'll definitely be backing him
If Diamond Harry turns up, i'll definitely be backing him
I think DH would add some real spice to Haydock because he likes the place and I think Long Run will need the run. I think Long Run may also ultimately need a stiifer test to be seen at his best. Yes, I know he won at Kempton twice, and Warwick once, but the 2nd time at Kempton he did so by staying and in the Gold Cup he stayed very well. He'll probably win on the bit now I have said that.
i think people over over hyping diamond harry, think theres gonna be a lot of disspointed people this season, dont get me wrong he is a top horse,( even though best run to date was in a handicap), but few points to take in consideration when tlking about this horse for gold cup, he beat denman by 14 lengths but denman was carrying 2 stone more, which makes him still a long way off denman, and also long run is streets ahead of dh, dh is a horse that has never beat a genuing gold cup horse wivout receiving lumps of weight, i hope he makes it to this years gold cup, so long run can put him well and truly in his place and proberly 5 or 6 other will to
Denman, Nick WIlliams seems to even think DH may not be a gold cup horse, because of his dislike of the track. I think all most DH fans are saying (including me) is that the horse has a terrific engine, is very, very good, but probably just better on a flatter track and in the autumn. I adore the horse but think he is fragile and needs certain conditions to win. I do not think there is anything controversial saying that a fresh DH at Haydock, a course he loves, against a Long Run who will undoubtedly improve for the run will be an interesting race.
The Betfair Chase shaping up nicely. TFR now likely to make it his next step rather than the Hennessy according to the trainer. One things for sure it should make Clive Smith & Nicholls minds up whether Kauto continues as he isn't likely to face a sterner test
I'm of the opinion Diamond Harry is very over rated; I don't believe he's capable of winning a Grade One over fences. Yes his Hennessey win was visually impressive, but if you take Burton Port, Weird Al and Denman out of that race, he basically beat a bunch of solid handicappers off level weights. Burton Port is a solid stayer and in my opinion needs a marathon trip, Weird Al despite yesterday's win has it all to prove still at the very top level, and while Denman is a class act he was giving Diamond Harry nearly two stone at Newbury! His run in the RSA of 2010 was pretty woeful, and I can't quite see where all this confidence in him comes from...? Some nice performances over hurdles, but two small field wins as a Novice and victory in a ludicrously false handicap? Doesn't scream Grade One winner to me...
agreed dwm.... could be the most hyped horse in a while... i wont be backing him
'if you take Burton Port, Weird Al and Denman out of that race'
I'd imagine if you took three of the best horses out of any race the field wouldn't look so hot.
I take on board your general point though. Connections ended up making a bit of a horlicks of DHs campaign last season. They appear to have learned the lesson however with talk of a more aggressive campaign this time around. 8/1 for the Betfair is the value imho.
I'd imagine if you took three of the best horses out of any race the field wouldn't look so hot.
I take on board your general point though. Connections ended up making a bit of a horlicks of DHs campaign last season. They appear to have learned the lesson however with talk of a more aggressive campaign this time around. 8/1 for the Betfair is the value imho.
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