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British-breds shine at Festival Trials
Midnight Chase
28th January 2012
British-breds confirmed their strong chances at the Cheltenham Festival in March with a trio of impressive victories on Festival Trials day.
The day began with Grumeti’s win in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. Although Pearl Swan passed the post a short head in front of Grumeti, a stewards’ enquiry awarded the race to Grumeti due to interference on the run-in.
Stepping up to Grade 2 company on only his third appearance over hurdles, Grumeti looks to be one of the most promising recent additions to the National Hunt ranks. The four-year-old Sakhee gelding was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock on behalf of his current trainer Alan King at the 2011 renewal of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale, and landed his first win over hurdles only two months later. Bred by Catridge Farm Stud, Grumeti is out of the Groom Dancer mare Tetravella.
Later in the day Midnight Chase put up an impressive front-running performance to take the Grade 2 Argento Chase. Followed home by Tidal Bay, Midnight Chase now holds an entry in the Gold Cup on March 16th.
As well as being bred in Britain by Conkwell Grange Stud, Midnight Chase is by leading British-based NH sire Midnight Legend. With other top-class performers such as My Petra, Sparky May and Holmwood Legend to his credit, Midnight Legend stands at Pitchall Farm Stud for £4,000.
Also on the same card was a win for The Giant Bolster in the Grade 3 Murphy Group Chase. His sire Black Sam Bellamy stands at Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire for £4,000.
The day was rounded off by the Brightwells January Sale, which returned a top price of £60,000 for the promising novice hurdle winner Kings Canyon.