NOTHING was a match last Wednesday for Derby Sale graduate ‘Energumene’, when he cantered home in the Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins and owner Tony Bloom. Claiming his fifth Grade 1 success, it was back-to-back victories for ‘Energumene’, as he joins a small number of greats who have won the race twice.
Energumene was sold at the 2017 Derby Sale by Moanmore Stables to Tom Lacey for €50,000.
It was third time lucky for ‘Langer Dan’ at the Cheltenham Festival, when triumphant in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle for owner Colm Donlon and trainer Dan Skelton. The seven-year-old son of ‘Ocovango’ was given a patient and beautiful ride under Harry Skelton and produced a thrilling finish to win by a neck.
‘Langer Dan’ was sold at the 2016 November National Hunt Sale by Hugh O’Connor to Ballinaroone Stud for €12,000.
Then on Thursday, ‘Seddon’ ran out a comfortable winner of the Magners Plate Handicap Chase under Ben Harvey for owners Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate. It was “a dream come through” for John McConnell after saddling his first Cheltenham Festival winner.
The son of ‘Stowaway’ was sold at the Derby Sale by Galbertstown Stud for €30,000 to Monbeg Stables.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
