One 'El of a Performance from El Kaldoun.
Fri 11 Dec 2020
WINNER 73 OF 2020: EL KALDOUN, trained by Nicky Henderson OBE and ridden by Jeremiah McGrath: 'The Dave Criddle Travel Let's Travel Again Novices' Limited Handicap Chase ' over 2m 7f at Taunton.
It was written in the stars - a double celebratory birthday win!
After a delay to the start, as three fences were being omitted due to the low sun, he set off in a prominent position amongst the 10 runners. As the field began to fall away four from home, Jerry asked him to quicken, as the pace lifted in front. Jumping errors all around took the eye, as El Kaldoun continued to jump his fences cleanly. He pressed the leader and was slightly hampered 2 fences out, but he kept on well after the last, with a clean jump after a blunder by the other horse in contention. A battle in the home straight, but he put his head down and got his win.
Watch the race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/305879-dave-criddle-travel-let-s-travel-again-novices-limited-handicap-chase-3
See all the official photos here: https://www.ppauk.com/event/Taunton-Races-Taunton-UK-10-Dec-2020/
Timeform gave him a rating of 126 and say "...he may still have a bit more to offer, particularly back on a more galloping track."
After the race, in his interview with Racing TV, Jeremiah said: "He was always to the fore and jumped well. He took a heavy fall at Southwell last time and it's a great credit to him that he has done that today."
Read the Racing Post race report here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/race-reports/supreme-quotes-rain-in-for-impressive-paul-nicholls-and-harry-fry-novices/462895
Our National Hunt manager Tom Palin says: "Congratulations to his owners on a particularly emotional victory. The fact that he had a hideous looking fall at Southwell, shows what a brilliant attitude he has. In a race where jumping was of even more importance there yesterday, it was a very pleasing victory. He'll appreciate further in time, as indicated that he hit the line hard enough, where plenty were pulled up. He'll have a rewarding little festive break and we look forward to seeing him out in 2021. I'm delighted for his owners and indeed for El Kaldoun on a second Chase victory this season."
We have had five National Hunt runners in December, with finishing places of 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st and a 3rd place from Glajou yesterday, also at Taunton. Not bad teams! We would be delighted if we can pass 75 winners and £900,000 of prize money won this year, so fingers crossed for the remainder of December. We also heard from one of our owners, that it was his 20th winner as a syndicate member, which is fabulous! Well done to everyone and for some, it was a week of more than one winner with us, spreading the much needed festive cheer.