racing_news/

Sprinter Sacre in Victor Chandler Cakewalk
26/01/13

1 Sprinter Sacre 1/5F
2 Mad Moose 50/1
3 Somersby 8/1
NR: Esteem, William's Wishes (IRE)
7 ran Distances: 14l, 2l, 13l
TIME 4m 32.68s (slow by 36.68s)

Sprinter Sacre easily dismissed the opposition to take Grade One honours in the Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham with his now-customary panache.

Sprinter Sacre
Racehorse Photos

Nicky Henderson's pride and joy was again electric at his fences, taking it up on the run to the sixth-last after Mad Moose had opened a sizeable early advantage on the field.

Barry Geraghty quickened matters noticeably going to three out and while Sanctuaire crept into it from the rear, his threat was only a fleeting one and Sprinter Sacre was majestic over the last two fences as he eased over the line with 14 lengths to spare from the rallying Mad Moose.

Geraghty said: "He's so natural, he's one of the most natural I've ridden. I was afraid of the ground and didn't think it would suit him as well. He was very relaxed today, he jumped brilliant and I never had a moment's concern. He was very good.

"He coped with that (heavy) ground so well. I've not sat on him since the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March, for which he is 1-4 favourite with Bet Victor.

Henderson went on: "It is a shame to be going to Cheltenham as his third run of the season, but that's the sort of season it's been. Aintree is two and a half (miles), which opens Punchestown. He's all speed, I'm not saying he wouldn't go two and a half at Aintree, but we'll have to see."

Victor Chandler Chase (Grade 1)
70,000 added, 5yo plus, 2m 110y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Heavy (Soft in places)