Sire De Grugy silenced all the doubters by romping home to an impressive success in today’s feature race, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and all concerns about his ability to handle Cheltenham were quickly washed away.
Having been friendless in the market for most of the day, Gary Moore’s charge beat home Somersby and the fast finishing Module by six lengths.
Stablemates Sizing Europe and Special Tiara led from flag fall at a ferocious pace, so much so that Captain Conan was being shoved along passing the stands after jumping just three fences. Kid Cassidy was also settled in rear with the eventual winner, Sire De Grugy sitting about fourth from the back on the inside.
As the two leaders turned away from the stands, Somersby loomed up alongside them and was never too far off the pace with Arvika Legionnniere close up also. However, approaching four out things began to take shape and the race began in earnest as Somersby moved through to take ont he lead for Dominic Elsworth.
All the while, Jamie Moore took his time following the leaders and as they went down the hill, Moore started inching closer. Arvika Legionniere faded very quickly going down the hill and after jumping the third last, one or two began to find the pace a little too much.
Somersby continued to lead with Sizing Europe running a gallant race and eventually finished fourth.
Approaching two out and Jamie Moore made a decisive move in between Somersby and Sizing Europe and coming to the final fence, the pair went clear and galloped up the hill unrivalled. Somersby ran a great race to take second with the fast finishing Module in third. A first Cheltenham success for Jamie Moore, one of the most popular riders in the weigh-room and he was duly shown how well respected he is with a guard of honour from his weigh-room counterparts as he entered the winners enclosure.
This win by Sire De Grugy will be remembered for quite some time as one of the great fairytale family successes in Cheltenham history and very few will think otherwise when the Moore family are concerned.
Directly after the race, Jamie Moore commented; ‘I love this horse to pieces. He keeps winning and for me, hasn’t had enough credit this season. He travelled round and jumped super. He’s a horse I have great belief in. He’s a real trier, a tough horse.’’
While his father, Gary Moore also said; ‘’A lot of people need to be thanked. The horse can’t do anymore that what he’s done and Jamie gave him a peach. I’m so thrilled for everyone concered, a lot of staff and so many people wishing us luck.
‘’I saw him jump the last then I couldn’t see anything for so many people jumping up and down!’’
Sire De Grugy was given to owner Jim Preston as a 50th Birthday present, one that is becoming to be a very valuable gift and after the race, he commented; ‘’It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. I’m made up. Everyone wanted this horse to be beaten for the last two weeks and he’s proved them all wrong.’’
This is a true down to earth winner for true National Hunt followers.
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