25-1 Monkerhostin Proves He Still Has Class In bet365 Gold Cup Victory
Monkerhostin, something of a light of former days, proved there was plenty still left in him as he trounced a classy field in this afternoon's climax to the jumping season, the bet365 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown, at the surprisingly long odds of 25-1.
Winning for the first time since November 2005, Philip Hobbs' eleven-year-old was always travelling well within himself behind pacesetters Without A Doubt and D'Argent and, approaching the final fence, he hit the front, out-jumped his rivals and sped impressively away up the hill to score by two and a quarter lengths.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddled both runner-up Royal Auclair and third Hoo La Baloo, with 9-2 favourite Iris de Balme - bidding to repeat last week's Scottish National victory - finishing like a train in fourth place.
Winning jockey Richard Johnson beamed: "He's been a fantastic servant for three or four seasons, but today he was 110%. He loves the fast ground and he must love Sandown too! He's very special."
Earlier, Paul Nicholls topped the £4million mark in prize money this season when Poquelin won the bet365 Hurdle and then Andreas put up a majestic performance in the Celebration Chase. Both horses were ridden by Ruby Walsh, who said: "It's been an unbelievable season - a dream."
The Grand National-winning team of David Johnson, David Pipe and Timmy Murphy combined successfully again when Mous Of Men, after a superb jump at the last, drew away up the hill to take the Handicap Hurdle, while Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sam Thomas beat his Flat counterparts in the opening Jockeys' Handicap challenge race, bringing Bustan with a late run on the rails. Major Cadeaux won the bet365 Mile in fine style under a confident ride by Richard Hughes.
At Ripon, Van Bossed was in total command as he strode away from his rivals to justify favouritism in landing the totescoop6 Handicap, while at Leicester, father and son team Barry and Michael Hills were in winning form with 10-1 shot Captain Marvellous.
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