held up, headway and badly hampered 5th not recover
brought down, behind mistake 1st and 2nd, headway approaching 4th, chasing leaders when brought down 3 out
mid-division, until weakened 3 out
never dangerous
mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on
mid-division until weakened after 3 out
mid-division, badly hampered 3 out and 2 out, no chance after
tracked leaders until badly hampered 3 out, no chance after
prominent and keen, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened
mid-division, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden, onepaced
held up behind, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on
held up, headway approaching 2 out, no impression after
held up mid-division until brought down 3 out
mid-division, badly hampered 3 out, ridden and headway after 2 out, kept on
chased leaders, effort approaching 2 out, ridden and weakened approaching last
in touch, hampered 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
prominent until fell 5th
tracked leaders until weakened after 2 out
mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened
always in touch, pressed leader and ridden approaching last, ran on to lead close home, all out
mid-division, headway and hampered 3 out, no impression after
mistakes 1st and 2nd, never dangerous
chased leaders until weakened after 2 out
led, hard ridden approaching last, kept on but no extra when headed close home
mid-division, ridden when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
The Triumph Hurdle is traditionally one of the hardest contests of the Festival to fathom out and can be a tricky race to get involved with. As usual, Martin Pipe plays a strong hand and has five chances of landing the spoils. The best of whom may be Don Fernando, who is progressing nicely and has some valuable course experience to his name. He must have a strong chance of reversing the form with Moneytrain off level weights today and he will be hard to master if he is still in contention coming up the hill. Pipe also sends out surprise package, Well Chief, who deserves to take his chance after confirming his ability at Kempton last time. However, that form should not be taken at face value as the farcical early pace meant the race only began in earnest half a mile from home. And it was only an enterprising ride from Tony McCoy that caught the rest on the hop. Old Californian, who was rated 95 on the Flat, is another challenger from Pond House who should not be underestimated and he could be capable of getting involved in the shake-up for the places. Similar sentiments apply to the Irish challenge, which does not look to be as strong as in last year's renewal, and Golden Cross and Mutineer look to be the pick of the raiders. There is little to split the pair on recent form but the latter appeals most as an each-way hope at the anticipated prices. The Nicky Henderson-trained Saintsaire is respected as a live danger but like his stablemate, Nas Na Riogh, he may find Don Fernando just too tough to pass on the day.
