Chianti Classico and native coach relishes win at Cheltenham Pageant

Native coach Kim Bailey and jockey David Bass had been again within the winner’s enclosure for the primary time in 4 years when Chianti Classico received right this moment’s Ultima Handicap Chase [12 March] on the Cheltenham Pageant.

Chianti Classico, a seven-year-old owned by Sir Francis Brooke and R A Pilkington, went off at odds of 6/1 and got here residence four-and-a-half lengths away from his nearest rival in a 21-runner area.

David Bass mentioned: “What a beautiful horse. He simply travelled and jumped in every single place. I used to be there miles too quickly, however he’s bought a contact of sophistication. It’s sensible for the house owners, sensible for the yard – we’ve been a bit quiet, however we are able to get them to the massive day in good kind.

“It meant quite a bit. It’s an absolute privilege to journey good horses right here – I’m so fortunate. It’s arduous to win right here – 2020 was the final time I rode a winner right here and that’s too lengthy.

“I managed to get to the entrance and get a breather into him, get over the past two and he had slightly peck on the final, however he picked up properly and I feel he’s received fairly properly ultimately.  He’s a progressive horse and thrilling. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Chianti Classico’s coach, Horse & Hound’s common columnist and current visitor on The Horse & Hound Podcast Kim Bailey mentioned: “It’s big. It’s big for the yard, Matt my assistant and all of the workforce at residence have labored so arduous on this. They believed within the horse. David has been assured all alongside and he was proper. He adores this horse and says he’s a giant terrier. He’s as arduous as nails and never very huge, however he’s bought a lot means and he’s so agile – and at all times has been.

“When Aiden Murphy and I purchased him, we at all times mentioned we’d carry him right here, however I by no means thought it might occur. We’ve been knocking on the door right here for some time so it’s nice for everyone that we’ve carried out it right this moment – it’s big for the workforce. Having winners at Cheltenham is what it’s all about. The house owners are huge supporters of racing and this has been the plan for a very long time.”

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H&H options, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an skilled journalist, having been a part of the H&H workforce since 2014, who’s obsessed with all equestrian sports activities, together with racing and point-to-pointing. She has loved driving out for prime trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took half in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting skills have taken her to quite a few five-star occasions round Britain and Europe, in addition to European championships.