2017/18 Jumps Issue 19 - Steve is trainer of the month

Headlines

Un De Sceaux  lands Devenish Chase

Report

At Fairyhouse on Monday in the 2m 4f grade 2 chase, Un De Sceau ( Cliff, Peej, Tony), took his chance, Led, soon clear, reduced lead from 6th, pressed 3 out, just headed when left clear 2 out, stayed on well winning by 18 l. He gets 26.6 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    April        Total

Steve                     00            903.14

Cliff                     26.6             833.6

Martin                 00            790.8

Tony                    26.6           759.4

Peej                    26.6            726.6

Cod                      00            536.6

Neil                      00             494.5

Bob                    00           379

Congratulations to Steve who is March trainer of the month

 News

Colin Tizzard has not ruled out the prospect of giving Cue Card the chance to bounce back from his disappointing Cheltenham Festival defeat.

Although the Milborne Port handler would not be drawn on which race the multiple Grade One winner would contest, he hinted that running again remains an option.

Tizzard told the punter: "The horse is absolutely fine and he's not retired. All I'll say is that we said we were going to run him until the end of the season and nothing has changed."

As to an outing at either Aintree or Sandown, he added: "We've no preference, I can tell you that at the moment."

Ben Pauling has conceded Aintree will come too soon for Willoughby Court after his star novice chaser missed the Cheltenham Festival due to a setback.

The seven-year-old was successful at the Festival last year and had been one of the leading hopes for the JLT Novices' Chase after winning two of three outings over fences this term.

However, a foot problem saw him ruled out of the showpiece fixture at the end of February, and Pauling said: "He won't go to Aintree, as he has missed too much work.

Willie Mullins confirmed Footpad is likely to head for Aintree after being taken out out of the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Ruth Jefferson has been forced to rule her stable star Waiting Patiently out for the rest of the season.

The unbeaten chaser, who beat Cue Card in a thrilling Grade One at Ascot in February, has not suffered a career-threatening injury but it is enough to prevent him from heading to Aintree.

Min and Douvan are part of a six-strong team for Willie Mullins in the BoyleSports Champion Chase, the feature event on the opening day of the 2018 Punchestown Festival.

Nigel Twiston-Davies reports Blacklion to be ready to shine in the Randox Health Grand National following a wind operation