Cue Card Edges Memorable King George VI as Favourite Falls
The Christmas period had plenty of action for racing fans to enjoy, with big events taking place all around the country. One of the big highlights was the meeting on Boxing Day at Kempton, with Cue Card pulling off an incredible victory in the King George VI Chase.
Vautour led the way throughout most of the race, and he looked set to take the win after favourite Don Cossack fell at the second to last fence. But, Paddy Brennan rode the 9/2 chance Cue Card back in to contention, and he took the win after a dramatic photo-finish.
“It’s the best feeling of my whole career,” said Brennan. “I can’t take it in. I’ve beaten one of the best horses in training and beaten one of the best jockeys I’ve ever ridden against. My wife and son watching at home will be so proud. For people that say he doesn’t stay, he stayed right to the line to get there.”
The Desert Orchid Chase was another big highlight at Kempton, and Sprinter Sacre – darling of the Cheltenham Festival – made an impressive return to this race with a well-deserved victory. After a comeback win at Cheltenham last month, the former Champion Chase winner displayed his great progress to see off Sire de Grugy and claim another win.
Two years ago Sprinter pulled up at this race, and that’s when his heart problems were first discovered. Few saw him ever returning to this level again, and that makes this win all the more impressive.
Willie Mullins’ wait for a Lexus Chase victory was ended this week, as 4/6 favourite Don Poli secured the win. Bryan Cooper was in the saddle as they held off a challenge from First Lieutenant to win the race at Leopardstown, breaking the duck that the Irish trainer has had at this Christmas meeting.
