Trip to Paris wins the Chester Cup, Hans Holbein the Chester Vase and the Grand National is Shortened
Whilst most of the focus in recent days has been on this big election thingy and apparently someone in blue silks called the Conservatories has won by a length or so, the rest of us have been concerned with the more important task of picking winners, with some big midweek action from Chester.
Chester Cup Result
The Chester Cup was the biggest race this week, run on Wednesday and ultimately won by Trip to Paris, with Graham Lee in the saddle. Lee was on Amberleigh House when it won the Grand National back in 2004 but this was undoubtedly one of his biggest Flat successes. Trip to Paris, who was priced at odds of 10/1 prior to the race, saw off Irish duo Quick Jack and Zafayan and Gabrial’s King with a very nice ride to deliver the goods. It was a very fine day for Lee, who later won with Silvanus at 25/1 to land a tasty 285/1 double for those lucky/clever/brave enough to back him.
Chester Vase Result
The big race the following day (that’s yesterday, 7th May) was the Chester Vase and this one was somewhat easier to predict, as Ryan Moore and Aiden O’Brien were once more successful. This was a sixth Chester Vase for the great trainer, whilst Moore, riding the 7/4 favourite Hans Holbein, was able to add to his recent Guineas double and maintain his fine start to the Flat racing season.
Hans Holbein, who, as you all know was a German painter from the late 15th century (!), has seen his odds cut for the Derby to just 12/1 with some bookmakers, having previously been out at odds of around 66/1 with most bookies. If you fancy he can do it Bet365 have odds of 20/1 at the time of writing – not to mention an amazing £200 freebie when you join!
Grand National Distance Reduced
Traditionalists fear not, this is not a move to change this great race, but rather a result of better rulers! Well, measuring technology anyway. Following the announcement back in November 2014 that the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby had been run over a distance 78 yards too short for five years, new measurement procedures were put in place. This means the Grand National will now be described as “four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards”, as opposed to the previous distance of “four miles three-and-a-half furlongs”. The previous distance is a furlong longer, although the horses will run the same course and distance as ever.
More than 30 courses will be changed, including the likes of Cheltenham, Ascot and Haydock although some, including Kempton, will remain unchanged. The changes are set to come into place on 1st June 2015 and I’m sure the extra yard here or there will make all the difference to our bets!
