Monday 14 November 2011

The December Gold Cup - Great Endeavour Return?


Great Endeavour could return to Cheltenham next month after his win in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday.

The December Gold Cup has emerged as a possibility for the seven-year-old, who bounced back to his best in the competitive handicap.

Jonjo O'Neill's Exotic Dancer was the last horse to win both races in the same season, in 2006, and he went on to finish second to Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase on his next start.

The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury over an extended three and a quarter miles on November 26 is also being considered, though Great Endeavour has yet to win over that distance.


Trainer David Pipe said: "That was very good as he lost a plate during the race. He ate up on Saturday night and has come out of it very well.

"The Hennessy is a possible or coming back here (Cheltenham) in a month's time for the two-mile-five handicap chase. We'll have a word with DJ (David Johnson, owner) and decide."