Racing round-up: Triolo D'Alene gave British champion trainer Nicky Henderson a third win in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury with a hard-fought triumph over Rocky Creek.
The six-year-old, winner of last season’s Topham Chase at Aintree, gave jockey Barry Geraghty back-to-back victories in the race after the success of the Henderson-trained Bobs Worth 12 months ago.
Rocky Creek fought hard in the closing stages, but it was Triolo D’Alene (20 to 1) who prevailed by two and three-quarter lengths.
Theatre Guide was another length and three-quarters away in third, with Highland Lodge fourth.
Geraghty said: “He was great. I had a brilliant ride off him in the Topham and he was brilliant today.
“He’s a great attitude. On that ground and on a stiff track, he finds it so easy.”
Imperial Commander and Highland Lodge set the pace in a highly-competitive renewal of this prestigious staying handicap chase which saw the winner’s stablemate, Hadrian’s Approach, and Opening Batsman exit at the fifth fence.
Katenko, who joined the leading pair, fell at the 14th and when Imperial Commander weakened rapidly it was Highland Lodge who went on.
Cloudy Too briefly seized the initiative and was soon challenged by Rocky Creek, who looked as though he might give the Stewart and Johnson families an emotional success.
He jumped the last in unison with Triolo D’Alene, who proved the stronger on the run-in.
Henderson said: “He’s a lovely horse with a lovely attitude, but Barry has been begging me all year to save him for the National.
“We’ve mucked that up completely, but the Hennessy is very special.”
My Tent Or Yours made an impressive return to action with a stylish victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Given a patient ride by Tony McCoy, the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old jumped into the lead at the second-last and quickly stamped his authority on proceedings.
The 8 to 11 favourite galloped on strongly to win this Grade One for owner JP McManus by three lengths from Cockney Sparrow, with Grumeti another two and a half lengths away in third.
Galvanised by wearing blinkers for the first time, Cotton Mill ensured a truly-run race by making the running.
He held that position until three flights from the finish where Grumeti went on.
However, that move was covered by McCoy on My Tent Or Yours, who defied a near eight-month absence to cruise to the front.
Cockney Sparrow stuck on well to claim second spot but was no match for the classy winner, who was roundly cut in the betting for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The well-regarded Melodic Rendezvous failed to strike a blow and could only stay on at one pace.
McCoy said: “He’s won easy but you would have wanted him to, really.
“It was a good start for him. He settled nicely but we didn’t go too quick early.
“I felt us and Grumeti really quickened it up from three out and were really racing.
“It was a good performance, a good starting point, and I’m not surprised he did it like that.
“But for the life of me I can’t understand bookmakers cutting him for the Champion Hurdle – he was by far the best horse on paper going in.
“He’s got to keep on improving. Hurricane Fly has won 17 Grade Ones and he is the one we all still have to beat, for me.”
Speaking from Newbury, Henderson said: “He looked good from what I saw of it, and all being well he’ll go off to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton now.”
