Delight for Jefferson as Cape Tribulation ends long wait for winner

Cape Tribulation struck for North Yorkshire trainer Malcolm Jefferson in a driving finish for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

Denis O’Regan got a great tune out of the 14-1 shot to join Cantlow at the final flight and then gallop on strongly up the hill to land a cosy success.

Catch Me stayed on resolutely to take second, three-quarters-of-a length behind the winner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cantlow was another length-and-a-quarter away in third, with Houblon Des Obeaux fourth and Reindeer Dippin fifth.

An emotional Jefferson was understandably thrilled.

He said: “He was pipped on the line in two decent novice chases and this year things just didn’t go right for him over fences.

“We worked him over hurdles at home and you could see that he enjoyed that more.

“He is quite a talented horse and he’s given him a brilliant ride.

“It’s been a long time since my last winner here.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Winning owner David Abell said: “It’s amazing for a small trainer to have a winner here, usually the big trainers clean up.

“He won a Grade Two by 20 lengths but it’s been downhill ever since.

“We put him back over hurdles and it seems to have worked.

“Malcolm always said he was really good.”

Sir Des Champs maintained his unbeaten record for Willie Mullins with a clear-cut victory in the Jewson Novices’ Chase.

The six-year-old, ridden by Davy Russell, shrugged off the attentions of Champion Court after the last to bound clear for a convincing four-and-a-half-length success.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For Non Stop was another nine lengths back in third, while fancied runners Peddlers Cross and Cristal Bonus were both disappointing as Sir Des Champs (3-1) proved a classy winner.

“He’s a very good horse,” said Russell. “A lot of the credit should go to Aaron Madden who absolutely adores this horse, and since the first day he landed he’s looked after him and he’s done such a wonderful job.”

Related topics: