Fitzgerald backs Long Run for win

Mick Fitzgerald's victory 17 years ago aboard the gallant Fondmort was one of the most famous in the history of the race which celebrates its 50th anniversary today.

The most illustrious handicap in the calendar for middle-distance chasers, its winners traditionally become stars – Imperial Commander won the 2008 renewal before landing the Cheltenham Gold Cup earlier this year. And today's race, says Fitzgerald, will reveal whether the expensive French import Long Run, one of the many potential stars at Nicky Henderson's burgeoning stable, is the most likely successor to Kauto Star – steeplechasing's No 1.

"He's a very, very good horse and has a fantastic chance," says Fitzgerald. "I know Nicky is keen on him, and is looking forward to taking on Kauto Star in the King George on Boxing Day, but you have to be careful with these comparisons.

"Kauto Star is one of the best ever. He's won four successive King George's – no other horse has done that – and two Gold Cups. He's going for a fifth. Even if Long Run wins today and the King George, he'll still have to win three more times at Kempton just to equal Kauto.

"Can I see that happening? Probably not."

There is another reason why some punters doubt Long Run's credentials today – he is a short-priced favourite and has been described as a "certainty" by top Westcountry trainer David Pipe.

The horse will be run by Sam Waley-Cohen, a top amateur rider whose father Robert purchased the horse for his son to ride. Waley-Cohen works in the world of dentistry; riding is a hobby.

Yet Fitzgerald, a highly successful stable jockey at the Henderson yard for many years before his career was curtailed by a chronic back injury that he suffered in the 2008 Grand National, believes there is still a place for corinthian values in National Hunt racing.

"I've known Sam for a long time and he's a very able jockey," says Fitzgerald. "I wish I had the track record that he has around Aintree over the big National fences – three wins. Any of the top jocks would settle for that.

"He knows this horse better than anyone – he schools Long Run and was third in the RSA Chase at the Festival. There's absolutely no reason why he should not be riding this top horse as an amateur. No reason at all.

"The key at Cheltenham, and especially in a race like the Paddy Power, is to get into a good rhythm early on. Sam will do that on Long Run, of that there is no question."

Fitzgerald's victory came in 1993 when Fondmort powered up the punishing, final hill to reward favourite backers.

"Fondmort was quick on his feet and able to adapt; those are Cheltenham qualities," recalls Fitzgerald whose new book reveals a fresh insight into the qualities that are required on jump racing's greatest stage. He was 10lb better off there than anywhere else; he always took his A-game to Cheltenham; the race was special; he travelled well and jumped brilliantly.

"I hardly had a minute's worry. Before the race, he looked like Mike Tyson on his way out to fight and he gave me one of my best-ever rides.

"After the second-last, he took a bit of a blow, but I didn't ease up on him and he responded."

They are the tactics Fitzgerald expects Waley-Cohen to replicate today with the Paul Nicholls pair of Poquelin and Tchico Polos in pursuit. He also has a high regard for Edgbriar who recently provided Dominic Elsworth with a comeback win over today's course and distance.

"Whatever happens, today's winner will be a very good horse that it is heading to the top," adds Fitzgerald. "Fifty years on, it is still one of the races of the season."

Mick Fitzgerald is author of The Cheltenham World of Jump Racing, published by Racing Post Books, price 25.

Tinkler set to be a big name in racing

MICK Fitzgerald believes Malton-born Andrew Tinkler is rapidly emerging as one of the country's top jockeys.

Tinkler, riding at Wetherby today, is established at Nicky Henderson's stable where Fitzgerald enjoyed success.

"I have nothing but admiration for Andrew. He has knuckled down, worked hard and his riding has improved," said the retired rider. "I thought he was the most improved jockey in the whole country last year and he is reaping the rewards. He has realised it is up to him whether he kicks on. He's going the right way. All credit to him."