Cheltenham race for Lady Buttons confirmed

LADY BUTTONS is to line up in the Grade One Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
By Tom Richmond
Published 8th Mar 2020, 10:25 BST
Updated 8th Mar 2020, 10:40 BST
Jockey Tommy Dowson on Lady Buttons at Doncaster earlier this season. Photo: Phill AndrewsJockey Tommy Dowson on Lady Buttons at Doncaster earlier this season. Photo: Phill Andrews
Jockey Tommy Dowson on Lady Buttons at Doncaster earlier this season. Photo: Phill Andrews
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Nerveless Tommy Dowson hits all the right buttons with Phil Kirby’s Lady Buttons

Phil Kirby’s stable star will face a strong Irish challenge, headed by the Willie Mullins-trained Benie Des Dieux and Henry de Bromhead’s Honeysuckle, in the two and a half mile test in which she was fourth last year.

But the Catterick trainer, together with owners Keith and Jayne Sivills, believe this is a more realistic test than the two mile Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday.

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Lady Buttons, now 10, was also entered in Friday’s Grand Annual Chase.

In-form Tommy Dowson is due to ride Lady Buttons – he has won on her twice at Doncaster and was in the saddle at Cheltenham last year.

“We’ve made the decision – Phil asked if we wanted to line up in a Grade One race or not?” said Jayne Sivills whose family run The Tiger Inn pub at Easington between Whitby and Saltburn.

“Some people will agree. Some people will disagree. It’s up to them. But Tuesday, it is, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Kirby also saddles Desaray Girl who will be ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies.

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