There's nothing quite like a thrilling day at the races, with the sun shining, the roar of the crowd and the thundering hooves of horses competing for glory. One race that consistently captures the attention of not just the horseracing community, but sports enthusiasts worldwide, is the Cheltenham Festival. At the heart of this most recent sporting event was local trainer Kim Bailey and jockey David Bass, who celebrated an unforgettable win after a four-year draught. Their victory was carried home by their champion, a seven-year-old horse named Chianti Classico.
Victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase
On the 12th of March, Chianti Classico won the Ultima Handicap Chase in a notable performance. This achievement was not only significant for the horse but also marked an emotional return to the winner's enclosure for Bailey and Bass. Chianti Classico, owned by Sir Francis Brooke and R A Pilkington, led the race by an impressive four-and-a-half lengths, beating a 21-runner field.
Jockey's Exhilaration over the Win
Drenched in sweat and beaming with pride, jockey David Bass expressed his feelings after the race: "What a lovely horse. He just travelled and jumped everywhere. It's brilliant for the owners, brilliant for the yard – we've been a bit quiet, but we can get them to the big day in good form." He further exclaimed, "It’s an absolute privilege to ride good horses here – I’m so lucky. He’s a progressive horse and exciting. It’s an amazing feeling.”
The Trainer's Perspective
Speaking about his triumph, trainer Kim Bailey said: “It’s huge. It’s huge for the yard, Matt my assistant and all the team at home have worked so hard on this. They believed in the horse. David has been confident all along and he was right.” He went on to say, “Having winners at Cheltenham is what it’s all about. The owners are big supporters of racing and this has been the plan for a long time.”
Future Prospects
The victory has brought a renewed sense of optimism to Bailey's yard and underlined Chianti Classico's potential as a competitor in upcoming races. For Bailey, Bass, Sir Francis Brooke, R A Pilkington and everyone involved in Chianti Classico's training, this significant win symbolises the culmination of hard work and a promising future.
In Conclusion
The Cheltenham Festival of 2024 holds a special place in the hearts of the supporters of Chianti Classico. This inspiring win not only signifies a comeback for the trainer and jockey but also highlights the importance of dedication and teamwork in this beloved sport. So the next time you’re at the races, whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, remember the story of Chianti Classico - a testament to the thrilling world of horseracing.
Source: Horse & Hound