Gentlemansgame thrills Mouse Morris with Gold Cup third

Mouse Morris was delighted to see Gentlemansgame outrun his 40-1 odds to finish third in the Boodles Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The veteran handler has always held the grey in the highest regard but he has proved difficult to train due to a multitude of issues.

In the white heat of a Gold Cup, Darragh O’Keeffe was prominent throughout on the nine-year-old, who led into the straight before holding off challengers for third place behind Inothewayurthinkin and the vanquished favourite Galopin Des Champs

Morris said: “I’m very happy, he ran his heart out and jumped super.

“He just lacks a gear but he’ll stay all day, he’s as honest as the day comes.

“I thought he was well coming, it’s the first year I’ve been happy as he’s not the easiest horse to keep sound, but thanks to all the vets we got him here with a clean run.

“I don’t think I ever thought he was going to win as he just lacks that gear, and the winner is a good horse, he ran very well at Leopardstown.

“He’s run his heart out and run above his mark, he’s so genuine. Today is as good as he is and hopefully we’ll get to Punchestown.”

Henry de Bromhead felt Monty’s Star, just over a length away in fourth, may have nicked third but for a shuddering mistake.

“I think that cost him a place maybe,” said De Bromhead.

“That and having to avoid the one that fell (Ahoy Senor) but he’s run well.

“I think the better ground is good for him, I thought it would help him today, maybe it didn’t, who knows.

“The winner has won well, he was very impressive. We’ll see how he is, then think about Punchestown.”

Going into the race the biggest perceived threat to Galopin Des Champs was Joseph O’Brien’s King George winner Banbridge but he never looked likely to take part in the finish, fading to come home last of the seven finishers.

O’Brien said: “He jumped and travelled well for a long way and I hope he pulls up well. I’m not sure if it was stamina (that let him down) but it’s a horse race and there was a great winner and Galopin ran fantastic for second and we will just have to regroup and go from there.”

Along with Gentlemansgame, the pace was forced by Patrick Neville’s The Real Whacker who gave his connections a run for their money before finishing fifth.

Part-owner Davy Mann said: “He ran a cracker of a race and has done so well, but he just didn’t have the speed when he needed it but he’s finished fifth in the Gold Cup, what a run and it’s a great day.

“He’s never let us down and for such a small stable like Patrick’s and two guys who grew up together, to have a horse that is fifth in the Gold Cup is great.

“He was right with them until he didn’t have the speed, but he’s galloped right to the line and I’m so proud and happy with him.”