A clever change of race tactics gave owner JP McManus his second consecutive winner of the Grade 1 Shell Champion Hurdle today when Grimes made all in the hands of Charlie Swan to emulate Istabraq's victory in the event last year.
Grimes, who afterwards was described as a 'frustrating horse' by his owner, maintained a slight advantage over Stage Affair, Nomadic and Decoupage when kicking on from the third last in the two-mile contest.
Hugging the rail, Grimes appeared to weaken after the second last, opening the door for the likes of Decoupage and the improving Mantles Prince to mount their challenge. Stage Affair, who once finished runner-up to Daylami in a group race at the Curragh, was being hard ridden by Tony McCoy and looked beat.
But the Christy Roche-trained Grimes, dug deep and found an extra gear, holding a one length lead over Decoupage and Stage Affair at the last. Nine-times champion jockey Swan was working hard at Grimes. The recent Aintree runner-up lengthened his stride and passed the line with three-and-a-half lengths in hand over Decoupage, who had also finished second in the race last year.
'This means a lot to me as we hold him in such high regard,' beamed a delighted JP McManus.
'Christy (Roche) has had remarkable patience with this horse as he has been frustrating at times. He just bounces off this fast ground,' continued the thrilled owner.
Stage Affair never looked on terms with the pace Grimes had set and finished third. Ladbroke Hurdle winner Mantles Prince looked a challenger after the second last but could not close on the leader when asked to quicken by Fran Berry - finishing fifth.
