You Wear It Well and Gavin Sheehan© Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Sheehan gave You Wear It Well a fine front-running ride to claim the Jack De Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Despite having a strong book of form to her name — including a second in the Challow Hurdle and a victory in the Grade Two Jayne Seymour last time out — she was sent off an easy to back 16-1, with 5-4 favourite Luccia was the only horse punters wanted to be on.
Keen to put her proven stamina to good use Sheehan went straight to the front aboard the Jamie Snowden-trained six-year-old and never saw another rival as she showed a tremendous attitude to keep galloping and responding to her rider’s urgings when the pack began to bare down on her in the closing stages.
Henry de Bromhead’s Magical Zoe performed with great credit to take the runner-up spot in the race named in memory of the trainer’s late son, who tragically lost his life in a pony racing accident in September.
An error at the last cost Tony Mullins’ Group One-winning Princess Zoe finishing any closer than fifth.
The winner follows in the footsteps of Love Envoi who triumphed at Sandown before scoring at Prestbury Park, while for Snowden it was somewhat fitting that his second Festival success came in the same colours of Sir Chips Keswick as his maiden winner at the big meeting Present View, ending a long nine-year wait between drinks.
