Coko Beach (nearest) with blundering Espanito Bello© Photo Healy Racing
Thyestes Chase winner Coko Beach bagged a first Grade 2 win in the opening Ladbrokes Watch Racing Online For Free Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan today as the Gordon Elliott trained, Gigginstown House Stud owned gelding will now be aimed at the Irish Grand National.
The French bred son of Cokoriko won the €100,000 Thyestes Chase at Gowran last month as a maiden and with jockey Jack Kennedy again on board, today followed up in dour staying manner.
Coko Beach was strongly pressed and narrowly behind leader Espanito Bello jumping the final fence but was left in front on landing as Espanito Bello blundered and lost momentum which handing the initiative to four lengths winner Coko Beach.
Following the four lengths win, trainer Elliott stated “Jack (Kennedy) said he's better in a big field, with horses around him, where something can keep him travelling. I'd imagine we'll keep him at home and he might go for the Irish National.”
Regarding the drama at the final fence, he added “I was standing out on the track and I wasn't sure whether he would have won or not. Jack said he thought he would have.
“He said he needed the jump to win it and he got it.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
