Nicky Henderson the ‘shock’ winner after Cheltenham Festival day two declarations
NICKY HENDERSON was the early winner as the day two declarations for Cheltenham came through.
The Seven Barrows boss has been rocked by Constitution Hill being out and rumours Sir Gino was about to follow.
But he received a massive boost on Monday as it was confirmed Doddiethegreat had got into the Coral Cup.
The eight-year-old, whose place in the field came as a ‘shock’ to punter, is named after the late rugby union legend Doddie Weir, who tragically died in 2022 aged just 52.
Henderson called Doddiethegreat his ‘secret weapon’ in the run-up to race week and was desperate for the well-handicapped runner to get in the race.
And he is now confirmed a spot with the field cutting up, and Nico de Boinville gets the ride.
Elsewhere there were few surprises with most, if not all, of the big guns standing their ground.
Star novice Ballyburn was declared for the Gallagher – formerly the Ballymore – after weeks of will he/won’t he.
Only eight made the final field – meaning punters should get three places barring any NRs – while just six got into the Brown Advisory where Fact To File is the strong favourite.
More to follow.
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