3 minute read

Village Vic secured his second lucrative prize at Cheltenham in the space of three weeks with an impressive victory in the BetBright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase.

After wins in lesser company at Wetherby and Musselburgh, the Philip Hobbs-trained nine-year-old stepped up in class for last month's Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and produced a superb display from the front to run out a comprehensive winner.

Racing off an 8lb higher mark for his return to Prestbury Park, Village Vic was the 7-2 favourite under Richard Johnson and again produced a scintillating round of jumping.

Top Gamble tracked the leader into the straight, with Tenor Nivernais coming from further back to mount a challenge, but another spring-heeled leap at the last all but sealed victory for Village Vic and he came home with three lengths in hand.

Tenor Nivernais edged out Top Gamble for second.

Johnson said: "He jumped well, apart from the second, but the ground is very testing. Even for horses that handle soft ground it's hard work.

"Because he's quite free-going, when it's heavy you're always worried you're doing a bit too much, but he's so enthusiastic and jumps so well. He enjoys it so we try to let him get on with it.

"He was a lovely horse as a youngster and had his problems after his novice hurdle days. It's just taken a while to get him back, but the owner has been very patient and the yard has done very well to get him back in very good form.

"I think one of the handicaps (at the Festival) will be what he'll be aimed at. Two-and-a-half (miles) looks the ideal trip for him."

The trainer's wife, Sarah Hobbs, said: " They both (horse and jockey) had so much confidence. When he (Johnson) asked for very long ones, he got them.

"It will take him a little bit longer for him to get over it this time and he's finished quite tired, but he's jumped beautifully.

"He's a fabulous horse."