A riches to rags broodmare and the RSA Chase fancy related to a star sprinter

Martin Stevens presents five intriguing breeding facts about Cheltenham runners

Copperhead: RSA Chase hope has an unlikely maternal great-grandmotherCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Jumps redemption for well-bred producer

It has been an unusual road from riches to rags and then redemption late in life for the broodmare Soviet Belle, who could be doubly represented at this year's Cheltenham Festival through Soviet Pimpernel (Supreme Novices' Hurdle) and Elusive Belle (County Hurdle).

A Ballylinch Stud-bred through and through, being by the stud's long-time resident Soviet Star out of its influential mare Ingabelle, she carried home colours to beat future Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Necklace into second when successful on her first start at the Curragh for Jim Bolger.

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Published on 8 March 2020inNews

Last updated 18:37, 8 March 2020

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