Clan Des Obeaux groom Scott Marshall dreaming of Gold Cup success

Groom Scott Marshall, who looks after Cheltenham hot property Clan Des Obeaux, is eagerly anticipating next month's festival but hoping it will be more memorable than the last one.

Marshall, a work-rider with trainer Paul Nicholls as well as a groom, led up 66-1 chance Saphir Du Rheu before the Gold Cup last year, only for the Stewart family's horse to be pulled up.

This season's King George winner Clan Des Obeaux, cut to around 5-1 for the Gold Cup alongside last year's winner Native River after Saturday's Denman Chase win, may not be his only Cheltenham contender, for he also looks after juvenile hurdler Friend Or Foe.

Marshall, who has been with Nicholls for four years and has been credited with helping both Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname develop into stable stars, said on Sunday: "I've done one festival runner at least every year and hopefully this year will have a better chance of leading up a winner in the Gold Cup."

He is no stranger to putting a bridle on good horses having started in racing at 16 when working for fellow Scotsman Mark Johnston in the era of Shamardal – whom he had the pleasure of riding a few times – and Attraction.

A couple of years later he moved to Nicky Richards and rode a few minor winners over jumps, rubbing shoulders with the like of Monet's Gardens and Faasel.

The yard's fantastic haul of eight winners on Saturday brought an impromptu celebration laid on by Nicholls at the local Manor pub in Ditcheat, after all 24 horses to have contributed to the memorable day were all tucked up in bed around 9pm.

"Boxing Day was extra special with owner Ged Mason leading the celebrations after the King George victory at Kempton, but last night was more casual and pretty much everyone from the yard who could make it was there," added Marshall, who turned 33 last month.

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