Tom Garner takes aim at historic prize with Andi'amu in Virginia Gold Cup

Tom Garner will attempt to win one of North America's most famous chase prizes when partnering Andi'amu in the ten-year-old's title defence of the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow on Saturday.

First run in 1920, the Gold Cup usually takes place on the first weekend of May in direct opposition to the Kentucky Derby but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has been found a slot at the end of June, unfortunately minus its usual 50,000 plus crowd, replete with gazebos and tailgate picnics.

Jack Doyle did the steering over the four-mile trip last year but Garner – who has become a regular visitor to the US in the last four years – was aboard two weeks ago when Andi'amu got the better of two-time International Gold Cup winner Doc Cebu.

"I was always coming over at the end of March and I got on literally the last flight out of Britain to America," said Garner, who first rode Andi'amu as a chance spare at Saratoga four years ago while on a working holiday riding out for Graham Motion.

"We're very lucky the races are on this year. I've built up a good relationship with Leslie Young and I basically ride all of hers except Andi’amu.

"I was under the impression Jack Doyle was going to fly back for each meeting but with the travel ban, I stepped in as a substitute at Middleburg and it worked well. It's unfortunate for Jack.

"Watching the replays of last year he didn’t look the easiest to switch off [over four miles] and he's awkward at home. He's not keen but his stride is huge and he feels like he’s in second gear all the time.

"I rode him over three and a quarter miles last time and he switched off lovely for a first run. He's in such good form at home, he's very full of himself but fingers crossed he's in the same mood as at Middleburg and gives me a break."

As well as his riding commitments, Garner has also sourced several horses from Britain that are now regulars on the US jumping circuit.

"I have a ride in nine of the ten races on Saturday's card and I think all bar one came from Britain.

Former smart juvenile hurdler Redicean is among the familar names on Saturday's ten-race Virginia Gold Cup cardCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"In the Grade 3 I ride Redicean, who was favourite for the Triumph at one stage and there are a lot of nice horses in there. Hopefully some of them can remember their back form from home."

The crowds may be missing this year from the Great Meadow track in Plains, Virginia, but organisers are determined to keep up the social aspect of the Gold Cup online, with fans encouraged to dress up and hold socially-distant tailgate parties at home.

Live coverage of the ten race card on Saturday, June 27 can be followed from 5.15pm BST here, with the $40,000 Virginia Gold Cup due off at 8pm.

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