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Harry Whittington: it would be madness to axe National Hunt Chase

Harry Whittington: described the National Hunt Chase as a 'fabulous race'
Harry Whittington: described the National Hunt Chase as a 'fabulous race'Credit: Alice Whittington

Trainer Harry Whittington has launched a passionate defence of the National Hunt Chase and its place at the Cheltenham Festival.

The National Hunt Chase has been heavily scrutinised after last week's marathon contest, won by Le Breuil, produced only four finishers from a field of 18.

Trainer Anthony Honeyball on Wednesday questioned the existence of the four-mile amateur riders' race for novice chasers, while Declan Lavery, who finished third on Jerrysback, on Thursday succeeded in overturning a ten-day ban for "continuing to ride when it appeared to be contrary to the horse's welfare".

Whittington, writing in his Betdaq blog, said: "The National Hunt Chase is a fabulous race which has been a part of the Cheltenham Festival for many years.

"In my eyes, it doesn't break any welfare rules and it would be madness to consider removing it. This is National Hunt racing, there's always an element of risk.

"My worry is that if we get rid of the National Hunt Chase, it could lead to other races being removed, which will be very damaging to the sport."

The events surrounding the race will form part of the annual review of the festival, though no-one connected to the BHA has indicated it has been earmarked for the scrapheap.

Saint Calvados set for wind op

Away from the controversy surrounding the National Hunt Chase bans - there were three originally, amounting to a total of 37 days - and the BHA's handling of welfare matters generally, Whittington had news of his two festival runners.

Saint Calvados finished seventh to Altior in the Champion Chase, while Bigmartre came home in midfield in the Plate the following day.

Whittington said of Saint Calvados: "Gavin [Sheehan] reported he made a little noise coming down the back and he's pretty convinced that's the reason he hasn’t been finishing off his races. I'm adamant that's the reason too and tests have confirmed it, so he's booked in to have it fixed and I’m confident that will sort things out."

Bigmartre and Saint Calvados on the round gallop at Harry Whittington's yard
Bigmartre and Saint Calvados on the round gallop at Harry Whittington's yardCredit: Alice Whittington

Bigmartre could next be seen in the Randox Health Topham Trophy over the Aintree Grand National course.

"The handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds to 142, which looks well within his capabilities, so I guess it’s just up to whether he’ll handle the National fences," said Whittington.

"He’s a very capable jumper and based on what he’s shown us in the past, I think he’ll love them."


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Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Published on 22 March 2019inNews

Last updated 20:08, 22 March 2019

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