One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to follow on Saturday
Trainer
Some of jump racing's big guns will be out in force at Down Royal and Henry de Bromhead will be hoping to continue last season's sensational form as he unleashes two of his stars for the campaign.
De Bromhead, who had six victories at the Cheltenham Festival before winning a first Grand National, takes the wraps off Gold Cup winner Minella Indo – who headed a famous one-two for the trainer in the race – when he makes his return in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase (2.50).
He kickstarts a crucial day for De Bromhead, as Envoi Allen will bid to get his career back on track following his disappointing effort at the Punchestown festival when he contests the Join Racing TV Chase (3.25).
The trainer also saddles Gua Du Large (2.15) and Ask Cory (4.00) on the Northern Irish track's feature raceday of the year.
Jockey
Bryony Frost has been in cracking form of late and will hope to upset Minella Indo when she and the popular Frodon team up in search of more Grade 1 glory in the Champion Chase (2.50).
Frost had ridden four winners from her last nine rides prior to racing on Friday at a strike-rate of 44 per cent and has her first ride at Down Royal on the nine-year-old, who she famously landed the King George VI Chase on last Christmas.
Victory for the duo would put Paul Nicholls out on his own as the leading trainer in Down Royal's only Grade 1 with five victories.
Horse
On a big day for Nicholls' stars in Ireland and Britain, the enigmatic Cyrname bids to get his career back on track in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (3.05).
The nine-year-old was an impressive winner of the Wetherby feature last year but followed that up with two dismal displays when pulling up behind Frodon in the King George before a similar no-show in the Ascot Chase on his last start.
Despite his flaws, Cyrname is supremely talented on his day and connections will be hoping that he can pass this test with flying colours.
Race
While it may not be the classiest contest across the cards on the day, the Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase (3.20) could provide the most heartwarming result as the evergreen Regal Encore goes in search of a tenth career win.
The 13-year-old landed the spoils last year on a red-letter day for Anthony Honeyball, who enjoyed a treble on the card, and bids to become just the third horse of his age to win a Graded contest in Britain in a quarter of a century.
His task will not be easy however, as 2019 victor Vinndication is back for more along with the progressive One More Fleurie.
Read these next:
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Published on 29 October 2021inNews
Last updated 12:42, 29 October 2021
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