Disney hoping for blockbuster sequel with Rathlin Rose

3.05 Sandown
Grand Military Gold Cup | 3m | 6yo+ | RUK

Captain Guy Disney will be reunited at Sandown on Friday with Rathlin Rose as the pair bid to follow up their emotional victory in last month's Royal Artillery Gold Cup.

Afghanistan war veteran Disney lost his lower right leg in 2009 when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade while he was serving in Helmand Province.

The 34-year-old gained national attention when he became the first amputee rider to win a race under rules in Britain last month and is optimistic he can make it a double in the Grand Military Gold Cup.

"Rathlin Rose went really well the other day and he's gone up 5lb, so hopefully there's a bit more improvement to come," said Disney. "It looks like being similar sort of ground, quite tacky and hard work."

Disney's mount is among 11 set to go to post, with Ardkilly Witness, runner-up in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup, and Renard reopposing.

"I know there are a few others in there who it will be interesting to see how they go – Paul Nicholls' horse could be well in, Nicky Henderson's horses are always good, and Ardkilly Witness wasn't far off last time – but I'm looking forward to it," said Disney.

"Rathlin Rose jumped beautifully last time and I've spoken to David [Pipe] since; he's happy with him. I'm sure he'll run well."

Nicholls saddles Ceasar Milan, to be ridden by Lance Bombardier Jody Sole, while Henderson is represented by A Tail Of Intrigue, the mount of Captain Max Chenery, and My Wigwam Or Yours, ridden by Major Domenico D'Alo.

On the intense media interest that surrounded last month's win, Disney added: "It was slightly odd because I'd had winners pointing and things like that.

"It was nice that people were so excited, and for me it was lovely having a winner under rules, but actually the biggest one for me was probably having my first winner a few years ago when I got my licence back."