'We'd be the first Sikhs to win it' - owner excited for Grand Military Gold Cup

The five-runner field for Sandown's Grand Military Gold Cup (3.30) on Tuesday might be a turn-off for some, but Ballycross's owner Oscar Singh will not be fussed if he realises a big ambition by becoming the first Sikh to win it.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Ballycross was bought by Singh and his daughter Priya Purewal just a few weeks before the 2020 running of the race, but that meeting was abandoned due to the weather and the 3m contest was not staged 12 months ago because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Birmingham-based property entrepreneur is therefore relishing the event, which is restricted to horses owned and ridden by serving or former military personnel, with Ballycross to be partnered by experienced point-to-point jockey Sgt Nathan Rahman.

Grand Military Gold Cup racecard and betting

"We've been waiting since 2020 for this," said Singh. "We just love it – it's the best time of the year for us and it really is our Gold Cup. We're so excited, especially after missing it for a few years.

"I joined the army when I was 17 and spent ten years in it, and loved it. We enjoy supporting military races – a lot of people do too, but some don't want their horses ridden by amateurs, which I don't think is right. I like giving them, and other youngsters, a leg up.

"I bought Ballycross a week or so before it was cancelled in 2020, something I've done a few times. Winter Lion was fourth in 2018, but I only got him a few days before and must have spent two days on the phone either trying to lease or buy a horse for the race. He cost over £30,000, so we are committed and love supporting the race."

A Tail Of Intrigue has carried Singh's silks in the race three times, achieving two third-place finishes.

"Ian Williams told me A Tail Of Intrigue was eligible and that was the moment I wanted to win it," the 62-year-old added.

Singh's daughter Priya Purewal (beige coat) walks back with Winter Lion after his success at Cheltenham in 2018Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's been unbelievable. We've met the Queen at Windsor Castle and money can't buy that. We were so honoured to be in that company."

Singh described Ballycross's recent course-and-distance third behind Rolling Dylan in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup as a step in the right direction.

"I thought he ran a tremendous race," said the owner, who entered the sport nine years ago. "In a handicap we would have been getting plenty of weight from the first two and we were beaten five and three-quarter lengths, and now we get 5lb from the winner.

"I hope the ground is not too sticky, but I'm really hopeful – I'd like to think he'd be in the mix. We would be the first Sikhs to win the race and it would be brilliant."

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