King George aim for 'once in a lifetime' Midnight Shadow after Paddy Power win

Saturday: Paddy Power Gold Cup, Cheltenham

A festive foray south may beckon for Midnight Shadow after the chaser, hailed a “once in a lifetime horse” by trainer Sue Smith, struck for the north in a thrilling finish to the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Smith is aiming the eight-year-old, whose CV includes Scottish Champion Hurdle, Relkeel Hurdle and Dipper Novices’ Chase victories, at the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26 after he held the fast-finishing Protektorat to land this £160,000 event.

The drama was not confined to the run-in, with last year’s winner Coole Cody falling when in front at the second-last and Midnight Shadow’s nose brushing the turf after he landed steeply from the final fence.

2.15 Cheltenham: Paddy Power Gold Cup full result

Such was his lead going into the last, Midnight Shadow still had a five-length advantage despite the mishap, and although that was eroded to three-quarters of a length by the line, he found enough in reserve for jockey Ryan Mania to hold the 11-2 favourite Protektorat. Lalor finished strongly for third on his first start for Paul Nicholls and Dostal Phil was back in fourth.

Ryan Mania celebrates with the Paddy Power Gold Cup after victory on Midnight ShadowCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

For Mania, the triumph had added meaning, coming eight months on from a first Cheltenham Festival success on stablemate Vintage Clouds in the Ultima Handicap Chase and seven years after he quit the saddle due to weight struggles.

Mania and Smith enjoyed their greatest day with Grand National glory courtesy of Auroras Encore in 2013, and for Smith, Midnight Shadow is in the same category as the Aintree hero having become the first northern-trained Paddy Power Gold Cup winner since L’Antartique scored for the late Ferdy Murphy in 2007.

Smith, who has around 50 horses in training, said: “Midnight Shadow is a once in a lifetime horse, just like Auroras Encore. It's out of this world to win another big race here – he’s a good horse, has always been a good horse and was brilliant today. You don’t often come across one like this – he’s very special.

“It was terrifying watching the finish, but it’s magic to have a big winner as it’s harder and harder to do these days. It’s special for everybody as we’re only a small yard.”

Midnight Shadow was cut to 40-1 (from 100) with bet365 for the King George. He would be Smith's first runner in the race and she feels he is certainly up to the task with the promise of improvement moving up to three miles.

Smith said: “He’s a brilliant horse to have and we may have a crack at the King George. I don’t see stepping up to three miles being a problem and if you don’t try, you never know. I think he's capable of competing at that level because he’s such a trier.

“It’s no good running in the King George unless you have a good horse, but that’s what we think he is. Kempton is a quick track and three miles might come that little bit easier to him there rather than on a stiff track.”

Cyril Clarke and his wife Aafke live ten miles from Smith’s West Yorkshire yard and started their journey in racehorse ownership six years ago with staying chaser Smooth Stepper. They have enjoyed a whirlwind of success and the finish to this 2m4f contest sparked an array of emotions.

A beaming Aafke Clarke said: “It was nerve-racking, my legs were wobbly, my heart was thumping and I couldn’t believe it. I was so pleased he held on and he’s a really good horse. Cyril loves his racing and we get a great thrill out of this. We’re fielding a lot of congratulatory calls and messages already.”

The Clarkes have four horses in training with Smith and their Christmas plans are now set to include a trip to Sunbury. Not surprisingly, it is one they're looking forward to.

Cyril Clarke said: “We’ll possibly give the King George a go and it would be an exciting prospect. He’s the best horse we’ve owned and I’ve always had a great interest in horses. Sue trains only ten miles from us – it’s turned out very well.”

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