Crosse reunited with 'horse of a lifetime' who brought him back from the brink

J & D Pierce Novices' Champion Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Dave Crosse cannot wait to be reunited with “horse of a lifetime” Kilfilum Cross, who he revealed was the driving force behind his quick return from injury earlier this year.

The injury plagued jockey was told he would never ride again after suffering multiple fractures to his humerus in a horror fall while schooling on September 3 but defied expectations by returning to action just five months later.

Crosse won two novice hurdles aboard Kilfilum Cross last year and the Henry Oliver-trained eight-year-old has fulfilled his early promise this campaign, finishing second in the Kim Muir last month.

"I'm really looking forward to riding him as he's the main reason I got back as soon as I did," said Crosse. "I've had to watch him run in two amateur races this year, but they were right for him.

"He's the best horse I've ever sat on and ran a cracking race at Cheltenham. Myself and Henry think he's improved again and we think he'll develop into at least a 150-rated chaser.

"He's been the horse of a lifetime for me and I don't get many chances to ride the favourite in a big race. He's in great order and it's going to be a very exciting day."

Dave Crosse: 'Kilfilum Cross is the best horse I've ever sat on'Credit: Matthew Webb

Kilfilum Cross is at the head of the market for this £100,000 contest, but came close to running in the Scottish Grand National, with next year's Aintree showpiece a major target for owners Andy Bell and Fergus Lyons.

"His former owner Gary Tardi wanted to sell him last December," said Crosse. "I had first refusal because he was the type I'd been looking to acquire for Andy.

“I took two years to find the right horse for these owners. He could have run in the Scottish National this year but we wanted to go for the easier option as he’s had only four runs over fences.

"The Aintree Grand National is the big plan. That's what he was bought for and he'll run in the big staying handicaps next year."

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Crosse also attributed his swift recovery to surgeon Geoff Graham, who originally thought it would take the jockey a year to return, and said: “Going racing is like a day off for me nowadays.

"It’s my passion and to get back on this horse is amazing. If you’d asked me last winter I wouldn’t have said it was possible."

Oliver shares Crosse's optimism and said: "Kilfilum Cross came out of Cheltenham really well. The track should be ideal. He wouldn't mind a bit more cut in the ground, but the trip is fine and we're hoping for a really big run."

What the rest say

Kim Bailey, trainer of Dandy Dan
He’s had a good season and has every right to run here.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Ibis Du Rheu
He's had a break since Warwick as he came back with a small cut. He was going to run in the Scottish National but we chose this race as it's good prize-money. He should run well.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Molly The Dolly
We’ve had the race in mind all year. It’s very competitive but the form of her third at Newbury has worked out and she goes well fresh.

Harry Fry, trainer of Onefortheroadtom
Things haven’t really clicked over fences so far this year and we’re asking him a big question in a competitive handicap, but the step up to three miles might help. He’d have no problem with the ground but wouldn’t want it any quicker.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Drinks Interval
She loves good ground and ran okay when she pulled up in the RSA. This is a handicap and is a more realistic target. She'll love the ground and has a decent chance.

Alan King, trainer of Azzerti
It will be his first try at three miles but he gave the impression the extra distance wouldn’t go amiss as he stayed on okay at Cheltenham. He could run well.

Iain Jardine, trainer of Trongate
He's got rock-solid form. He's done well this season and the track will suit. Although he performs better on softer ground, we're not worried about conditions as he's performed well on good ground.

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