Sire De Grugy claims Champion Chase in Cheltenham fairytale
SIRE De Grugy was the toast of Cheltenham yesterday after the 11-4 favourite answered his doubters with a convincing – and fairytale – victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The eight-year-old, trained and ridden by father-and-son team Gary and Jamie Moore, clinched a fifth win in half a dozen races with a six-length victory over Somersby and Module on day two of the festival.
Sire De Grugy’s third Group One triumph of the season was a popular one for co-owner Steve Preston, who was given £2,000 for his 50th birthday to buy a horse.
Preston tapped friends for investment and has now won £543,000 in prize money – £200,000 of which came from defying critics unimpressed by a flourish over Cheltenham’s fences.
“It annoys me people haven’t given him the credit he deserved,” said Gary Moore Sr. “He can’t do any more than he’s done. Jamie has given him a peach of a ride and I’m just thrilled for everybody.”
Jamie Moore, younger brother of former Champion Jockey Ryan, added: “He’s had no credit this season but it’s all down to the horse. I love him so much. It’s tremendous for all the family.”
Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed their third win this week when favourite Faugheen easily took the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle.