Impressive victory makes it Midnight’s hour at Cheltenham

Published on Sunday 29 January 2012 02:18

Course specialist Midnight Chase led his rivals a merry dance to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

Third in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby last time out, a return to his favourite track saw him back to his best. Little Josh harried him for most of the race before his stamina gave way and it was the mercurial Tidal Bay who emerged as his main rival at the second last.

Two big leaps sealed the victory though, and jockey Dougie Costello drove him out for a two-and-three-quarter length win.

Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert faded tamely as Knockara Beau ran on for third. To complete a miserable day for trainer Philip Hobbs, who saw his Arkle hope Menorah fall at Doncaster, Captain Chris was pulled up early on the first circuit.

Winning trainer Neil Mulholland said: “Him and Dougie get on great together.

“He’s great for the yard and it’s great for [owner] Lady Clarke. I thought he was in the same form as a year ago but he’s got stronger and he’s very genuine.

“He loves racing and he loves Cheltenham so he has to go for the Gold Cup after that.”

n Today’s meeting at Sedgefield is subject to an 8am precautionary inspection.

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