Sire De Grugy Leaps into Cheltenham Contention
Sire De Grugy has firmly established himself as a two-mile chaser of the highest order. The eight-year-old achieved his sixth victory in seven runs by winning the Clarence House Chase, marking his second Grade One prize and his most authoritative display to date.
Trainer Gary Moore has committed Sire De Grugy to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, highlighting the horse’s rising status, especially with Sprinter Sacre, the highest-rated jumper, currently sidelined due to cardiac problems. Bookmakers are taking note, now listing Sire De Grugy as a 2-1 favorite for the Cheltenham Festival.
“He’s got to go for the Champion Chase now,” said Moore. “I’ve got nearly two months to freshen him up; he’ll have a break for a couple of weeks then I’ll bring him back for the Cheltenham race. He now deserves to be in it.”
Jockey Jamie Moore, instrumental in calming and channeling Sire De Grugy’s energy, led the horse to a spectacular win, with a decisive leap at the third last and an exuberant jump at the final hurdle, sealing an easy 11-length victory.
“Some of the jumps he put in were just spectacular,” said Jamie Moore. “He was gaining a length, gaining a length every time. I’m not saying he’ll beat that other horse. But now I’ll say he just might.”
In other races, Melodic Rendezvous bounced back to win the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock, while trainer Evan Williams achieved a cross-card five-timer at Taunton and Haydock, including the Peter Marsh Chase winner, Wychwoods Brook.
