Racing

Lord Windermere to sit out remainder of season

Jim Culloty happy for his Gold Cup winner to rest up ahead of Cheltenham defence

Trainer Jim Culloty (left) and jockey Davy Rusell (right) with Lord Windermere during the homecoming parade at Mount Corbitt Stables, Churchtown, County Cork. Photograph: Pat Healy/PA Wire

Thu Mar 20 2014 - 19:04

Jim Culloty already has one eye on Lord Windermere's Cheltenham Gold Cup defence next March after revealing his stable star will not run again this season.

The eight-year-old got the better of On His Own by a short head and survived a stewards’ inquiry to claim steeplechasing’s blue riband event, and Culloty feels his charge has done enough for the current campaign.

Speaking after seeing even-money favourite Prince Of Lombardy win at Thurles in the colours of Lord Windermere's owner Dr Ronan Lambe and under Gold Cup-winning jockey Davy Russell, Culloty said: "He came out of the race great but the decision has been taken not to run him again until next season.

"We're very happy with him and he'll be trained for the Gold Cup again next season. I've no plan for him but he definitely won't go for the Hennessy Gold Cup again at Newbury.

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“Something like the Kinloch Brae Chase back here (Thurles) could be a nice place to start off. It all depends on what ground we get in the autumn as he won’t race on fast ground.”

Reflecting on what has been an amazing few days, the trainer said: “We had good craic on Sunday night and we brought the kids to the St Patrick’s Day parade on Monday, with the Gold Cup trophy.

“We also went to a point-to-point, but it was back to work on Tuesday at 6am. Since the Gold Cup I haven’t had a minute to myself but I’ll go away for a few days next week and switch off my phone.

“It’s been hectic but brilliant.”

Lord Windermere was one of two Festival heroes last week for Culloty and Lambe, with Spring Heeled winning the Kim Muir. Culloty was originally thinking of the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree next, but has had a change of heart.

He said: "We gave him an entry in the Topham but we have changed our minds since and are favouring going down the novice route instead. The Powers Gold Cup (at Fairyhouse) is an option. He might be boxing above his weight but he'll get an entry, and he will run again this season as he likes top of the ground."

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