Madison lands Hennessy Gold Cup

Racing : Madison Du Berlais gave trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore their first Hennessy Gold Cup triumph at Newbury…

Racing: Madison Du Berlais gave trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore their first Hennessy Gold Cup triumph at Newbury.

They were emulating their respective fathers, Martin Pipe and Peter Scudamore, who shared success in the race.

Fourth last year, Madison Du Berlais (25-1) held the persistent challenge of Air Force One (5-1) by three lengths. Snoopy Loopy stayed on to take third, nine lengths away.

Big Buck's was a close third when unseating Sam Thomas after the final fence.

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Island Flyer made the early running from Dear Villez with Madison Du Berlais and Air Force One close up.

Big Buck's, bidding to give Paul Nicholls and Sam Thomas back-to-back victories after Denman last year, was held up but made the odd mistake.

He did though make real progress and looked dangerous four out where Air Force One and Madison Du Berlais took over once Island Flyer cried enough.

They had shrugged off all except Big Buck's, who made one mistake too many at the last, leaving the two leaders to fight out the finish.

Pipe has not had the best run of form lately, but things appear to be coming back to the boil.

He said: "I can't believe it and we've just had two winners at Towcester as well. I had to check the result to make sure it was true.

"I told everyone this horse had no chance due to the form of the stable, and the fact the race only seems to be won by second-season novices, and also because the horse is his own worst enemy.

"He never runs a bad race and the handicapper doesn't relent. But I can't blame him as the horse has won."

Scudamore added: "I'm quite happy! It's absolutely tremendous. They've done a great job with him at home.

"My dad won it 20 years ago and this was awesome. I knew people had been worried about the form of the yard but he just travels and I think the guv'nor would have won on him."

Air Force One's trainer Charlie Mann said: "He ran a very good race on ground he hated. I had been worried about the ground but in really big races like this you've just got to take your chance.

"He might still be a Gold Cup horse as he's only six and we'll see what happens now. He's in the Lexus Chase and the King George."

Peter Bowen, trainer of Snoopy Loopy, said: "That was a hell of a run off 11st 12lb considering he just ran a week ago.

"We'll have to think about supplementing him for the King George and then think about the Gold Cup."

Andy Stewart, owner of Big Buck's, was philosophical, saying: "That's horse racing. The main thing is that Sam is fine and the horse is fine.

"Sam's been very sympathetic to this horse. He had a great run last year and he's got my 100 per cent support."