Sport

Gales Cavalier makes all for gusty victory

GALES CAVALIER took his first step towards the big time with a gutsy defeat of Viking Flagship at Cheltenham yesterday

Fri Apr 12 1996 - 01:00

GALES CAVALIER took his first step towards the big time with a gutsy defeat of Viking Flagship at Cheltenham yesterday. Jumping with enthusiasm for Mark Dwyer the David Gandolfo trained gelding made very yard of the running to lift the two mile five furlong Faucet For MIRA Silver Trophy Chase by three quarters of a length.

Viking Flagship loomed dangerously alongside the winner two out but could never get his head in front and had to settle for minor honours after a no holds barred tussle up the hill.

"I'm delighted he'd stayed as Richard Dunwoody was sure he would after winning on him over two and quarter miles in testing conditions at Exeter last time, enthused Gandolfo.

"He had to take his chance here and it was a case of sink or swim over this trip as he's not been suited by going like the clappers over two miles this season" he added.

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According to Gandolfo, Gales Cavalier has done enough for the season and he will campaign the son of Strong Gale over longer trips next term. "I think the Plymouth Gin Gold Cup at Exeter in November would be the perfect springboard for him next year," he concluded.

David Nicholson expressed himself satisfied with Viking Flagship's performance saying. "If he tells me he's okay he could go to Punchestown in 12 days. It was disappointing not to win but the winner's always been nice. He jumped well and Richard Dunwoody gave him a great ride."

Mole Board earned a temporary reprieve from retirement when going down narrowly to Hops and Hops in the MITIE Group Hurdle, from his trainer Jim Old. "It's holidays now whatever happens. He may still be retired but we'll see how he is next November. We'll use him as a lead horse at home and if he's sparkling he could run again," reported Old.

"We were anxious not to run him if he's deteriorated but he loves his work and his racing. In fact he's just an enthusiast. He's run a wonderful race on ground faster than he'd like," added the trainer.

The 14 year old headed Hops and Pops half way up the run in but Robert Alner's mare refused to give best and battled back in the shadow of the post to collect by a head.

David Nicholson gained compensation for Viking Flagship's defeat when saddling the first and third courtesy of Miss Optimist and Flying Gunner respectively in the FBF NH Novices handicap Hurdle Final.