Jamie Snowden Seeks Consecutive Coral Gold Cup Triumphs

Jamie Snowden, the Lambourn-based horse trainer, aims to secure a consecutive victory in the esteemed Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Last year, Snowden’s horse Datsalrightgino clinched the title, and this year, he places his hopes on Colonel Harry. The latter is a second-season novice chaser owned by The GD Partnership, the same group behind last year’s winner.

Sitting as the joint 8/1 favourite alongside sponsors Coral, Colonel Harry has shown a promising trajectory similar to Datsalrightgino by winning a Grade 2 Novice Chase last season. As Snowden noted, «They are quite different horses, Colonel Harry and Datsalrightgino, but they have followed very similar paths through their careers.» He further explained that both horses were successful novice hurdlers and began their novice chase career at Chepstow.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the race’s distance, Gainsborough-based jockey Gavin Sheehan remains optimistic about Colonel Harry’s performance. «We are hoping lightning can strike twice,» said Snowden, reflecting on their previous strategy of moving up in distance to gain a competitive advantage.

Trainer Dan Skelton is also preparing for a competitive presence at the Coral Gold Cup. Heltenham, undefeated in three starts at Newbury, and Lac De Constance are among Skelton’s key contenders. «He definitely wants the three miles nowadays,» commented Skelton, highlighting Lac De Constance’s shifting stamina needs.

Trainer Ben Pauling, with the assistance of former football manager Harry Redknapp, brought forward prospects, including The Jukebox Man and Shakem Up’arry, for the various races across the Coral Gold Cup weekend. According to Pauling, «He is a huge talent; he ran very well at Cheltenham and Aintree last year.»

Additionally, Pauling’s horse Henry’s Friend returns from a seasonal reappearance, with the Coral Gold Cup being a critical target. «He came back a completely different horse,» Pauling remarked after a gallop session at Newbury. Nico de Boinville, a renowned jockey, also expressed confidence in Henry’s Friend’s potential performance in upcoming races.

The Coral Gold Cup gathering is scheduled for November 29th and 30th at Newbury. Discounted tickets are available until November 22nd, allowing free entry for individuals under 18, as the event promises a rich mix of talent and competition.