Connetable to call the shots in Triumph Hurdle

David Metcalf | March 16, 2016

Connetable can Triumph for Nicholls

Connetable has a progressive profile and can provide trainer Paul Nicholls with a third success in the Triumph Hurdle which opens proceedings on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival (13.30).

The gelding had some useful form to his name in France, and shaped with bags of promise on UK debut for the Ditcheat handler when a 3/4 length runner-up to Gibralfaro at Ascot.

It was a cracking effort against a race fit rival, especially given that it was Connetable’s first run for seven months.

Lots to like about Sandown success

The four-year-old then showed the benefit of that outing when beating Rayvin Black in a Listed contest at Sandown when last seen in action.
Connetable held a narrow lead approaching the last, and then showed a tremedous attitude to dig deep and score with a bit more in hand than the winning margin of a neck suggests.

Although Connetable was in receipt of 10lb from the runner-up, Rayvin Black is one of the toughest horse in training and the form looks strong as he has gone on to land a Grade 2 contest by five lengths.

In the cirumstances, it was a terrific performance by the inexperienced Connetable to beat such a battle-hardened and classy performer and the son of Saints Des Saints look to have all the right atrobutes for this Grade 1 contest.