Joe Tizzard: “Ainchea is a really progressive horse”

2017 has been a cracking year for the yard. At the end of last season we had a great Aintree and then a really good Punchestown.  We then expanded again over the summer which was a big investment but really exciting, and we filled all the new boxes up, and we’ve then had a really good start to this season. These are exciting times, and the business is moving in the direction we want it to. The quality of horses is improving so there is a lot to look forward to in 2018.

It was a big shock to lose Alan and Ann Potts within three months of each other. We had some brilliant times with them last season, and it was just very sad to lose them both. We are very lucky that we are carrying on with the Potts’ horses, and will be able to see them throughout their careers. We are really looking forward to seeing all the Potts’ family members down at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, where we are running three of their horses. It should be a good day.

12.15 Cheltenham – Ainchea

He’s one of our nicest four year olds. He was green as grass at Sandown but then the penny dropped and he still managed to win nicely. He’s gone beautifully at home this week and he’s a really progressive horse.

He’s up in class but he’s a good horse so deserves it. He’s also up in trip but he needed every yard of the two miles at Sandown so we think he wants it. Obviously there’s always a question mark over a four year old running on testing ground, but he’s a big, strong chap and he should handle it.

1.25 Cheltenham – Sizing Tennessee

This has turned out to be a hot race but that’s the world he’s in now. He’s operated around Cheltenham, and he’s a horse that needs as much practice with his jumping as possible, so this is his next stepping stone. He’s not without a chance.

2.00 Cheltenham – Viconte Du Noyer and Quite By Chance

Viconte Du Noyer has handled the heavy ground around Cheltenham before and we think the extended two and a half mile trip is perfect for him. He’s on a high handicap mark but he’s certainly competitive still.