3 minute read
No stopping Paul Nicholls-trained mare
Connections of Posh Trish are dreaming of Cheltenham Festival glory after she claimed her second victory of the festive period in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton.
Trained by the bang-in-form Paul Nicholls, the five-year-old was a high-class bumper performer and had won three of her first four starts over hurdles, most recently scoring at cramped odds at Wincanton on Boxing Day.
Turning out just four days later, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned mare was a 4-6 favourite to secure her third success at Listed level and was in front from flag-fall under Harry Cobden.
Indefatigable loomed up looking a big danger early in the home straight, but Posh Trish refused to bend and found plenty for pressure to secure victory by two lengths.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for the owners, said: “It was fantastic to see her win again. Paul said it was a bit of a punt turning her out again so quickly, but she’s such a tough mare and she’s done it well.
“She’s been a fantastic animal for her team of owners and Highclere and she’s now won four out of five over hurdles.
“She’s a magnificent-looking mare with a great attitude for the game and she’s a fantastic jumper, so she ticks a lot of boxes.”
Posh Trish was cut to as short as 10-1 for the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, and Herbert added: “She’ll have a break now for a month or so, but that (Cheltenham) has to be pretty high on the list of aspirations.
“We came close to having a Cheltenham winner last year with Style De Garde, who finished second in the Fred Winter. That was a great thrill.
“The dream is still on for this mare and I’m delighted for her owners.
“We’re having a good run with our National Hunt horses and long may it continue.”