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"I think he would have been super impressive" – Joe Tizzard reflects on JPR One's misfortunate fall

3 minute read

Joe Tizzard reports JPR One to be 100 percent fine following his final fence fall in the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Racecourse : Cheltenham
Racecourse : Cheltenham Picture: (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Tizzard's six-year-old jumped splendidly on his second outing over fences and was in the process of putting up a sparkling performance before his unfortunate stumble after the last.

However, Tizzard has reported his six-year-old to be completely fine following the incident, with the trainer still holding the horse in very high regard.

He said: "He's fine, that's the main thing, he trotted up beautifully,"

"He didn't do anything wrong, and he jumped so well for all of it, he didn't even make a mistake at the last, he was just a bit unlucky.

"He was putting up a hell of a performance. I've been in the game long enough and I've been on the receiving end, and I've been the beneficiary, but I think he would have been super impressive, and I've got a super nice horse to go to war with.

"On official ratings, we need to find a bit and it wasn't the strongest Grade 2 in the world, but the way he was doing it, and the way he jumped, makes me seriously excited.

"We have always loved the horse and knew he would be a better chaser. He's got low mileage, and we have purposely delayed things with him, and he's got a very exciting future."

Regarding future plans, the Dorset-based handler suggested he will be working back from the Grade 1 Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, with the Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown on December 9 a possibility en-route.

Tizzard added: "We'll have a look at that [Sandown] and the only thing in the back of my mind is if you go and something happened there as well, you will regret it,"

"But if he hadn't had a little stumble after the last, he would have won well, and I would be saying we would 100 per cent be going there. We'll just take stock for a few days, and he will definitely have an entry.

"Kempton at Christmas [Wayward Lad Novices' Chase, December 27] is certainly on the agenda, but I haven't had an in-depth look. I was looking forward to Friday.

"In the two-mile division in England, I respect them, but I wouldn't be afraid to take them on.

"Eldorado Allen won the race on Friday and was second in an Arkle and I think that this lad has more pace than him, so we will work back from March."


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