For Lambourn-based trainer Jamie Snowden, Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup (formerly Hennessy) is his ‘local Gold Cup’, so much so that a plaque commemorating last year’s win in the race is in his garden. No wonder it is proudly displayed in the
Datsar Light Gino, who sadly passed away in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, was Snowden’s 2023 hero when Gavin Sheehan guided a 16/1 shot home on his first start over three miles , causing a bit of an upset.
The same connections now hope to repeat the feat with Colonel Harry. Colonel Harry’s career has been very similar to that of his former stablemate.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing ahead of Saturday’s feature, Snowden said: “Their careers have pretty much mirrored each other. They started in the same novice chase at Chepstow and they both won.”
“That’s just the way it works, but they’re both Grade 2 winners as novice chasers, placed in Grade 1 as stay chasers, and unlisted.
“Datsal Light Gino was a bit more bullish, but Colonel Harry was more athletic. He’s a lovely horse and we’ve been working on him since this race.”
Asked about the challenge of going over three miles for the first time, Snowden said: “Early on he was very enthusiastic and that’s why he achieved most of his wins over two miles.”
“The older he gets, the more relaxed and easy he is to train.”
Another question mark hanging over Colonel Harry is whether he can withstand the hustle and bustle of the Coral Gold Cup, where the remaining 16 horses will compete.
His working rider, Stefan Namesanski, said: “He’s never faced such a big field, but I think he’s brave enough. As long as it rains a lot and the ground is soft, that’s his strength. ” he said.
Gavin Sheehan celebrates after Datsar Light Gino wins the 2023 Coral Gold Cup in Newbury
If Colonel Harry is successful, Mr Snowden will become the first trainer to win the race consecutively since former boss and Lambourn neighbor Nicky Henderson in 2013.
“For people who live locally, it feels like a very special race,” Snowden said.
“When I was at Nicky’s house [Henderson] We let Trabolgan win the race, and I remember there was a big party and celebration behind the scenes.
“With Gino, we certainly celebrated hard. [Datsalrightgino] We won! “
