No horse has ever scooped both the SkyBet Chase and the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Chase before, but this Saturday Cooper’s Cross will attempt to do just that and write his name into the history books at Doncaster.
The Stuart Coltherd-trained eight-year-old produced a really polished performance to win Doncaster’s feature National Hunt contest last time out, and will have to defy a 5lb rise for that career-best performance if he is to create history.
Windsor Avenue finished in 4th behind Cooper’s Cross on that occasion but is a fellow previous course winner. His connections know what it takes to win the Grimthorpe after former stable star Definitly Red claimed the race in 2017. Similar comments apply to Does He Know for Kim Bailey who is the most successful trainer in the history of this contest, after he won it in 1994 and 2016.
Last year’s Grimthorpe victor Undersupervision failed to complete at this track last time when he unseated his rider two from home, but he is now back down to the mark he won this race off last year.
Champion Jockey Brian Hughes will be looking to add a first Grimthorpe success to his CV aboard Castle Robin who is on the up, while Sporting John will look to bounce back to form on his second start after wind surgery for Philip Hobbs.
Five-time chase winner Neville’s Cross and the nine-year-old Moroder complete the field of eight for the 32nd running of the VirginBet Grimthorpe Chase.
Latest VirginBet Grimthorpe Chase odds: Cooper’s Cross 9/4f, Does He Know 4/1, Castle Robin 5/1, Undersupervision 7/1, Sporting John 8/1, Windsor Avenue 8/1, Neville’s Cross 12/1, Moroder 20/1
Gates open at 11am and the going is currently described as Good, Good to Soft in places. The first race of the day begins at 1pm with the seven-race card drawing to a close at 5pm.
About Doncaster Racecourse
Doncaster Racecourse is a Group 1 racecourse and one of the oldest racecourses for horse racing in Britain, typically hosting 37 race fixtures per year. Home of the prestigious Cazoo St Leger Festival in September, this is the leading sporting occasion of the Autumn calendar and an event that draws thousands of expectant racegoers from far and wider the experience the historic racing moment.
Outside of racing, Doncaster Racecourse is renowned for hosting exceptional corporate events and conferences, weddings, private parties, and the infamous 'Christmas Live' Christmas party nights.
