In one of the day’s biggest races, the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, Wendigo stayed on strongly from the rear for an eye-catching podium finish.
Wendigo, the 5/2 second favourite, was held up towards the rear in the field of six and jumped cleanly throughout. However, he was occasionally outpaced on the quick ground around the sharp track, with Gavin Sheehan having to push him along to keep in touch. The well-backed favourite Kitzbuhel made all, travelling and jumping well. Wendigo finished strongly for an honourable third and looks sure to be better suited by a stiffer test at this trip with more cut in the ground.
After the race, jockey Gavin Sheehan gave us his verdict on the performance:
“I’m delighted with the way he finished, but I always felt we were under pressure for most of the race and I was just trying to squeeze him along. I loved how he dug in and he is a proper stayer, maybe a Grand National horse. We’ll see the best of him on a nice big galloping track and all roads lead to Cheltenham.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported the following morning:
“That was a good run to finish third there, with the track and ground conspiring against us. A sharp track on really drying ground meant there was far more emphasis on speed, so we were tapped for toe. For him to rally as well as he did to nearly pick up second is credit to the horse. A left handed, more undulating track on softer ground would certainly see him in a better light. It was a cracking run in the circumstances.”
A terrific effort from Wendigo to finish strongly for third in conditions that didn’t suit. It was a brilliant day out for his owners at one of the biggest meetings of the year, and there’s plenty more to come. He is a hugely exciting staying chaser and we can’t wait to see him back on the track.
Shares are still available in Wendigo! Click HERE to get involved in a Grade 2 winner for only £99!
