In a highly competitive renewal of the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival, Wendigo was staying on well when suffering an unfortunate fall at the final obstacle. It was fantastic to see so many of his owners there, supporting him and catching up with Jamie Snowden both before and after the race.
In one of the largest renewals of the race in recent years, featuring fourteen runners, Wendigo was sent off at 11/1 as the standout British contender in a contest where the majority of runners were Irish-trained, on good-to-soft ground.
The eventual winner, Kitzbuhel—whom Wendigo had finished strongly behind in Grade 1 company at Kempton over Christmas—made all and jumped superbly, stretching the field out through the early and middle stages of the race, with the pace appearing relatively strong from the outset. Wendigo settled in midfield and, as usual, jumped well throughout. With conditions slightly quicker than ideal, he appeared at times to be just out of his comfort zone and was ridden along intermittently by Gavin Sheehan.
Despite this, he held his position well and made good headway into contention, moving into a position behind the leaders three out. As ever, he responded well to pressure, and turning into the straight he jumped the second last cleanly, looking to be staying on well and challenging for fourth, before unfortunately stumbling on landing after the final fence and coming down.
After the race, jockey Gavin Sheehan gave us his verdict on the performance:
“I tried to ride him with loads of confidence and got a few good jumps into him down the back. There was a time where I felt he needed to fill up and get his breath but they never let up and we weren’t allowed that. He was still in there pitching when he fell and that little bit slower on soft ground would’ve made a huge difference.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported the following morning:
“Wendigo is ok this morning, he’s got a few superficial cuts and bangs. He’s a bit stiff and sore but mainly he’s fine. We’ll give hime some time and physio to get over it. Ultimately, he was running a big race and was staying on four fourth probably, which would’ve been a really big run on drying ground. The ground was just not suitable, it was drying all day and a bit of cut in the ground helps him out. He’s run a big race in unsuitable conditions and I’m delighted with him. He didn’t deserve to fall at the last.”
Despite the unfortunate fall, it was a good, honest performance that deserved a better outcome. It was still an enjoyable day for Wendigo’s owners, and it was great to see so many of you there supporting him and spending time with Jamie and fellow owners. We’re very lucky to have him and look forward to many big days ahead.
Shares are still available in Wendigo! Click HERE to get involved in a Grade 1 horse for just £120!
