Wendigo put in a gallant performance to finish fifth in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday 14th March, finishing well despite meeting interference at a crucial point of the race.
Having been sent off as a 16/1 shot, Wendigo raced in midfield and travelled well throughout the race. He looked to be building up to overtake those in front, where he met trouble in running just after the second to last hurdle and almost unseated jockey Gavin Sheehan. Gav composed himself and stayed on strongly in the final stages to finish a clear fifth, and it was just unfortunate that he suffered interference as he looked set to go extremely close to finishing in the top three, if not winning the race.
After the race, jockey Gavin Sheehan gave us his verdict on the performance:
“I think we were very unlucky. He was a dream ride the whole way and his jumping was brilliant throughout. The Big Westerner just came across our path after the second last hurdle and he actually did well to stay up and finish as strongly as he did. It’s just frustrating as that interference effectively cost us the chance of winning the race. Let’s hope we see him back at Cheltenham Festival next year over fences!”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported the following morning:
“What a brilliant race he ran yesterday – I’ve no doubt he would’ve finished in the top three had he not been hampered after the second last hurdle. Who knows what might have happened if he didn’t suffer interference? I was extremely pleased with how he ran and he proved that he deserves to be in Grade 1 company and to race at the major festivals. He’s going to be a better chaser and the world is his oyster.”
It was an excellent effort from Wendigo, who made us all proud with his performance. We can only imagine how he could’ve finished had he not been hampered at that crucial stage!
Shares are still available in Wendigo for £75 per share HERE.
