Farceur Du Large put in a gallant effort in his bid to retain his Grand Military Gold Cup trophy, but he just found one too good this year, finishing runner-up on Friday 24th January.
Having won last year’s renewal, connections were confident of another big run from ‘Frank the Tank’, and he was duly sent off as the 8/11 favourite to land back-to-back renewals. Having raced prominently throughout the race, he pulled clear with Fil d’Ariane (who FDL was giving 5lbs to), and despite the jockey switching him multiple times in the run-in, he failed to pass his rival, finishing 1¼ lengths behind the winner.
After the race, jockey Major Will Kellard gave us his summary:
“It was a huge effort and he just failed to get past the eventual winner. He pinged the railway fences last year but he didn’t quite jump them as well this year. We were in a bit of a game in the run-in in regards to which way the horses were going to go, and unfortunately he drifted left as I went left, meaning I had to switch him again. He’s enjoyed himself immensely and I’m looking forward to getting back on him for the Royal Artillery Gold Cup next month.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported the following morning:
“That was a huge effort and I’m sure if we ran that race ten more times we’d have won nine of them! We lost some crucial ground with his jumping, but he stayed on well and with a bit more luck in the run-in I think he would’ve won it.”
After a huge effort from FDL to finish runner-up in the Grand Military Gold Cup, it’s now all systems go for him to return to Sandown next month to try and retain his Royal Artillery Gold Cup trophy!
Shares are still available in Farceur Du Large at £1,000 per share – click HERE to view his profile.
