In a highly anticipated, talent-packed race, Wendigo delivered a spectacular performance, creating one of the finest days in Racing Club history on Friday, 28th November. Building on his narrow defeat on chasing debut to the subsequent Cheltenham winner Wade Out, he showed significant improvement and stayed on powerfully to win by two lengths from the strong-travelling No Questions Asked.
Wendigo went off as the 5/2 second favourite against five rivals, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Regent’s Stroll heading the market at 15/8. As has been his habit, the favourite took a keen hold early on, pulling hard and proving difficult to control even for a rider of Harry Cobden’s quality. Despite his free-going nature, he jumped well and led the field for the first circuit.
Wendigo settled nicely in a share of second, jumping fluently throughout. Around five out, the leader’s advantage was cut down and the majority of the field bunched up, with only Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen’s Kingston Pride struggling to keep pace, while the penalised King Of Kingsfield soon weakened, leaving four in contention.Turning for home with four to jump, Wendigo was pushed along by Gavin Sheehan to gather some momentum, with the eye drawn to the strongly travelling No Questions Asked. Crest Of Fortune was untidy and Regent’s Stroll was unable to make an impact after his early keenness. No Questions Asked jumped the second last well and headed Wendigo, who responded gamely to draw level approaching the final fence. Wendigo jumped the last beautifully, landed just in front, and stayed on strongly to the line, winning by two lengths in a thrilling renewal of the John Francome Novices’ Chase.
After the race, jockey Gavin Sheehan gave us his verdict on the performance:
“He was brilliant, he really attacked his fences and never backed off. He has got class and scope. I always thought I was good turning in, I gave him a squeeze and got him rolling. When we straightened up I thought this is going to be a fight. I loved the way he travelled and went about his business and we had the fight in us late on.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported the following morning:
“Wendigo is sound and well this morning. He obviously pulled that shoe off which we put back on last night, he’s non the worse for that. Ben’s horse looked the winner two out but we outstayed him from the back of the last. He will improve for going up in trip on softer ground and the future is very bright.”
This was a brilliant performance from Wendigo, Gavin, and everyone at Folly House! Huge thanks to all his owners for making it such a memorable day — we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Shares are still available in Wendigo! Click HERE to get involved in a Grade 2 winner for only £99!
