Wendigo made a triumphant return to action at Carlisle on Sunday 1st November, producing a superb performance under Conor O’Farrell to land the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase and get his season off to the perfect start.
Our exciting chaser was making his first appearance of the new campaign following a successful novice chasing season, which included a Grade 2 victory at Newbury and a commanding 22-length success at Ayr.
Sent off the 4/1 outsider of three, Wendigo faced two talented rivals in the shape of Doyen Quest and odds-on favourite Potters Charm. There was plenty against him heading into the contest, which was primarily intended as a preparation for his big early-season target, the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. The right-handed track, quicker ground and shorter trip were all arguably less than ideal, making his performance all the more impressive.
Conor O’Farrell, partnering Wendigo for the first time, was positive from the outset, allowing him to race prominently alongside Doyen Quest. Our seven-year-old quickly settled into a lovely rhythm, jumping fluently throughout.
As the field approached the business end of the race, Wendigo began to assert his authority, taking the outright lead before the third-last fence as Doyen Quest started to struggle. Favourite Potters Charm emerged as the main threat, but a couple of jumping mistakes had not helped his cause, and he was unable to get on terms with our boy.
Wendigo continued to jump superbly under pressure, maintaining his advantage over the final two fences before producing another excellent leap at the last. Despite Potters Charm’s efforts to close the gap, Wendigo showed a fantastic attitude to gallop on strongly up the run-in, recording an impressive two-and-a-quarter-length victory.
After the race, jockey Conor O’Farrell gave us his verdict on the performance:
“I was delighted with Wendigo today. It was a brilliant performance. He jumped fantastically and galloped all the way up the hill. I couldn’t have asked for a better spin from him. I couldn’t fault him, and I’m looking forward to watching him at Newbury.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden commented after the race:
“It’s amazing to think he will have needed that run and had so much against him. He will undoubtedly improve for it. It was an incredible performance, his jumping was fantastic, and it’s so exciting to think where he could take us this season. He is currently favourite for the old Hennessy, and that’s where we’ll head next.”
The performance was particularly pleasing given that Wendigo was conceding 10lb to the runner-up, and it was a terrific way to begin what promises to be an exciting campaign.
The victory provided another memorable afternoon for Wendigo’s owners, and attention now turns towards the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday 28th November. A return to a left-handed track and a longer trip should play to his strengths, and hopefully some rain will arrive to provide his preferred softer ground. Very exciting times ahead!
