Colonel Aims to Deliver Back-to-Back Coral Gold Cup Wins

Trainer Jamie Snowden is eyeing consecutive victories in the prestigious Coral Gold Cup, this year pinning his hopes on Colonel Harry, who carries the same GD Partnership silks as last year’s winner, Datsalrightgino.  

Colonel Harry has showcased his potential throughout his career, excelling as a novice hurdler before transitioning to chasing. Highlights include a runner-up finish in the Grade One Scilly Isles at Sandown and a Grade Two Towton Novices' Chase victory at Wetherby. This season, he made a promising return with a second-place finish in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle, behind Marble Sands.  

Similar Paths to Success 

Snowden highlighted the parallels between Colonel Harry and Datsalrightgino’s journey to the Coral Gold Cup:  

“They’ve taken similar routes—both were talented novice hurdlers, placed in Grade Ones, and started their novice chasing campaigns in the same race at Chepstow. Gavin [Sheehan] believes Colonel Harry will stay the trip, and we’re taking the same approach as last year, hoping we’ve kept something in hand on his handicap mark by stepping up in distance.”  

Adaptation and Preparation 

Colonel Harry’s progression has seen him become a more relaxed and adaptable competitor. Snowden explained:  

“Early in his career, he was quite free-going, but he’s matured and settled with age. This race has been on our radar for some time, and he’s well-suited to left-handed tracks like Newbury. At Carlisle, he jumped to his left, which confirmed this preference.”  

Snowden opted to skip the Coral Gallops Morning at Newbury, tailoring Colonel Harry’s preparation instead:  

“He’s a different type of horse to Datsalrightgino, who was a big, burly individual. Colonel Harry is tall and athletic, so he didn’t need the extra outing. The recent rain means we can work him on the grass at Lambourn, and he thrives on soft ground—it’s ideal for him.”  

With the rain-softened ground likely to play to Colonel Harry’s strengths, Snowden hopes to replicate last year’s success and once again claim one of jump racing’s most coveted prizes.