Colonel Harry Leads 16 Confirmations for Coral Gold Cup

Ante-post favourite Colonel Harry is among 16 contenders confirmed for Saturday’s prestigious Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, aiming to secure back-to-back victories in the race for trainer Jamie Snowden and the GD Partnership.  

Colonel Harry seeks to emulate the success of stablemate Datsalrightgino, who triumphed in the race last year before his untimely loss at Cheltenham. The seven-year-old boasts a strong resume, including a Grade Two win and a solid campaign in Grade One company as a novice last season. A runner-up effort in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle earlier this month should leave him primed for Saturday's challenge.  

Among the top domestic challengers are Victtorino for Venetia Williams, Midnight River from Dan Skelton's yard, and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Broadway Boy.  

Irish hopes rest on several promising entries, including Henry de Bromhead’s Senior Chief, Willie Mullins’ Horantzau d’Airy, and Grandero Bello, trained by Eddie and Patrick Harty. The latter heads to Newbury on the back of an impressive win at Galway last month.  

“We were delighted with his run at Galway,” said Eddie Harty. “It was his first since March, and he won well. The Coral Gold Cup became a logical next step, and he’s come out of that race bouncing. Fingers crossed he stays that way through the week.”  

With the withdrawal of key entries like Bravemansgame, Royale Pagaille, and Grey Dawning following the Betfair Chase, the top weight of 12th will now be carried by Nassalam, last year’s Welsh Grand National hero, trained by Gary and Josh Moore.  

Other notable contenders include Henry’s Friend (Ben Pauling), Kandoo Kid (Paul Nicholls), and potential French raider General En Chef, trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm.  

The Coral Gold Cup, one of the calendar's most prestigious handicaps, promises another thrilling renewal, with a mix of home and international talent set to light up Newbury on Saturday.