Sunday (Feb. 11) marked a momentous day for American Mike, as he triumphed over his rival Nick Rockett in the highly anticipated Grade 2 William Hill Ten Up Novice Chase held in Navan.
The race unfolded with Minella Cocooner, the 11/8 favourite, taking the lead, closely followed by Favori De Champdou and American Mike. Nick Rockett made a strategic move, positioning himself in fourth place as they charged towards the home bend.
Approaching the third-to-last fence, American Mike displayed remarkable agility, surging ahead and overtaking Minella Cocooner. Despite American Mike's extended lead before the subsequent fence, Nick Rockett exhibited unyielding determination, swiftly advancing to secure the second position.
As the field approached the final stages of the race, American Mike appeared to maintain a seemingly insurmountable lead, but Nick Rockett seized a moment of opportunity. With a calculated manoeuvre, he veered towards the inner track, ready to challenge the frontrunner over the last fence.
Yet, American Mike demonstrated tremendous resilience under pressure, defying the challenger's onslaught and maintaining his advantage as they sprinted towards the finish line. Ultimately, American Mike triumphed by a length and a-quarter, with odds of 7/2. Nick Rockett, who had started the race with odds of 6/4, secured the runner-up position.
This remarkable victory marked a significant achievement for jockey Jack Kennedy and trainer Gordon Elliott. Reflecting on the horse's performance, Elliott admitted, "To be honest, he's one of the most enigmatic horses I've ever had the pleasure of training. He has a knack for occasionally disappointing me, only to astound me with a stellar performance."
Elliott commended Kennedy's exceptional riding skills, stating, "I must say, Jack's guidance and expertise in the saddle were truly outstanding."
When contemplating American Mike's future, Elliott expressed a sense of uncertainty, confessing, "I find myself at a loss when it comes to making decisions about him. This horse truly baffles me. We've taken a steady approach in his training, ensuring not to overexert him. He was in excellent form leading up to Christmas but faltered in the endurance department."
American Mike's resounding victory prompted bookmaker Paddy Power to adjust the odds, reducing them from 20/1 to 12/1 (with the non-runner money back offer) for the Turners and from 5/1 to 4/1 (with the non-runner money back offer) for the National Hunt Chase.
In addition to their triumph with American Mike, Elliott and Kennedy also celebrated success with Brighterdaysahead in the esteemed Listed Apple's Jade Mares Novice Hurdle.