Iroko's сomeback excites connections ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
Iroko's imminent return from injury has sparked enthusiasm among his connections as he gears up to make a comeback at the Turners Novices' Chase during the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
The six-year-old horse secured a significant victory for the emerging training duo of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero at last year's Festival by clinching the Martin Pipe. Following an injury sustained shortly after his impressive chasing debut, it seemed unlikely that Iroko would grace this year's prestigious event.
However, the resilient horse bounced back to full training sooner than expected, setting the stage for his anticipated appearance at Prestbury Park's New course. Eyeing a repeat of his triumphant performance from last year, Iroko is poised to compete in the open Turners Novices' Chase, which marks the commencement of day three at the Festival.
Greenall expressed his optimism regarding Iroko's condition, stating,
"He's absolutely fine and in good health and is all set to run - we're looking forward to running him on the Thursday in the Turners."
Reflecting on Iroko's adaptability, Greenall added,
"He seemed to really handle the New course (in the Martin Pipe), but I think he's pretty versatile and he would handle the Old course just as well."
The setback faced by Iroko's training team earlier in the season has spurred them into a race against time to ready their star for the Cheltenham Festival. Despite falling short of providing the horse with a preparatory run due to timing constraints, Iroko recently underwent a successful session at Haydock, an experience that Greenall believes will fortify the horse for his upcoming Turners challenge.
Greenall further commented,
"He has run in some good juvenile races and some good handicaps, he is streetwise in that sense and it will just be jumping the fences at speed he will lack experience in, I suppose."
The Greenall and Guerrero partnership is poised for a potentially significant afternoon, with White Rhino set to follow in Iroko's footsteps by competing in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle in the subsequent race. Priced at 10-1 with bookmakers, the eight-year-old gelding brings a solid track record to the table, having secured a second-place finish at the November meeting before claiming victory over the Pertemps track and trip the following month.
White Rhino last qualified for the event by attaining third place at Huntingdon, a performance that is expected to further sharpen his form for the upcoming challenge. Greenall expressed his anticipation, stating,
"He will go in the Pertemps on the same day if he gets in. He seems to have come on nicely since his Huntingdon run, has a nice weight and we look forward to running him."