Connections of White Rhino are eyeing Cheltenham Festival glory after the eight-year-old extended his perfect record over fences with a dominant win in the TrustATrader Apply Today Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Haydock.
Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, White Rhino had already proven himself with five hurdle wins, including a triumph at Cheltenham last year. Following his impressive chasing debut at Ayr, the gelding built on that form under Henry Brooke, finishing four and a quarter lengths clear of President Scottie as the 7-2 second favourite.
However, the race was marred by the fatal injury of 9-4 favourite Beneficially Yours, who fell three fences from home.
Reflecting on White Rhino’s performance, Guerriero said:
“He just keeps improving. He was always going to be a better chaser given his size. I thought today’s race was very competitive, and I was worried about his creeping weight, but he’s a stronger horse this season.”
The team is now weighing up potential Festival targets, with the National Hunt Chase and the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase among the possibilities. White Rhino might also make an early return to Cheltenham in January for a trial or a three-mile handicap chase.
Ski Lodge Shines for Alan King
Alan King’s Ski Lodge redeemed his early-season promise with a determined win in the Watch On Racing TV Maiden Hurdle. Carrying the Noel Fehily Racing silks, the Chepstow bumper winner bounced back from a disappointing hurdling debut at Ffos Las to outbattle Jo Coko by a length and a quarter.
Fehily remarked:
“There were some nice horses in that race, and we’ve always liked ours. He ran green last time but settled much better today. Whatever he does over hurdles, he’s a chaser in the making.”
Cloudy Glen Rolls Back the Years in Veterans’ Chase
Popular veteran Cloudy Glen (11-8 favourite) rolled back the clock with a convincing win in the trustatrader.com Veterans’ Handicap Chase. The 11-year-old, best known for his 2021 Coral Gold Cup victory, ended a two-year winless streak with a seven-and-a-half-length triumph under Charlie Deutsch.
Deutsch said:
“I’m really pleased for him. These races give horses like him a chance. He enjoyed himself, jumped well, and showed he still has plenty of fire left.”
The victory provided a heart-warming moment for connections and fans of the veteran campaigner.