3 minute read

Outsider Le Patron landed a first Grade 1 for jockey David Noonan in Saturday’s Betfair Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

Always in contention, the Gary Moore-trained gelding hit the front approaching the third-last fence to take over from long-term leader Unexpected Party, who did all the hard work in front for jockey Ciaran Gethings.

Le Patron kept on well up the Sandown hill, holding off a late surge from Colonel Harry.

It was trainer Gary Moore's second victory in the race and he was pleased with the performance, especially in testing conditions: "It was an ambitious shout, but when a horse jumps like he jumps and goes in soft ground like he does you had to give it a try, especially the way novice chasers are cutting up, but it didn't really cut up today.

"Full credit to Jamie (Moore) who has done all the donkey work with him and David has given him a lovely ride today.

"Liz (Avery, owner) got this horse over a year ago and we told her he was a chaser and not a two-mile hurdler. That is why he ended up with the mark that he had and thank goodness he is proving us right. Not often does that happen, but it has today.

"It was a concern (dropping back in trip), but when he jumps like he does, and also with the ground being as testing as it was on this track, it probably wasn't quite so much of a problem. He was getting a nice lead for part of the race as well.

"It is a surprise that he has won a race like this today to be honest with you. He wouldn't have the pace that Ar Mad had. He would stay better, and he will come back here now for the Scilly Isles in February.

"The boys will ride the majority of them, but I think David is a lovely rider. He is very underused and underrated. All the time I can use him, and need to use him, I will use him.

"He had been in to come school him in the week, that is the sort of person he is. I don't know where he lives, but he I don't think he lives that local. I don't think he lives around the corner, and he has had to come up and school the horse especially.

"I love Sandown Park and it is the best racecourse in the country. Especially when you get a horse that jumps like he does as it is a great spectacle.

"Liz is an amazing lady. She is in her 80s and she comes in twice a week to see her horses. She has never had children, the horses are her babies, and she loves them to bits. She said I might not be around when I suggested this, but I said you will be fine!"

Paddy Power have introduced Le Patron into the Arkle Trophy market at 50/1.