Leading from pillar to post under Sam Twiston Davies, the Real Whacker held off the challenge of favourite Gerri Colombe down the last in an epic encounter.
Limerick trainer Patrick Neville was in the winners’ enclosure at Cheltenham this afternoon as his horse The Real Whacker won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the prestigious festival.
Leading from pillar to post under Sam Twiston Davies, the Real Whacker, who was a winner at same course on New Years Day, held off the challenge of favourite Gerri Colombe down the last in an epic encounter.
It was a third win in three chases for the horse who claimed the top prize of £100,000 in the 14.10 race.
The seven-year-old was greeted by trainer Patrick after the race with his nephew Brian leading the horse back to the winners enclosure with fellow Ballysteen native Davy Mann, who is among the ownership of the Real Whacker among the celebrating contingent.
Neville, who moved to England two years ago to continue training, was delighted after the race as he spoke about the decision to put the Whacker out Wednesday with the trainer nearly opting for the Gold Cup.
However, after the win today, Neville said his sights are set on the big one next year. Few would back against the formidable team behind the Real Whacker.
“Fifteen years, I had some good winners but the last few years were getting tough. I couldn’t get any owners in Ireland. We’ll come back for the Gold Cup, that’s the plan.”
Social Sharing
