Imperious Imperial Commander Claims Dramatic Ryanair Chase

It can be argued that Voy Por Ustedes lost the Ryanair Chase rather more than Imperial Commander won it. However that is an acedemic argument because Imperial Commander ran a scintilating race who, when once in front, was never headed. He set a fierce pace for the second half of the race, that only Voy Por Ustedes and Schindlers Hunt could live with.

Three from home, Voy Por Ustedes made a dreadful mistake that jockey, Choc Thornton did well to survive. He showed great spirit in forcing himself back into contention but the extra energy expended and the loss of momentum almost certainly cost him the race.

Imperial Commander, became trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, second winner of the meeting and it was also Imperial Commanders second big win of the season, having won the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November.

The fourth horse home was Tidal Bay who ran a very strange race. He had dropped out of contention at the halfway point but managed to find something in the last half mile, he was flying at the end suggesting very loudly that he might well be a better three mile horse.

Result

• 1st - Imperial Commander, P Brennan, 6-1
• 2nd - Voy Por Ustedes, R Thornton, 4-5 Fav
• 3rd - Schindlers Hunt, P Flood, 25-1

   

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