Jingko Blue makes all to give James Bowen his second winner a day after his maiden Cheltenham Festival victory
Nicky Henderson and James Bowen continued their strong start to the Cheltenham Festival when Jingko Blue landed a gamble in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle.
The seven-year-old was backed from 10-1 overnight into 9-2 favourite at flagfall and Bowen poached an early lead to make all the running for a six-length victory.
It was a second festival success for Bowen, who had broken his duck at the meeting only the previous day on Holloway Queen in the National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase. For Henderson, who was successful with Old Park Star and Holloway Queen on the opening day, it was a third win at this year’s festival and his 78th in all.
Jingko Blue, who has gone back to hurdling after a spell over fences last season, had flagged up his chance when runner-up to Stayers’ Hurdle contender Kabral Du Mathan in the Relkeel Hurdle at the track on New Year’s Day.
Although making the running was not plan A for Bowen, he got Jingko Blue into a good rhythm on the first circuit, shadowed by eventual runner-up Franciscan Rock.
The chasing pack loomed up approaching the home turn but Bowen found a bit more on Jingko Blue to go clear of Franciscan Rock after the last. Storm Heart, the winner’s main market rival, was another four and three-quarter lengths back in third. The remarkable Ballyadam made the frame in the race for the third straight year at the age of 11, finishing fourth at 40-1.
Jingko Blue (James Bowen) comes home six lengths clear of Franciscan Rock in the BetMGM CupCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Bowen said: “I don’t know why I found it so hard to get a winner here previously. It wasn’t the plan to make the running. He just ended up there and he’s a good horse.
“Sean [Bowen’s brother] was the first to congratulate me even though he has yet to win a race at the festival. He’s always been my biggest supporter.”
Jingko Blue is owned by Tony Barney, who was back in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure a year after Jango Baie’s Arkle success. He has a live chance to follow that up in the Gold Cup on Friday.
Just as then, it was a poignant moment for Barney and his wife Donna. He said: “These colours are sentimental to us after losing our son James and we think Jingko Blue is as good as Jango Baie after that.
“It was great to have James Bowen riding as he has the same first name and initials as our son, who we lost in 2008. We’re so proud of James for what he’s done today.”
Henderson said: “I thought James was interesting – it wasn’t exactly the plan to make the running, but he did it exceptionally well, didn’t he? It was great.
“He’s not the easiest horse to keep on the right side of – when he’s good, he’s very talented, but he’s not the easiest.
“At least the owner has got a day to calm down before Jango Baie in the Gold Cup. He might need it!”
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