Hutchinson delighted with Batonnier
January 30, 2012 09:40:11 UK
Wayne Hutchinson admitted he was "surprised" at the improvement shown by Batonnier who scored a fine success in his Cheltenham trial on Saturday.
The horse is now priced at 8.00 for the Neptune Management Novices' Hurdle after beating the highly-rated Broadbackbob in the dress-rehearsal over the same course and distance.
There was never any danger to Batonnier after he cruised to the front and beat Broadbackbob by three lengths.
It was a fabulous day - you know what Cheltenham means to me, so I am going to enjoy every moment of it.
Alan King
Hutchinson has had a wonderful series of rides in the absence of 'Choc' Thornton, who will be back within a fortnight from his broken arm, but he wasn't expecting Batonnier's success.
He said: "He has done nothing but improve and he ran very well but he certainly did surprise me. He has to be a bit special to beat Broadbackbob who is a good horse."
Grumeti secured the Triumph Hurdle, thanks to a helping hand from the stewards who reverse the result after Pearl Swan hampered Grumeti twice on the run-in, and it was a great day for trainer Alan King, who also celebrated the success of Bless The Wings.
King said: "Unbelievable. We were coming up for a year since our last Cheltenham winner, and what happens, three come along at once. It was a fabulous day - you know what Cheltenham means to me, so I am going to enjoy every moment of it."
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
View all Horse Racing betting