For Lambourn-based trainer Jamie Snowden, Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup (formerly Hennessy) is the ‘local Gold Cup’, so it’s no surprise that a plaque commemorating last year’s race win sits proudly in his yard.
Datsalrightgino, who sadly passed away in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, was Snowden’s 2023 hero and caused Gavin Sheehan a slight upset when he made him a 16/1 shot on his first start over three miles.
The same connections are now hoping to repeat the feat with Colonel Harry. Colonel Harry’s career appears remarkably similar to that of his former stablemate.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing ahead of Saturday’s race, Snowden said: “Their careers were almost identical to each other. They even started in the same novice chase at Chepstow and won both.
“That’s the way it’s worked out, but they’re both Grade 2 winners as novice trackers, and Grade 1 placed and unexposed as maintained trackers.
“Datsalrightgino is a bit more of a bull, while Colonel Harry is more athletic. He’s a lovely horse and we’ve been working on it again in this race.”
Colonel Harry triumphs over obstacles
When asked about the challenge of attempting more than 3 miles for the first time, Snowden said: “In the early days he was very passionate and that is why he won most of his wins over two miles.
“The older he gets, the more comfortable he becomes and the easier it is to train.”
Another question mark hanging over Colonel Harry is whether he can handle the hustle and bustle of the Coral Gold Cup venue with 16 horses competing.
His works rider Stefan Namesansky said: “He’s never faced such a big field, but I think he’s brave enough. As long as it rains a lot and the ground is soft, it will play to his strengths.”
Gavin Sheehan congratulates Datsalrightgino on winning the 2023 Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.
If Colonel Harry wins the competition, Snowden will become the first trainer to win back-to-back titles since his former boss and Lambourn neighbor Nicky Henderson in 2013.
“It feels like a very special race for anyone who lives in this area,” Snowden said.
“When I was at Nicky’s (Henderson) I had Trabolgan win the race and I remember the big party and celebration that followed.
“We definitely celebrated hard when Gino (Datsalrightgino) won!”
