Horse Racing

Cheltenham Festival News: Ace amateur jockey snapped up by Rebecca Curtis for National Hunt Chase

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer17 February 2022
Rebecca Curtis has high hopes for Lisnagar Oscar at Cheltenham

Rebecca Curtis has high hopes for Lisnagar Oscar at Cheltenham

Rebecca Curtis is not messing around in the search for victory in the National Hunt Challenge Cup with the talented Pats Fancy. She has booked leading Irish amateur jockey Barry O'Neill for the job.

Who better for the National Hunt Challenge Cup for amateur jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival than leading Irish Amateur Barry O'Neill?

Rebecca Curtis has snapped up the Irishman to ride dual winter winner Pats Fancy in the three miles, six furlong test of amateur prowess.

The seven-year-old was a brave second behind the useful Bravemansgame at Newbury on Saturday, following two victories in similar races this season, including an 11-length cruise over subsequent Cheltenham winner Imperial Alcazar in December.

"We were delighted with him," said Curtis, whose charge is a general 14-1 chance for the National Hunt Challenge Cup.
"I don't think you could have asked for a better run really - it was exactly what we wanted before Cheltenham.
"Obviously conditions weren't ideal as Newbury is more of a speedy-type track on good ground, but I thought he travelled and jumped really well and saw his race out well. That's one asset that he has - he's a brilliant jumper, he's really good over a fence.
"He's come out of the race fresh and well, which is perfect, and I think he'll be perfect for the National Hunt Chase. James (Bowen) thinks the further he goes the better he'll be, which bodes well."
Jockey O'Neill has become a name on the amateur circuit in Ireland having ridden over 600 point-to-point winners.
"I think Barry O'Neill is going to ride him at Cheltenham. I think it's important in those amateur races you get a top jockey - it can be everything," Curtis said.
"It's brilliant to have Barry on board - I'm delighted he can ride him."

Curtis took the National Hunt Chase in 2012 with the popular Teaforthree, who defeated Harry The Viking to prevail by two lengths a decade ago in the hands of the late JT McNamara.

The two bays are both the progeny of sire Oscar, and Curtis notes that Pats Fancy shares plenty of traits with the horse that delivered her maiden Cheltenham Festival victory.

"It was a few years ago, but he's actually a similar type to Teaforthree," she said.
"They are by the same sire and he really does remind me of him."

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