Cheltenham Festival News: Coole Cody shines in the Plate
Coole Cody
Coole Cody made all the running in winning the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.
Cheltenham specialist Coole Cody did the business again in the Cotswolds for Evan Williams in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co.Plate Handicap Chase.
The 11-year-old veteran made all the running and was never headed under Adam Wedge for the Welsh trainer Williams.
Coole Cody won the Grade 3 Racing Post Gold Cup at jumps HQ in December but couldn't follow up in January.
But the Dubai Destination gelding made amends in fine style at an even cooler 22/1, beating local 7/2 favourite Imperial Alcazar by six and a half lengths, with Dan Skelton's 12/1 shot Spiritofthegames in third and Sam Thomas' 18/1 chance Stolen Silver in fourth.
Winning trainer Williams said: "At 11 years of age and so many miles on the clock, he just keeps fighting.
"At the top of the hill a first six finish was my hope because he's on a career high mark, he jumps right, and I thought how can he improve? He got a bump early, but in truth that helped him and all credit to Wedgy we have a lot to thank him for.
"But really, even though he looked like he might be beat, the others found that when you get into a fight with this fella there's only going to be one winner.
"It's so odd that he likes Cheltenham with his tendency to jump right, but what we've seen with him is this is a tough course for tough horses and he's one of them.
"It's been a long time since our last Festival winner and I am savouring every minute.
"I enjoy a glass of beer and a glass of wine, but in truth I'm more a cup of tea and digestive biscuits man. It won't be champagne for me. As you get older, you do appreciate the smaller things in life."
