Cheltenham | Jinko Blue makes all in the BetMGM Cup

Image © Healy Racing

In his role as a rider, Rob James has enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success on two occasions, but on Wednesday, he watched on as one of his pointing graduates hit the spotlight.

The Great Pretender gelding had made a winning start to his career with a four-year-old maiden triumph at Oldtown under James, and following that one-length success at the Dublin course, Jingko Blue was offered at the Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale.

Snapped up by Bloodstock Agent Jerry McGrath, the bay changed hands for £225,000 to go into training with Nicky Henderson.

Sent off as the 9/2 favourite having finished second in the New Year’s Day feature at Prestbury Park, the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle, he chased home Stayers Hurdle contender, Kabral Du Mathan, on that occasion.

Making all of the running under James Bowen, the now seven-year-old powered up the hill to defeat Franciscan Rock by six lengths.

A 78 Festival success for Henderson, the winning trainer 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. His jumping has never been… We tried him over fences and he won over fences, but…
 
“This was the obvious race to come for. He’s not a slow horse, but he got an easy lead there - normally the pace is flat out. Great pace-making by James!
 
“At least the owner [Tony Barney] has got a day to calm down before Jango Baie in the Gold Cup - he might need it!”

The winning owners Countrywide Park Homes Ltd had also bought Jango Baie at that same sale in February 2023, and that pointing graduate will represent them in Friday’s feature race, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.