Latenightpass was reported to be in grand condition this morning after his Cheltenham heroics yesterday.
The former point-to-pointer and hunter chaser (pictured above pulling clear of runner-up Francky du Berlais) excelled the expectations of owner/breeder Pippa Ellis by routing a strong field in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase under daughter-in-law Gina Andrews and putting himself in line for some exciting races. Whether that will be in Aintree’s Grand National, a race at the Cheltenham Festival or in the European cross-country series known as the Crystal Cup is now up for debate.
Speaking at her Warwickshire home this morning, Ellis said: “I’m absolutely walking on air – it’s surreal. I’ve been sent a clip this morning of him being trotted up by Harry [Skelton, brother of trainer Dan] and he looks fine.”
Latenightpass was sent off the 3-1 favourite for yesterday’s race after finishing second over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences at the November meeting, but his performance yesterday was on another level. Ellis said: “We hoped he could go one better, but we didn’t expect that. [When he finished second] He was having his first run of the season and it was his first time over those fences. Gina rode him with such confidence yesterday and she was able to go where she wanted to go. He just loves jumping.
“He’s become a flagbearer for British point-to-pointing. I walked a little way down [from the paddock and winner’s enclosure] to see him come back in, and there were people hanging over the rails, some I’d never seen before, shouting things like ‘When are you going to sell the film rights?’ and ‘When are you going to write the book?’. It’s such a good story.”
Thumbs-up from Gina Andrews after Latenightpass's impressive victory
Following the race winning trainer Skelton said the Grand National had to be a consideration, although the maximum number of runners has been reduced from 40 to 32. Latenightpass won off a mark of 140 yesterday, but will inevitably be given a rise, and that could formulate plans.
Of a possible Grand National run, Ellis said: “I don’t know how I feel about it. Tom [her son, who trained Latenightpass before he moved to Skelton’s yard] says I’ve just got to enjoy the ride and do it, but I might have to be drugged. I get so nervous about it – I just want him and Gina to come back safely.
“The team from the Crystal Cup of European cross-country races were at Cheltenham yesterday and they were keen for him to run in their series. That’s another option, but I don’t want to think about it this morning. I’m just going to enjoy it.”
Future races in the Crystal Cup involve an €82,000 race at Pau in France in February, one at the Cheltenham Festival worth €74,000, a €57,000 contest at Fontainebleau in late March and a €100,000 finale at Le Lion d’Angers in May. There is also a bonus for the horse who gains the most points during the series.