In a race that tested both horse and rider, Sean Bowen’s victory aboard Wade Out at Cheltenham stood as a testament to grit and determination. On a day when Storm Claudia lashed through the course, Bowen’s relentless effort to coax his mount over each obstacle evoked memories of Tony McCoy’s legendary never-say-die riding style. As the race unfolded, Wade Out, a novice chaser, struggled against the elements and his own inertia, falling behind the leaders with each passing fence. At the halfway point, it seemed as though the 7-minute race was already lost for Bowen.
Wade Out’s performance appeared lackluster, with several untidy jumps that left Bowen fighting to keep him in contention. Yet Bowen, unwavering in his efforts, refused to give up. As the race entered its final stages, Wade Out started to find his stride. Bowen, who had been coaxing him back into the race time and again, found that the horse began to rally as the leaders, including One Big Bang and Isaac Des Obeaux, began to tire. By the time they approached the final fence, Bowen and Wade Out surged into the lead, defying expectations and clinching a remarkable victory by three lengths.
Bowen reflected on the ride, admitting the horse’s lazy nature and poor jumping at times, but praised his resilience. “He did a lot wrong and still managed to win,” Bowen said. “He’s a good horse; you just have to get the best out of him.” It was a victory that showcased not only Bowen’s tactical brilliance but also the horse’s untapped potential.
Meanwhile, in the Grade Two Shloer Chase, L’Eau du Sud stole the limelight with a dominant performance. Under Harry Skelton’s guidance, L’Eau du Sud, last year’s Arkle Trophy contender, breezed to victory, 15 lengths clear of Jonbon, the race’s two-time defending champion. The win set the stage for an exciting winter campaign, with plans to target major Grade One races in the coming months.
Cheltenham’s Friday card also featured a standout ride from JJ Slevin aboard Matata, who produced a remarkable recovery to finish third in the Shloer Chase. As the storm continued to rage, Saturday’s racing schedule, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup, remained uncertain, with officials set for a precautionary inspection due to the track conditions.
Looking ahead, the field for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham is tight, with Paul Nicholls’ Il Ridoto and several other promising chasers making it one of the most unpredictable handicap chases of the season.
