Weekend racing review: Hotpots and howlers from a top weekend of action
Who flopped and who made the headlines for the right reasons across the likes of Cheltenham and Punchestown?
THERE were tears, big name withdrawals and Cheltenham auditions aplenty over the weekend.
Amongst the lot were a few howlers and some November Meeting hotpots.
Let's start with the good, and the heartwarming news of the weekend had to be Kayley Woollacott, Richard Johnson and Lalor.
The trio make a formidable team and after Kayley was sadly forced to take out her licence after partner Richard Woollacott took his life last year, there wasn't a dry eye in the Winners' Enclosure as Lalor was paraded in following his Arkle Trial win.
Lalor took on the likes of Dynamite Dollars and Claimantakinforgan - already winners over fences - and was much the best as he pulled away up the Cheltenham hill. The horse jumped like a stag and is tailor made for Dickie Johnson.
Team Woollacott have plenty of options with their star for the remainder of the season.
It wasn't all glorious at Cheltenham though, and you'd think trainer Mick Channon had a quiet word with Adrian Heskin after Mister Whitaker finished a staying on fourth in Saturday's feature BetVictor Gold Cup.
Sent off the fancied 6-1 favourite, he managed to avoid the majority of the chaos with fallers aplenty, but Heskin gave his Festival winner far, far too much to do as Baron Alco kicked on.
With the ground quick by Jumps standards, very little had figured coming from the rear over Friday and Saturday, and it was no different here.
There's no doubt this horse has more left in him, whether that be another big handicap or a step up into open Graded company. You think Heskin will have him a bit more handy, wherever they go.
The Moore family are used to being overshadowed by Ryan's exploits on the flat, but it was Gary and Jamie's time to shine at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Baron Alco cut out the running and was hugely impressive over his fences when winning the BetVictor.
With Benatar a non-runner, Team Moore's only chance was Baron Alco and despite missing all of last year he built on his Chepstow reapperance in some style, running out a resounding winner in the £160,000 showpiece.
With Benatar missing, Josh Moore was left without a ride as Jamie got the nod.
Dad Gary explained: "I’m gutted for Josh. He would have ridden him had the both of them run but this horse and Jamie are made for each other – they get on well."
Over to Ireland, and it was another howler for the sport there.
All week the build up had surrounded Faugheen 'The Machine' vs. Samcro vs. Supasundae. An early season treat.
What we got was Faugheen beat at 2-5 by stablemate Sharjah.
Of course horse safety comes first, but it was clear the ground was going to be on the sharp side. Why leave it so late to pull Samcro out?
At least Jessica Harrington pulled Supasundae early on on Sunday morning.
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It was contrasting fortunes for Ian Williams and Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham.
Hendo will be judged on his success come March, but with the likes of Claimantakinforgan, Mr Whipped, Rather Be, Verdana Blue, Pym and Never Adapt all beaten - albeit Rather Be, rather unlucky - the Unibet Champagne is likely still in the fridge at Seven Barrows.
Meanwhile, the money was down for Williams' Speedo Boy ( 6-1 into 4-1) and First Assignment (7-2 into 6-4).
Both were cosy winners and the smile on William's face told you he might have just had a heavier wallet heading home.