Weatherbys Champion Bumper report: Fayonagh flies home

5.30 Cheltenham - Weatherbys Champion Bumper result

1st Fayonagh 7/1

2nd Debuchet 10/1

3rd Claimantakinforgan 22/1

Race Report

Fayonagh came from the clouds to land the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and give Gordon Elliott a remarkable fifth winner of the week so far, leaving some bookmakers already paying out on him to be champion trainer for the week.

Gordon Elliott's mare was a 7/1 shot to add to her previous victories at Naas and Fairyhouse and though she badly missed the kick at the start, the six-year-old fairly flew home under star amateur Jamie Codd and was ultimately well on top at the line.

The victory completed doubles on the day for Elliott and Codd following the earlier success of Cause Of Causes in the Glenfarclas Chase and the trainer said: "Five winners in two days? I can't believe it."

The Mags Mullins-trained Debuchet filled the runner-up spot, a length and a quarter away, and emerged with plenty of credit having put the rest of his rivals to the sword with a solid turn of foot coming off the bend. Nicky Henderson's Claimantakinforgan fared best of the British in third. 

Reaction

Gordon Elliott: "Jamie gave her a great ride. She must be tough. Jamie bought her and recommended she be sent to me. I was worried about the ground, and she just stood at the start [when a standing start took place following a false start]. That was a pity because she usually jumps [off] brilliant.

"She's schooled over hurdles, but if she never does anything else it won't matter because she's won a Listed bumper and now a Grade One bumper. She could be a filly to run on the Flat, too, possibly at Royal Ascot."  

Mark Gittins, son of the winning owners: "My parents love National Hunt racing, while I would be pushing more towards the Flat. Jamie was at the sales, picked this mare out, and rang to say 'I've seen a lovely Kalanisi mare that would suit you'.

"My father is from Liverpool, and so they wanted a mare to run in the mares' bumper at Aintree. The plan was to go to Sandown and then Aintree, until Jamie said we should come here. She showed an unbelievable turn of foot out there, yet going past the stands I thought she had no chance."

Jamie Codd: "We had a false start. I had a great position for that, and I was actually lined up nicely for the second start but she got a fright and just halted for about two and a half seconds. I thought I had lost all chance, to be honest, and so I just followed them.

"All the way down the hill I followed, followed, followed, and just once I switched her out turning in, I thought I'd run on to be second or third or fourth maybe. To be fair to her, she's quickened and quickened. It's pure ability that has got me there in the end. She's a great mare.

"It's a great story for the Tattersalls sale - to buy a horse and come back to win at The Festival a few months later. It's remarkable.

"I'll say it again, Gordon is a remarkable trainer - that is his fifth winner of The Festival and it is only two days old. It's incredible.

"Whatever happens from now on, it is made. For me to get two and Gordon to have five - it's fantastic. I am in a good position - I'm riding for the top trainers and at the top Festivals. I am blessed."