Throwback Race Of The Day For Tuesday - 25/01/22

Today we are looking back at the 2020 renewal of the Grade Two Cotswold Chase with Santini for Nicky Henderson landing the last event to be run at Cheltenham on this day.

Two seasons ago the 10 year old made a winning start on his seasonal debut at Kempton but did leave room for improvement, he was much better next time out after undergoing a wind op which saw him race on trials day in this event and he put in a mighty performance to beat Bristol De Mai in what was a career best effort.

He then headed to the festival for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and although rallying in the final stages, had to settle for a narrow second behind dual winner Al Boum Photo.

The staying star for the yard made a satisfactory return to racing last season when having a good racecourse gallop at Newbury and then headed to Aintree for the Many Clouds Chase and finished a narrow second to Lake View Lad.

Although not winning the race he showed his staying ability in tricky conditions and with many fences being bypassed due to the low sun on the day it did not play to his strengths.

Connections and trainer Nicky Henderson at the time, decided to run him in the Kempton feature King George VI Chase and after forking out £5,000 to supplement him they were expecting a big run.

Unfortunately, having looked like he was coming with a challenge he could only finish fifth, fading in the latter stages of the race.

Looking to make it back to back wins in the Grade Two Cotswold Chase at Sandown this time, the heavy ground unfortunately went against him and he could only finish a long way third behind the veteran Native River.

Looking to go one better in the Gold Cup he was unfortunately pulled up before the finish, and that was the last time he was seen for Henderson.

Given to Polly Grundy this term, he made his seasonal reappearance in the 3m2f Grade Three Handicap Chase at the December meeting could only finish a long way back in fourth.

Enjoy!