Welshpool punters were quids in after backing James Potter-owned racehorse Hector’s Choice at Cheltenham yesterday (Wednesday).
The eight-year-old bounced back to form at odds of 4-1 after a disappointing run last month to win the Ceres Estates Silver Trophy Chase and £22,780 in prize money for the respected local businessman.
The Richard Lee-trained horse faced just four rivals after two withdrawals and that number was depleted further when Gilbarry took a fall a long way out. Only Aerial was a real danger to Hector’s Choice running down the hill and the two continued their prolonged battle in the home straight (pictured).
There was very little to choose between them jumping the final fence, but Hector's Choice and Jamie Moore asserted on the run-in to score by four and a half lengths.
Lee said: “I'm really pleased to see him bounce back and it was great to see him battle so well up the hill. The bit of rain we've had probably just slowed them down a bit and everything has worked out well, so I'm delighted.
“He has run some great races this season, finishing second to Nacarat in the Racing Plus Chase and what have you, and his only disappointing run was at the Festival last time.”
The trainer then hinted that we could see the horse back at Cheltenham in November for the biggest race of its career.
“It's nice to see him get back to winning ways and that's him done for the season now. He might be back at Cheltenham for the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November.”
Hector’s Choice has won four races from 17 starts and along with 11 placings makes it one to keep an eye on for the big race later in the year.