Miraculous Recovery Sees Count Meribel Claim Cheltenham Novice Chase Success

Miraculous Recovery Sees Count Meribel Claim Cheltenham Novice Chase Success
14:53, 16 Nov 2018

The Steel Plate & Sections Novices Chase has often been the breeding ground for future stars of the sport and the race this afternoon certainly didn't disappoint.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Count Meribel got up in the shadows of the post following an enthralling race to give jockey Mark Grant his first win at Cheltenham.

Past winners of the contest include Denman and Imperial Commander who both went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and while it is too early to be putting the winner in that sort of bracket, it was nevertheless a cracking performance. 

Grant was the star of the show as he produced an amazing sit at the 2nd last fence after Count Meribel had made a shuddering mistake which looked to have ended his chances. Grant managed to hang on having been thrown up the horse's neck and in miraculous style managed to keep the horses forward momentum going.

The 6-year-old horse made it two from two over fences as he held off Le Breuil in a thrilling finish with both horses emerging form the race with great credit. The winner has earned himself quotes of around 25/1 and 33/1 for the JLT Novices Chase and RSA Chase at the Chetenham Festival as a result of this display.

Mr Whipped, who started the race as the warm favourite, stayed on well to finish 3rd and remains an interesting prospect, especially with a potential step up in trip to 3m on his agenda.

The glory belonged to Count Meribel and Mark Grant though with the jockey visibly emotional as he walked back in for his first winner at Prestbury Park and what a way to do it.

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