Last-to-first Dancer saunters home
Saturday, 10 December 2005 15:10Exotic Dancer came from last to first to take the Cheltenham Novices' Chase under Tony McCoy.
The champion jockey had settled Jonjo O'Neill's charge at the back of the four-runner field for the majority of the race and only played his cards heading towards the final fence.
With Martin Pipe's 2-1 favourite Celtic Son beaten turning for home, Bewleys Berry was still at the head of affairs but was passed by Exotic Dancer over the final fence.
The 4-1 winner then kept on well up the hill for a length and a quarter victory from Bewleys Berry, who out-battled Albuhera for the runner-up spot.
Sir Robert Ogden's racing manager was again on hand and attributed Exotic Dancer's performance to the first-time application of earplugs.
"It is something we talked about trying as they sometimes help horses who have trouble settling," said Simpson.
"He has basically been a bit frustrating as he came from France with quite a reputation, but he is only a five-year-old and maybe these earplugs might just make the difference."
"It was a good race and things just slotted into place for us today."
Filed by Katie Byrne
