Horse racing fans were treated to an unexpected twist on a chilly January day at Haydock. The Sky Bet Supreme Trial, often seen as a precursor to future stardom for novice hurdlers, unfolded with Royal Infantry, the heavily-backed favorite, faltering in an unforeseen manner.
Royal Infantry had been the talk of the track, coming into the race with the weight of expectation firmly on his equine shoulders. Having notched up impressive victories in his first two attempts over hurdles, he seemed poised to continue his winning streak. However, as the horses navigated the course, it became clear that this day held different plans.
A Struggle from the Start
Positioned among the top contenders for the Sky Bet Supreme itself, Royal Infantry’s journey was troubled almost from the outset. According to trainer Dan Skelton, something seemed amiss as the horse galloped down the backstretch, hanging slightly to the left.
“He was dancing on his toes a bit too eagerly,” Skelton reflected. This keenness, while a promising trait in small doses, was proving to be a hindrance. Skelton described the unfolding race day as “just one of those days,” where a series of events conspired against a champion in the making.
A Costly Mistake
As they approached the second-last hurdle, disaster struck. Royal Infantry made an error, described as getting the “second last wrong.” What might have been a minor slip in another context spelled the end of his chances in this competitive field.
“He put himself in a difficult spot two out,” Skelton rued, acknowledging that from that moment, recovery was out of reach. While nothing appeared drastically wrong physically, the horse simply underperformed, a disheartening fact for such a big occasion.
The New Champion Emerges
As Royal Infantry’s story faltered, a new hero claimed the spotlight. Dedicated Hero surged impressively, overtaking Cloonainra and Peacenik to snatch a victory by half a length. It was a triumph made all the more vivid by the skill of jockey Ryan Mania.
Reflecting on the win, Mania expressed gratitude and surprise, “We always knew he was a nice horse, but today was about finding out just how good.” Acknowledging the sharp track conditions, he praised Dedicated Hero’s determination to stay on course, despite some squeezing along the way.
Looking Beyond Today
The victory was a significant feather in the cap for Dedicated Hero’s connections, reviving long-held dreams and aspirations. With comparisons to past successes and eyes on the future, the horse could potentially make waves at prestigious upcoming meets.
Trainer Sandy Thomson and his team, still cherishing memories of Seeyouatmidnight, hope that Dedicated Hero might chart a similar path of success. Plans were tentatively floated for the Premier Hurdle at Kelso and possibly Aintree, as they pondered their next steps.
For now, the tale of the Sky Bet Supreme Trial serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where fortunes can shift with each thunderous stride.
