Angels Dawn raises big cheers in Cheltenham and back home in Tipperary

Tipperary had a strong connection to one of Ireland’s 18 winners at the Cheltenham Racing Festival last week when Angels Dawn claimed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.

In a close finish, Angels Dawn, a 10/1 shot, held off the challenge of Stumptown by a neck.

The mare is trained by Sam Curling at Goolds Cross, Cashel, was ridden by Holycross jockey Pa King while the owner, Alfie Sweetnam is from Mullinahone, ensuring that the success was celebrated back home in Tipperary as well as in Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old unseated her rider when sent off favourite for Punchestown’s Grand National Trial in February.

However, she made amends for that misfortune in Cheltenham. She was always travelling well in the hands of Patrick King and showed plenty of courage when challenged by Gavin Cromwell’s 7-2 favourite in the closing stages.

Above: Zoe and Sam Curling were delighted with Angels Dawn's success

In post-race interviews Sam Curling, who was enjoying his first winner at the festival, stated “That was brilliant - I’m delighted.

“She was unlucky the last day in Punchestown and she’s always promised a lot.

“We’re only a small team and only have about six horses for the track. We have maybe 70 point-to-pointers and mainly buy and sell horses.

“We sold Marine Nationale, so it was special to see him (win the Supreme Novices Hurdle) here earlier in the week. That’s our game.

“This mare jumps well and loves the bit of extra distance and Pat gave her a very cool ride.

“When the rain came I was very hopeful. If she’d won the last day she would have gone up in the weights, so maybe it was a blessing in disguise”.

Above: Patrick King with his wife Aine

Meanwhile, Patrick King said: “It’s unbelievable, I didn’t think I’d ever have this feeling, it’s surreal, it’s my first ride at the Festival.

“I’ve had a winner at the October meeting but to ride this for Sam, who has been a big part of my career, I’m delighted.

“I was nearly at the end of riding as things had gone very quiet for me but I joined Sam and since then I’m back, he’s been a big part.

“I’ve known Sam a long time and he told me if I joined him there would be chances and I’ve never looked back.

"I was in front far too soon, I wasn’t supposed to be in front before the last but I thought from a long way out I was going very well and thankfully it worked out”.