Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality news: Thomas talks up Tricky Trickster's Gold Cup chances

05/03/2010

Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality guests could see an unexpected Gold Cup winner from the Paul Nicholls stable, according to Sam Thomas.

The jockey rode Denman to victory in the 2008 Gold Cup, but Tony McCoy will ride him this time round, leaving Thomas to partner Tricky Trickster in the big race.

Although Tricky Trickster is seen as only third strongest of the Nicholls runners, behind previous winners Denman and Kauto Star, Thomas is confident he can record a shock victory on March 19th 2010.

He told At The Races Kauto Star would be difficult to beat, but predicted that his "cracking ride" would make a strong challenge.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be riding Tricky Trickster as he jumped very well last time and really picked up in the straight," said Thomas.

His optimism stems from Tricky Trickster's victory in the Aon Chase at Newbury last month and success in the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup at last year's festival.

One Nicholls-trained horse that Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality guests will not see in action is Taranis, who has been withdrawn from the Gold Cup field because of a medical problem.

Posted by Ted Walker