Paddy Brennan bounces back on Fergal O’Brien’s Cap Soleil at Newbury after Cue Card disappointment
Brennan may have been jocked off Cue Card but he has plenty of exciting horses to look forward to including Fergal O'Brien's Newbury winner Cap Soleil
THE Cap certainly fits Paddy Brennan.
A day after losing the ride on Cue Card he cruised home on unbeaten Cap Soleil in a £20,000 mares’ novices’ hurdle at Newbury.
Brennan – who rode Cue Card to win the King George and two Betfair Chases – was replaced by teenage jockey Harry Cobden on Colin Tizzard’s star after a crashing fall at Wetherby on Saturday.
The bruising his confidence might have taken by that decision was not apparent as he coolly nudged out evens favourite Cap Soleil despite a slow jump at the last.
Nicky Henderson’s highly-rated Countister was left trailing seven lengths behind.
Brennan said: “She’s got everything. First time over hurdles to do what did she did there - I've never witnessed that on a filly.
“You have to work hard to get horses like her and to ride for Fergal O’Brien is a joy. He gives you so much confidence.”
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Cap Soleil – unbeaten in three bumper starts including Listed races at Cheltenham and Sandown – is likely to return to Newbury for next month’s Ladbrokes Carnival.
Her win came hot on the heels of stablemate Colin’s Sister win in Saturday’s Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby.
Cotswolds-based O’Brien said: “Cap Soleil has excited us all summer since she came back.
“She hasn’t missed a day, she’s very easy to train.
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“I’m very lucky to have her, Oscar Rose and Colin’s Sister – three fantastic mares. I’m very lucky to have Paddy Brennan riding her as well.
“He’s a big part of our team and, selfishly, if he’s not riding Cue Card that’s great for me.
“It’s disappointing to get jocked off any horse but he’s a big boy.
“He’s a quality sportsman – a top professional. He’s done the job that needed doing today and he’s got on with it. That’s Paddy Brennan.”