Talented Chantry House Remains On Course For Cheltenham

Wednesday saw the talented Chantry House (7g Yeats - The Last Bank, by Phardante) record his second win over fences when defying a penalty in the Novices’ Chase at Wetherby.

The point-to-point, bumper and hurdle winner ended last season with a fine third in the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and impressed on his chase debut upon returning in November. Sent off favourite despite carrying a penalty and a two month absence, Nicky Henderson’s was ridden to track the leader by Nico de Boinville and produced a strong challenge four from home. Asserting at the third last, he extended his advantage to three lengths at the final fence and kept on well to the line.

De Boinville was pleased with the winner’s performance, saying, “He jumped well despite the ground, you couldn't really be asking for too many big jumps because you wouldn't last home but his jumping was very measured today.”

The JP McManus-owned bay now looks set to take up his engagement in the Marsh Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Bred by M Conaghan of Evergreen Stud, the son of Yeats was bought by current connections for £295,000 after winning between the flags for Cian Hughes.