Vadamos Gelding Proves A Cut Above In Cheltenham Chase

Matata (6g Vadamos – Wattrey, by Royal Academy) defied a rise in the weights when justifying favouritism in the Three Counties Christmas Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding went close in a Grade 2 last season and returned last month to be narrowly denied in a valuable chase over course and distance. Reunited with Sam Twiston-Davies on Sunday, he led from an early stage and jumped well from thereafter. Clear from the final fence, he was ridden out to win by all of 26 lengths.

The December Gold Cup and the Champion Chase were later mentioned as possible targets for the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned gelding. Matata was purchased by current connections after making a winning debut in a four-year-old maiden for Gavin Cromwell. The son of Grange Stud sire Vadamos was bred by David Commins.