Sligo’s Derek Fox lands a winner at Cheltenham Festival 2023
Aintree Grand National winner rides Corach Rambler to victory for second year in a row
Corach Rambler, with Derek Fox up, celebrate as they enter the winners enclosure after winning the Ultima Handicap Chase during day one of the Cheltenham Racing Festival at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, England. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile.
There was more success for Sligo jockey Derek Fox on the opening day of the Cheltenham 2023 racing festival, when he rode Corach Rambler to victory for the second year in a row.
Fox, who won the 2017 Aintree Grand National winner on board One For Arthur, is also in Friday’s showpiece race, the Gold Cup, aboard Ahoy Senor.
The Emmett Place native spoke to the Racing Post after his victory.
“Last year it was better ground and he was always in top gear until late on when he got going,” said Fox. “This year with the ground being that good bit slower he travelled so much easier. He is slightly idle in front and I found myself coming down the hill thinking not to go to the front too soon on him. It just worked out beautifully.
“He picked up after the last then just ten strides before the line I was hoping there was nothing going to come, as he started to look at the crowd. “He is a tremendous horse and has been marvellous to me to get two winners here, along with all the other races he has won.”
Fox added: “I’m really looking forward to that now [Grand National]. He stays well and I think he will run a massive race in that. I’m just delighted with today.”
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