Horse Racing: Pandorama claims the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown
The much-awaited Lexus Chase kicked off at Leopardstown after the racecourse passed the inspection that was planned for this morning. The Grade I chase was run over a distance of 3 miles and was contended by racehorses of age five
and above.
Pandorama won the event with a very impressive performance and proved to be a serious threat to the already celebrated champions, Kauto Star and Imperial Commander, in the Cheltenham Festival. The punters were extremely pleased
with the fact that the Irish chaser lived up to their expectations in this particular meeting.
The victorious contender of the Lexus Chase was always considered a champion by his fans and connections because of his great potential and talent. Nonetheless, this was the first event after which Pandorama was officially declared
the top challenger for the upcoming Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
His trainer Noel Meade, who had previously seen the dominating novice hurdler and chaser pulling up before midway in Newbury’s Hennessy Gold Cup, said, “He might not have beaten any Kauto Stars, but you’d have to think he will
improve for the experience.” The trainer recorded this statement while talking to the correspondents in a post race interview after winning the Grade I meeting that left the legendary jockey Tony McCoy with a sore wrist.
According to analysts, the British favourite, The Listener was going to steal the show, but the 11-year-old colt could not make it to the first spot in the 150,000 Euro Grade I event. Now, it is being reckoned that The Listener’s
lay off about 416 became a hurdle on his way to winning the Lexus Chase. However, the racehorse did take the lead on the home return but was not successful to hold off Pandorama, who was ridden by Paul Carberry.
When the winner’s trainer was asked about his future plans with the racehorse, and particularly those regarding the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, he was reported as saying, “We can dare to dream after that, but I wouldn’t run him
on anything better than yielding. He’ll come back here for the Hennessy in February and we’ll take it one race at a time.”
On the other hand, the winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, Tony McCoy gave up his remaining ride at the racecourse after he sustained injuries on his wrist.