On Tuesday, horse racing celebrates the birthdays of Bryony Frost, Paddy Brennan and Jonjo O’Neill – three icons of their craft who have enjoyed glory at the top level of the sport, especially at Cheltenham.
O’Neill has taken his career as a pilot onto the next phase, claiming training victories in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National.
Jonjo O’Neill won the Grand National in 2010 and Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2012, with AP McCoy in the saddle on both occasions
Meanwhile, Frost is a three-time Grade 1 winner at the age of just 26, with her most recent moment of stardom arriving on Boxing Day when Frodon was a remarkable winner of the King George at Kempton Park.
Imperial Alcazar ridden by Paddy Brennan on their way to victory in the EBF British Stallion Studs “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Leicester Racecourse
Brennan, on the other hand, has enjoyed a fruitful campaign as stable jockey for Ravenswell Farm and brought up 80 winners for the season earlier today at Newton Abbot – his best individually since 2016/17.
But as with every jockey in National Hunt, the Cheltenham Festival supplies something more unique than what is perhaps found elsewhere and a victory at Prestbury Park during its biggest four days in March can make a season.
Bryony Frost celebrates with a trophy after winning the Ryanair Chaseat Cheltenham
For Bryony, Paddy and Jonjo, their finest moments in the plate both took place in Gloucestershire.
The warrior Frodon has recorded an incredible six wins at Cheltenham during his career, but his finest hour arrived in the 2019 renewal of the Ryanair Chase.
A stellar contest featured previous Festival heroes Un De Sceaux, Road To Respect and Footpad, but unlike last month, it would be the British-trained representatives who would come to the fore in a battle for the ages up the famous hill.
Venetia Williams’ Aso was a sizeable price in the market, but he would be the one to throw down the challenge to the Ditcheat charge.
WATCH: FRODON AND BRYONY FROST TAKE THE RYANAIR CHASE AT THE 2019 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL [CREDIT: RACING TV]
As usual, a gutsy display from the front began to look a tentative position turning for home, with Charlie Deutsch bringing his mount to the front.
But Frost and her beloved son of Nickname would fight back, never knowing when they were beaten, battling bravely to give trainer Paul Nicholls a second Grade 1 at that year’s Festival after Topofthegame’s victory the day before.
The Cheltenham Festival crowd welcome home Ryanair winning duo Frodon and Bryony Frost
Bryony became the first female to ride a top-level winner at the Festival over obstacles.
33 years earlier, it would be a lady in equine form who would make history as Dawn Run became the first, and only, horse to win a Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup.
Two years following on from her timber glory for the late Paddy Mullins, she would take the blue ribbon event in 1986 under Jonjo O’Neill, beating a cast that included three-time King George hero, Wayward Lad.
WATCH: DAWN RUN WINS THE 1986 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP UNDER JONJO O’NEILL [CREDIT: RACING TV]
O’Neill had guided the mare to her win at both her Festival winning visits, replacing long-term partner Tony Mullins.
But it proved a move that would not come back to bite owner Charmain Hill, as the legendary star did indeed “get up”.
Iconic.
Almost as iconic, though, as Paddy Brennan’s cheeky celebration as Imperial Commander saw off Denman in the 2010 renewal of steeple chasing’s biggest prize.
WATCH: IMPERIAL COMMANDER PROVES TOO GOOD FOR DENMAN AT THE 2010 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL [CREDIT: RACING TV]
The titanic duo Kauto Star and Denman, both previous Gold Cup successors, were expected to dominate proceedings in the contest 11 years ago.
Brennan and Commander, however, had other ideas.
Paddy Brennan celebrates winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander
Kauto had seemingly put Nigel Twiston-Davies’s gelding in his place in the King George, but they’d overturn the form at Cheltenham with a destructive display a year on from victory in the Ryanair Chase.
The tenacious Denman, as ever, would prove a tough nut to crack but the younger legs soon told on the run-up to the line.
Dominic Chapman is senior content writer at Low6 with a passion for horse racing.
He provides a NAP and NB every day throughout the week on selected National Hunt and Flat cards in both Britain and Ireland.
Additionally, he hosts the Paddock Picks Podcast with former Welsh Grand National-winning pilot, Charlie Poste - the pair interviewing and discussing current racing topics with a special guest every week.
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