Mondo Man, ridden by Caoilin Quinn, snatched victory in the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday, navigating a dramatic final hurdle where Quinn lost both irons. The five-year-old, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, held on by a length and a half from Wreckless Eric, who finished second for the second consecutive year. The win secured a £100,000 bonus if Mondo Man triumphs in any race at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
Mondo Man's class ultimately prevailed despite a jarring mistake at the final fence, where rider Caoilin Quinn found himself without stirrups. The horse, sent off as the 5-2 favourite after a recent win at Plumpton, had established a clear lead before the final hurdle. Despite the rider's precarious position, Mondo Man demonstrated grit, continuing to gallop towards the finish line.
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Trainer Gary Moore expressed relief, stating, "It was an amazing performance and I didn't really want to run because of the ground, the only reason he is running is because he has class." He added that the plan was not to lead from the front, but Quinn's execution proved successful. The rider, describing the experience as "going back to my roots riding ponies round the fields," was praised for his stylish finish post-fence.
The victory marks a significant moment for the Gary Moore, Josh Moore, and Caoilin Quinn team, who also secured a Listed success later in the day with Ti'mamzel.
Bonus Bid on the Horizon
The win in the Imperial Cup positions Mondo Man as a contender for a lucrative bonus at the Cheltenham Festival. Paddy Power has adjusted his odds to 10-1 from 14-1 for his sole entry in Friday's William Hill County Hurdle. The trainer indicated that a Royal Ascot bid might be a more likely alternative to a quick double at Cheltenham, citing concerns about the heavy ground and the horse's need for recovery.
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A Rocky Path to Victory
Mondo Man's journey to Sandown was not without its setbacks. He experienced an injury last season, which impacted his racing schedule. His previous win at Plumpton was described by one source as being in a "very weak race," though it was acknowledged as beneficial for his confidence.
The horse's past racing has been characterised by keenness, with trainers opting for a more measured approach to allow him to settle. The current strategy, however, has seen him demonstrating an attitude to "knuckle down" when required.
Race Details
The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle, a Grade 3 race, offered a guaranteed £100,000 prize fund. It was contested over 1 mile, 7 furlongs, and 216 yards by horses aged four and older, on a soft to heavy ground surface. Mondo Man, aged five, carried 10-12 weight and started at 5/2. He finished ahead of Wreckless Eric (6, 10-13, 11/1) and We're Red And Blue (6, 10-12, 12/1). A total of 18 runners participated.
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