Top moments of the 2019/20 National Hunt season

We have been treated to some brilliant moments during the 2019/20 National Hunt season. Here is our pick of the best.

Tingle Creek – Defi Du Seuil vs Un De Sceaux

In this Grade One feature, eight runners went to post but all eyes were on market leaders Defi Du Seuil and Un De Sceaux. Philip Hobbs’ charge went off the 2/1 favourite but was closely followed by the veteran at 3/1.

Henry de Bromhead’s Ornua led the field for most of the contest before Un De Sceaux took control before the final stages. With two left to jump it was a tense battle between the pair with Un De Sceaux edging it. As the finish came ever closer, both horses were in the air simultaneously going over the final fence. Waiting Patiently was finishing well in third but as the front two battled it out up the hill Defi Du Seuil was ahead.

Un De Sceaux didn’t go down without a fight as he fought back bravely to only be beaten by a neck. It was a fantastic show of character from the now 12-year-old but Defi De Seuil was just too good.

Lancashire Chase – Lostintranslation

Lost in translation was up against the stiff competition in the latest renewal of the Lancashire Chase. Bristol De Mai had won this race multiple times and had landed all four of his Haydock starts by a combined total of 115 lengths.

Held up at the back of the field for the majority of the Grade One contest, Lostintranslation was delicately brought into position by his jockey Robbie Power. Colin Tizzard’s inmate then cruised into contention as he pulled alongside Bristol De Mai as they approached the final fence. Both were inseparable as they jumped it, but a classy leap from Lostintranslation meant that momentum carried him over the line a winner. A classy win beating the grey by a length-and-a-half.

Dublin Racing Festival – Faugheen

Fans’ favourite, Faugheen, made headlines once again when he won his 11th Grade One at Leopardstown in February.

The 12-year-old joint-favourite sat in behind Battleoverdoyen for most of the race before jockey Paul Townend pushed the button on the remarkable gelding. Faugheen had the lead as he jumped the last, but that was being eaten into every second by stablemate Easy Game. The commentary was perfect as Faugheen crossed the line in front.

It was the ‘Machine’s 17th win and Leopardstown erupted. Having only been sent chasing that year, this was one of Faugheen’s biggest tests. He, however, passed it with flying colours and as his trainer, Willie Mullins stated: “This is fantastic, it’s probably one of the most special winners I’ve had.” Faugheen proved that despite his age, there is plenty more left in the tank.

Marsh Novices’ Chase – Samcro

“Everyone was knocking him, saying this and saying that. I probably even lost a bit of faith in him myself, but the horses are flying and I just can’t believe it.”

Gordon Elliott was in shock when his Samcro saw off Melon in the closing stages to win the Marsh Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A horse that had struggled over the past few years, Samcro travelled well throughout the race and a mistake from Faugheen left it all down to Samcro and Melon. It was the closest of finishes with the photo showing Samcro had indeed won by a nose and in doing so, claimed his second Festival victory.

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