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| Staff Writer |
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Take Heart, trained by Johnny Murtagh, showcased a determined performance to clinch victory in the opening race of this year’s Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap.
Ridden by Murtagh’s stable jockey Ben Coen, the four-year-old gelding positioned himself near the front of the 17-runner field as they turned into the home straight. His advantageous position proved crucial as he held off a late charge from the popular Enfjaar, winning by a neck.
Enfjaar, who triumphed in the John Smith’s Cup at York on his previous outing, faced a tougher challenge today after a 7lb penalty, finishing second. Tony Montana secured third place, a length behind the winner, with Max Mayhem following closely in fourth.
Murtagh reflected on the race, stating, “Ben said he was going to sit closer. At York, we drew badly, had to drop in, and they didn’t go fast. I assumed today would be a fast race, but they didn’t go quick enough, and he stayed on well in the end."
“Take Heart had worked nicely the other day, and Ben was instructed to be a bit more aggressive from the start. He was closer than we planned, but Ben adjusted as they were going slow, and it paid off.”
Looking back at Take Heart's performance at York, Murtagh said, “After that run, I believed we could win one of these big handicaps. I fancied him at York, but the tricky draw set us back. When I reflect, he was only beaten by four and a half lengths."
“I think he’s a mile-and-a-quarter horse. Earlier in the year, I thought he could handle a mile and a half, but he has quickened this season with the cheekpieces on him."
“In racing, it’s all about winning. Whether you’re a jockey or a trainer, that buzz is the same. It didn’t go to plan at York, but when it works like today, it’s immensely satisfying.”
Murtagh hinted at future plans for Take Heart, adding, “I haven’t discussed with Barry [Irwin] and Team Valor yet, but there’s a big handicap on Irish Champions Weekend that he performed well in last year, so that could be a target. He’s likely a Stakes horse in the making. Winning a big race like this is vital because missteps can happen, and a couple of extra pounds can make it challenging.”
Coen shared his thoughts on the race, acknowledging, “Earlier in the year, I might have underestimated Take Heart’s pace. I thought he fared well in his last race, where the pace was lacking."
“I had a good feeling today. We went slow, and although I wanted to sit further back, I moved forward instead. He didn’t do much when we quickened up to reach the front, but he was solid.”
Trainer Roger Varian remarked on Enfjaar’s performance, stating, “It was frustrating, but he ran well. He’s a nice horse moving forward. It just didn’t click today, but I am confident he’ll have good days ahead.”
Jockey Jim Crowley added, “The pace was a bit slow for Enfjaar. He still managed to put in a respectable performance.”