Denton Hall News

Dream comes true as Commanche Falls wins back-to-back Stewards' Cups

COMMANCHE Falls, trained in County Durham by Michael Dods, has become the first horse in more than 50 years to win the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood.

The five-year-old gelding – owned by Doug Graham, Ian Davison and Alan Drysdale who also own Dakota Gold – did the Denton Hall yard proud to win at 25-1 by a nose from the Hollie Doyle-ridden Tabdeed.

Michael, who was watching on the big screen at Thirsk, described the victory as "the stuff dreams are made of" and praised the ride of Connor Beasley, who was also in the saddle last year.

"I thought Commanche Falls was closer to the pace than I expected and when they came through I knew he had a good chance. It looked like the other horse headed him but he fought back on the line.

"We thought he would run a big race at Ascot (when he unseated his rider David Probert at the start in the Wokingham) but to do what he's done two years running at Goodwood is the stuff that dreams are made of.

"It's tremendous for the whole team - it's not just me - and the owners have been great all along, so I'm delighted for everyone involved.

"Connor gave him a great ride and has shown how good he is yet again."

Michael says the obvious target would be The Ayr Gold Cup, although he wants to discuss plans with the owners first. The gelding was seventh in the race last year.

Connor described the second Stewards' Cup victory as “fantastic for the horse, connections and everyone back at the yard”.

He added: “I wanted to be at the back of the pace and rousted him along but I hit the front too soon and he idled a bit in front. Then he stuck his neck out where it really mattered and I’m over the moon.

“He’s a model of consistency and it’s big credit to everyone back at Denton Hall.”

The last horse to win back-to-back Stewards’ Cups was Skydiver in 1967-8 and Commanche Falls is only the sixth horse in the history of the race to achieve the feat.

Tinto, ridden by David Probert, also ran a cracker to be fifth at 33-1 with most bookies paying out on the first five.

Commanche Falls was centre-piece of a Michael Dods treble, with Billy No Mates winning at Thirsk under Phil Dennis at 18-1 and Azure Blue continuing her progress at Newmarket with William Buick in the saddle.