Lee carries county’s hopes

Tuesday 10th March 2009, 11:57AM GMT.

race2South Shropshire trainer Richard Lee will carry the county’s hopes of success on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

Byton-based Lee sends Le Beau Bai to run in the The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, the four mile race for amateur jockey.

And, having walked the course early this morning, Lee is hopeful his six-year-old will run a big race in tomorrow’s opener after winning both previous starts over fences at Uttoxeter and Warwick.

“Le Beau Bai has got a great chance,” said Lee.

“He will be plodding on when a lot of others have stopped at the end of four miles.

“I have walked the course this morning and they have done a fantastic job.

“For Le Beau Bai, the optimum conditions would have been just a touch softer – but we are looking forward to it now.”

Lee faces a busy 48 hours as will also be represented by Heathcliff in the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle on Thursday.

“We are all really excited,” added Lee, who last tasted Festival glory 11 years ago with Super Coin.

“It’s the greatest racing show on earth and to be part of it is a major honour.”

Tomorrow’s highlight is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, for which many consider Master Minded to be the banker of the four-day meeting.

He is currently priced 2-7 to regain the title he won last year, and bring another big race success for the Paul Nicholls-Ruby Walsh duo.

By James Garrison



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