December is usually a little early in the season for Cheltenham dreams to die. Unfortunately, that appears to be the case for the Kim Bailey-trained Chianti Classico. Leaving his stable on Friday morning as a leading fancy for the Aintree Grand National and an outside bet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the seven-year-old returned home with his career in doubt.
Rising Star in 2023/24
Joining Kim Bailey following a 2021 win in an Irish Point-to-Point, Chianti Classico rapidly emerged as a leading light at the Andoversford yard. Landing a bumper for Bailey in his debut season, he then rattled off a hat-trick on his first three starts over hurdles. Nothing went right for him in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, but hopes were high the son of Shantou would be seen to best effect when sent over a fence.
Fast forward to 2023/24, and Chianti Classico proved a natural over the larger obstacles. Winning two of his first three starts, he headed to Cheltenham for a second time to take in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Well fancied on the day, the mount of David Bass rewarded his supporters in some style with a strong-staying success by a margin of almost five lengths.
The Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at the Aintree Grand National Meeting proved a step too far, but given his improving profile and excellent jumping, connections had every right to dream big heading into 2024/25.
Lame Following Disappointing Third
Making his seasonal return in the Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot, Chianti Classico enhanced his growing reputation with a brilliant front running display to defy top weight of 12st.
Now sitting on a mark of 157, the outcome of the £100,000 Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Coming Soon Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Friday would determine his course for the season; win it, and he would be on the cusp of Gold Cup class. Win or lose at Cheltenham, he already looked like the ideal type for a tilt at the Aintree Grand National.
1:50 Cheltenham, 13th Dec 2024 Result
| Pos. | Horse (SP) | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | King Turgeon (9/4) | 10st 4lbs |
| 2nd | Our Power (20/1) | 10st 11lbs |
| 3rd | Chianti Classico (2/1) | 12st 0lbs |
| 4th | Java Point (6/1) | 10st 2lbs |
| 5th | The Newest One (15/2) | 10st 2lbs |
| 6th | Ballygrifincottage (8/1) | 10st 10lbs |
| Pulled-Up | Chambard (25/1) | 10st 10lbs |
| Pulled-Up | Izino d’Airy (40/1) | 10st 2lbs |
Once again saddled with a welter burden of 12st, Chianti Classico started as the clear 2/1 favourite in the eight-runner field. For much of the 3m2f trip, all appeared to be going to plan. The mount of Ciaran Gethings travelled nicely on the heels of the leaders throughout and was well-positioned to launch his challenge in the straight. However, having devoured the Cheltenham Hill back in March, this time Chianti Classico faded on the run-in. Crossing the line in third, four lengths adrift of King Turgeon, he looked a long way off a Gold Cup horse. Having said that, a legitimate excuse soon emerged.
Immediately found to be lame on his left hind leg, Chianti Classico received pain relief from the on-course vets before returning home to his Gloucestershire bases.
Not Life Threatening, but Career in Doubt
A horse finishing lame following a race is relatively rare but far from unheard of. Happily, the issue is minor for most horses, who are soon back at the racetrack. In this case, however, it seems that is unlikely for Chianti Classico.
Issuing an update in the days following the race, Kim Bailey stated:
“I need to have a discussion with his owners before we make any plans, but it doesn’t look good. This injury can be very hard to come back from; I had one horse who had a similar injury, and it wasn’t good. I don’t think it’s life-threatening, but it could be career-threatening.”
Regardless of whether he can ever race again, it is to be hoped this talented and genuine racehorse makes a swift return to health.