Racing Post – Written by Lewis Porteous
16th March 2012
ATTAGLANCE made it an unforgettable Cheltenham Festival for Malcolm Jefferson. The trainer added to the win of Cape Tribulation in the Thursday’s Pertemps Final when narrowly landing an exciting renewal of the Martin Pipe Hurdle.
Ridden from just off the pace by Harry Haynes, Attaglance returned at 20-1 and had just two necks to spare over the well-supported Toner D’Oudairies at 7-1 and Oscar Nominee at 10-1. Make A Track completed the places back in fourth.
It was 17 years ago that Jefferson last tasted festival success with Dato Star in the Champion Bumper, but with his horses running out of their skin, Attaglance made it two wins in two days.
The victory was all the more impressive considering Haynes dropped his whip before asking Attaglance for his finishing effort, but he had the most willing partner who wanted the victory every bit as much as his young jockey.
Run at a frantic pace, it was Toner D’Oudairies who was still moving best heading down to the last but he couldn’t quite match the finishing kick of the winner.
In a blanket finish, Oscar Nominee flashed home on the far side for third, while Make A Track looked a little unlucky in fourth, having been squeezed out by both the first and second on the final climb.
A delighted Haynes said: “I can’t believe it. I was down and out but things have really turned around this season. Malcolm has been putting me on some very good horses and I can’t thank him enough. Attaglance wanted it all the way up the straight.”
Jefferson added: “In another 17 years I won’t be here! He’s a lovely horse, tough, genuine, he’s easy to train and he’s one hell of a horse. I’m pleased for Harry and I thought we had a chance today and they delivered.”