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From the RP:-
Star hurdler Rhinestone Cowboy set for surprise return
by Andrew King and Paul Eacott<br> <br>RHINESTONE COWBOY, not seen in public since handing out a seven-length defeat to Iris’s Gift in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown in April 2004, could make a surprise return to action at Haydock next weekend.
Trainer Jonjo O’Neill on Saturday revealed that the ten –year-old is back in full training at Jackdaws Castle and that he will be entered for Saturday’s 2m4f Totescoop6 Handicap Hurdle.
Speaking after his hat-trick at Cheltenham, O’Neill said: “He is back in training and there is a chance he could return to action next weekend at Haydock, as he will be entered for a handicap hurdle. “Whatever happens, he will be staying over hurdles and will not be sent over fences. Wherever we run him, he will be ridden by amateur JP Magnier."
Though never officially confirmed, it was widely believed that Rhinestone Cowboy had been retired, with O’Neill reporting last March that the Sue Magnier-owned horse had left his care and returned to the owner’s farm in Ireland.
His triumph over stablemate Iris’s Gift, himself recently retired, 955 days ago rounded off a fantastic season for Rhinestone Cowboy, which saw him win four of his six outings, including when coming out on top in a battle with Rooster Booster in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle.
His last defeat – one of just four in 14 starts – came when he finished third under top-weight in the 2004 Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. <br>
Good news
One of my favourite NH horses, even though he never turned out to be the superstar he threatend to be. Maybe this time round??
(Edited by Perpetual at 1:47 pm on Dec. 10, 2006)
shame JP is keeping the ride, he wouldn’t ride a bike but it will be great to see the cowboy back
Yes the Cowboy riding Rhinestone is something we could have done without but will be interesting to see him back.
Quote: from schumi on 11:06 pm on Dec. 10, 2006[br]shame JP is keeping the ride, he wouldn’t ride a bike but it will be great to see the cowboy back<br>
pmsl
<br>Great news this as I was only asking about him & Keen Leader on here a few weeks ago and was told that both had been retired.
It was a great thrill to watch RC gain some of those effortless wins – the Kingwell would have to be my favourite when he laughed at Thisthatandtother all the way up the straight at Wincanton.
The Coral Cup was a joke, I mean finishing third on the bridle was just ridiculous but only just failing to give Monkerhostin nearly a stone sure looks good now in light of subsequent events.
It’s going to be asking a lot but hopefully he’ll retain at least most of his ability…….
Yes in all seriousness I have heard lots about Rhinestone Boy but not heard anything. Would a better jockey mean it would of won the Coral Cup? Looking forwards to seeing it, staying hurdlers are few and far between at the moment.
Handicapper has certainly given him a chance. Dropped to 159 after his Coral Cup ‘defeat’ had come off 165.
Quote: from trackside528 on 11:52 pm on Dec. 10, 2006[br]LOL at DJ, but in fairness to JP, he has come on alot since his rodeo performance in the Coral Cup (myself and more importantly my wallet still shudder at the horrifying memory of that day)..<br>
Ive never been one to share the feeling that the horse should have won the coral cup anyway but I cant complain about JP since I only ever backed the horse at aintree when he did ok on him. Either way, you know what your getting so what harm…. Id ride him too if he were mine.
SHL
<br>It was a great thrill to watch RC gain some of those effortless wins – the Kingwell would have to be my favourite when he laughed at Thisthatandtother all the way up the straight at Wincanton……<br>
Me too Paul…It’s just one of those races I’ll never forget
H’capper has given him a chance but it will be interesting how much ability remains at 10 years old after being absent since April 04.
Quote: from dandan on 8:12 pm on Dec. 12, 2006[br]I wonder will he be aimed at Cheltenham and if so what race? Very interesting.<br>
My first reaction would be Stayers but JJ might not be too keen to take on BJK. I would say that 20f is his best distance so the main races to aim for between now and the end of the season are:
20-Jan-07 CHL Holloway Hdl 19.5f Gr2 Hcp<br>18-Feb-07 FON National Spirit Hdl 20f Gr2 Con<br>14-Mar-07 CHL Coral Cup 21f Gr3 Hcp<br>14-Apr-07 AIN Aintree Hdl 20f Gr1 Con
Then if he is still fit/OK I’d run him in the Champion Stayers in Punchestown and pay JJ extra to leave BJK at home.
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