“Tom Scudamore: Ramses De Teillee has gone up four pounds which seems fair”
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Coral ambassador discusses his record-equalling Ladbrokes Trophy win and his Saturday rides
It was a huge thrill to win the Ladbrokes Trophy for a third time last weekend.
Cloth Cap jumped so well, he never missed a beat, and for him to win a race of that quality so well, they’re not supposed to be won like that.
The plan was to get a good start, not necessarily to make all, but Jonjo [O’Neill] didn’t tie me down with a plan, all he said was “he jumps and stays and I’ll leave the rest up to you”.
We were always within our comfort zone, that’s how we ended up in front – he was happy, I was happy. I knew he’d keep on galloping so the only question after we jumped the first couple was could anything go any quicker than us, and they couldn’t.
I don’t think you can ever think a race like that is in the bag. I was just conscious of not making a mistake, but when he jumped the cross fence for the last time and was still so full of running, that’s when I thought he might take some catching.
Both of my previous victories were hugely important, I perhaps did appreciate winning it for a third time a little bit more, and it meant I equalled the record of three wins as a jockey, along with Willie Robinson, which is special.
Aintree 12.55 – Kateson
When Kateson finished third behind Champ in the Challow Hurdle a couple of years ago, really good things could have been expected of him, so he probably has been a little bit disappointing.
As for whatever reason, he hasn’t gone on, I don’t know why. He is at least coming down in the handicap as a result, but he does need to bounce back to play a part here.
Aintree 13.30 – Ramses De Teillee
It wasn’t a straightforward choice to ride Ramses De Teillee in the Becher, as Vieux Lion Rouge is brilliant over the National fences, and I’m sure he’ll give Conor O’Farrell a lovely spin round.
However, Ramses was fabulous at Cheltenham last time, and also ran a nice race in France before that. He’s gone up four pounds which seems fair – he’s a rejuvenated horse this year and is seeing out his races much better.
I schooled him in the week, he jumped well and felt good. He was unlucky the last time he ran over these fences as his reins broke in the 2019 National, so we deserve a bit more luck this time. The ground and trip will be no problem, and in what is always a hot race, I’m looking forward to riding him.
I still get a huge buzz riding over the National fences, it’s always an achievement just getting round, and I absolutely love it.
Aintree 14.05 – Army Of One
I ride Army Of One for Gavin Cromwell in the Listed three-year-old Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle. I’ve had a few rides for Gavin in the past although not for a while.
This filly is having her first run over hurdles having come off the flat in Germany. Gavin is aiming quite high here but he’s a very good trainer who wouldn’t be sending her over without good reason.
Aintree 15.15 – Swift Crusader
My second ride over the big fences is Swift Crusader in the Grand Sefton. He had some decent form for Evan Williams and then Alexandra Dunn, now with Sam Drinkwater, he ran OK in hunter chases last season.
I finished fourth on him at Sandown before that, touchwood he jumps well and will take to the National fences. He has a bit to find with some of these but if he takes to it, the difference challenge might just bring that improvement.
Tom
