De Bromhead Rejoices in Minella Indo's Emotional Win

Henry de Bromhead described Minella Indo's Savills New Year's Day Chase win at Tramore as one of the greatest days of his career after the 7-4 shot bravely claimed the grade 3 on an emotional occasion at the Knockeen trainer's home track. 

The third race on the day was named in memory of de Bromhead's late son, Jack, who died in a pony racing accident in September, and adoring crowds gave the winner a rousing reception.

There was barely a dry eye in the house, as spectators were treated to a pulsating finish on the first day of the new year as the 2021 Gold Cup winner just got the better of Stattler in an absorbing battle.

Outsider Roi Mage  had given a bold sight out in front, but he was usurped by the back-to-form Minella Indo and Rachael Blackmore at the second-last fance.

Stattler then responded to urgings from Paul Townend, and the two market leaders battled it out from the last to force a photo finish.

Minella Indo was receiving eight pounds from last season's easy National Hunt Chase winner and made it count to record a first success since his Gold Cup win.

"He was brilliant the whole way—I'm delighted," said de Bromhead.

"It's quite emotional here today. When you see Jacksie and the pictures up around, it's so emotional. I'm delighted for Indo, (owners) the Maloneys, and everyone. The support, seeing the crowds, the roar that he got, we know that everybody is thinking of us.

"The reception meant so much, I was blown away. It's incredible to have everyone with us, the support is amazing and it really helps and has made our journey a lot easier.

"To get one here and win the big race at our local track is amazing. Often in racing these things don't happen, but it's fantastic that it has. The horse deserves it as much as anybody. It's a massive day for us—one of the biggest of my career."

De Bromhead mentioned that Jack was a big fan of Minella Indo, often riding him out at Knockeen. Those memories made the victory even more special for the trainer.

"Jacksie loved riding him," he said. "One of the last times, the horse bucked him off and he kept ringing me. He said Indo's bucked me off, and I asked if the horse was all right. He was disgusted!"

Plans for Minella Indo remain the same, with the 10-year-old aiming to win a second Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 17.

Betfair Sportsbook reacted by cutting Minella Indo to 20-1 (from 33-1) for the showpiece event in March, while Stattler remains unchanged at 14-1.

De Bromhead added: "We'll enjoy today, it's a fantastic race to win. We were thinking about the Irish Gold Cup, but we might just go straight to Cheltenham. My gut would be to go straight there."