Betfair Tingle Creek Chase Day is one of the highlights of the Sandown Park calendar. The day combines two Grade 1 races, the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, both run over 2 miles providing a great day out for everyone.

The meeting is named after a steeplechaser who started his career in the USA and moved to the UK in 1972 to be trained by Tom Jones at Newmarket. Tingle Creek developed an affinity for Sandown Park contesting 6 consecutive runnings of the Sandown Pattern Chase. He never fell in 49 starts over fences in Europe and won a total of 23 races. Even in his retirement, he lost none of his enthusiasm and until 1955, returned ever year to parade past the stands prior to the race named after him.

This year, Sire De Grugy nearly made it three Tingle Creek wins, however after an epic battle, the winner was Un De Sceaux. The Sire De Grugy owners were so proud and sporting even in defeat.

Other highlights came from Altior on the Saturday for Nicky Henderson with an eye-catching success from Messire Des Obeaux and please don’t forget about the second, the very talented Ballyandy. Stunning performances.

During the day, The Wine Tipster was presenting in the Equus restaurant. The star wines were Bolney Estate Pinot Gris 2014 from Sussex, the Morgan Winery Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2010 from St Lucia California and Brunello di Montalcino 2009 from Banfi in Tuscany. The Equus restaurant gives you a great dining experience as well as great viewing point for the whole of the course, including the famous railway fences.

The Wine Tipster’s winners included the impressive Dino Velvet 8/11, Dashing Oscar 7/2 and Back At Midnight at 10/1, which certainly pleased guests in the Equus restaurant.

The Wine Tipster will be presenting at the William Hill King George Festival on the 26th and 27th December at Kempton. You can also catch The Wine Tipster at Warwick on New Year’s Eve.

Finally a big shout out to Martina Flood and Hannah Bevan from Jockey Club Catering who have done such a top job at Sandown and have been great to work with. All the best for the future.

Cheers!

The Appellation d’ Origine Contrôleé  (AOC) of Viré – Clessé is located in the northern part of the Mâconnais sub region, north of the town of  Mâcon in Burgundy.  Most of you are probably more familiar with Mâcon-Lugny or Mâcon-Charny, yet taste Albert  Bichot’s  Viré-Clessé 2010, Maison Albert Bichot, £13.65 or £12.97 when purchasing any 12 mixed bottles from The Oxford Wine Company or £13.65 from Cafe de la Post. This stunning white Burgundy made from 100% Chardonnay has everything with ripe citrus fruit, buttery richness, minerality, a pinch of crisp acidity and the lasting elegance of lemony and subtle tropical fruit on the finish.  The Wine Tipster will be having Bichot’s Viré-Clessé 2010 with our smoked salmon this Christmas. Enjoy!