Last weekend, Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire enjoyed a perfect day for the 60th running of Hennessy Gold Cup. Run over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs, the £200,000 Hennessy Gold Cup is one of racing’s biggest tests for horse and jockey, won by many of racing’s best loved stars including Mandarin, Arkle and Denman. This year, the trophy was presented by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Wine Tipster backed Native River who set off as 7-2 favourite and crossed the line half-a-length in front of fast-finishing Carole’s Destrier (25-1) with Double Ross (50-1) a gallant third. Native River not only jumped well but showed he’s also a stayer in an impressive and exciting finish. It was also The Wine Tipster’s nap of the day in his On The Box column in Racing Plus continuing his fantastic tipping run.

This win formed the middle of a treble for trainer Colin Tizzard, a yard in great form at the moment, enjoying wins for Thistlecrack and Ultragold (9-2) in the bet365 Handicap Chase.

The Wine Tipster took some time out to chat with Radio Berkshire where he shared his tips and enjoyed a warming cocktail appropriately named, Horse’s neck. It is a combination of Hennessy Fine de Cognac with ginger ale and a slice of lime. Ideal for a winter’s day at the Races.
This Friday and Saturday The Wine Tipster will be presenting at The Tingle Creek Christmas Festival at Sandown Park in Esher. Sandown Park is a wonderful racecourse and, as ever,we have two cracking days of racing ahead.

See you there!

With four winners out of seven on Saturday, The Wine Tipster is on winning form. He successfully backed Gentleman Jon (9/1 backed at 14/1) who won the feature Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton, Thomas Brown, Growl and Un Temps Pour Tout in his On The Box column on Saturday. This sparkling form follows on from his successful tips in recent weeks with Rosie Briar tipped up at Doncaster at 20/1 and Antony in the competitive Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase at 11/1 (backed at 14/1).

This weekend, he will be presenting at The Open at Cheltenham where he will be combining his key passions, talking racing, wine and food. The Open provides three days of adrenalin-packed action with the highlight of the first half of the Jump season, the BetVictor Gold Cup.

Racing also takes place on Sunday (the only Sunday racing that takes place at Cheltenham throughout the year) with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy as well as six races on the card including feature race, The Greatwood Hurdle. Greatwood is the fantastic horse welfare charity who care for retired racehorses and educate disadvantaged children and young adults with special educational needs.
Look out for The Wine Tipster’s selections in On The Box in Racing Plus on Saturday with the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham the main race of the day.

Neil Phillips, racing pundit, twitter tipster, wine connoisseur, Champagne & Sparkling expert and wine performer can be followed @thewinetipster and also at www.thewinetipster.co.uk