Afghan war veteran Captain Guy Disney–the first rider to win a race under rules in Britain with a prosthetic leg–pulled off a military Gold Cup double at Sandown as Rathlin Rose (Ire) (Bonbon Rose {Fr}) sprinted clear in the Grand Military version Friday. Having famously lifted the Royal Artillery Gold Cup last month, there was never a moment when he did not look like following up on David Pipe's charge.
Sent off the 7-4 favourite, Disney was always in the right position before taking up the running approaching the Pond Fence. Renard (Fr) (Discover D'Auteuil {Fr}) was some 12 lengths back in second, with A Tail Of Intrigue (Ire) (Tillerman {GB}) third.
Disney said, “I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for David Carey [person who helped get his riding licence back] and lot of other people. It is magical and what a lovely horse. This race went nicely. He shortened at a few of them and I probably asked him a bit too much. I started to fill him up and then we started pinging a few. Then coming up the hill I thought 'I can put the pressure on here'. He picked up beautifully and it was just sit tight and get him over them. He is class, to win with an amateur like me on he has got to be pretty decent and I just try not to get too busy on him. What a training performance as well, as he went wrong in May 2015. He had his first win back in January and if they keep him right he is just lovely.”
Added Disney, “I'm not trying to be humble. It's not hard work out there and the leg doesn't make much difference. It's because of the work of the likes of David Carey, the Pipes, the lads who chucked my tourniquet on. It is because of their efforts I get the chance to do this. Tonight I will have some pints with a mate and kick on point-to-pointing. I love winning, like anyone else doing it. It's the most phenomenal sport. I loved my time in the army and the expeditions, but you don't replicate days like this very easily.”
The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday, and Disney quipped, “If anyone wants a one-legged jockey next week, I'll be kicking about.”
Pipe added on Twitter: “A typically modest appraisal from an inspirational man. Well done Guy…beyond thrilled for you #RathlinRose.”
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