ASTON Rowant trainer Alan Hill is hoping Harbour Court’s class and speed allied to James Tudor’s riding skills can bring him Cheltenham Festival glory today.
The 54-year-old handler is looking for the 9-2 second favourite and his Welsh rider to triumph in the CGA Foxhunter Chase (4pm).
Hill, who won the race as a rider on Elmboy in 1985, said: “I think James is the best amateur rider in Britain and, to be honest, I don’t think there are any of the Irish who are any better.
“He has great skill, a brain and determination.”
Hill added that Harbour Court, owned by Andrew West, who lives at Filkins, near Carterton, doesn’t possess a “wow factor,” but he does have speed.
“As the race warms up, it is like seeing a turbo cutting into an engine and he comes alight,” he said.
Hill also runs 66-1 outsider Ravethebrave, a first Festival ride for his teenage son, Joe.
“It is an 18-year-old boy’s dream, like playing football at Wembley, and hopefully he will have a good experience,” added the trainer.
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