Ahead of his return in the Grade 2 Betfair Price Rush Chase, we caught up with one of Sire de Grugy’s owners to find out how things are going…

The story of Sire de Grugy will have passed few in the racing world by after last season. Bought for a relatively low sum for owner Steve Preston’s 50^th Birthday, it was clear from an early stage that he possessed plenty of ability. However, it wasn’t until his 2013/14 campaign that he really flourished, starting with a thumping 11-length win off top-weight at Chepstow.

Sean Preston, son of owner Steve, said it was that day that really confirmed they might have something special:

“For him to win by as far as he did on his first run back of the season made everyone, us included, sit up and take notice. We were thrilled with him.”

What followed was a rollercoaster ride of four Grade 1 triumphs. Wins at Ascot and in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival were book-ended by successes at Sandown, and the jubilant scenes that followed the victories won the horse and his owners a legion of fans.

However, as he was preparing to defend his Tingle Creek crown at Sandown last December, injury struck, and Sire de Grugy has yet to run this season.

“It was a big reality check and obviously disappointing, as he had had a great pre-season preparation” said Sean, but revealed that the horse’s exuberant owners have remained philosophical about their star’s spell on the sidelines.

“We were so lucky with everything that happened last season, in the back of our minds we always knew something like this might happen.”

Thankfully the injury wasn’t as bad as first feared and Sire de Grugy is on target to make his long-awaited return in the Grade 2 Betfair Price Rush Chase on Super Saturday at Newbury.

With the meeting fast approaching, the old buzz amongst the horse’s owners is beginning to return.

“It’s exciting to go and get back racing. We love going together and we’ve all missed it so far this season.

“A lot of us are split between North and South now so outside of weddings and family occasions it’s the only time we really get to see each other”

As you would expect with such a high profile racehorse returning after an injury, there are more than a few nerves too.

“With his previous success and the expectation of his return you do all of a sudden get nervous.

“The main thing after what happened is to make sure he comes back from Newbury safe and sound, and hopefully in the same form as he was before”.

There will be more than a few racing fans willing the horse and his owners on to further success at Newbury on Betfair Super Saturday on the 7th February.

You can keep up to date with Sire De Grugy’s progress by following his page on Facebook and @seanprestonhair on Twitter.