2015 William Hill Denman Chase Winner – Coneygree

It was ten years ago that Coneygree won the William Hill Denman Chase at Newbury on what was only his third start over fences. Sara Bradstock reflects on the very special horse, regarded “a true professional,” who is enjoying his retirement at their yard in Letcombe Bassett. Bradstock described Coneygree as: “the equine equivalent of AP McCoy, he just went out there and he did it. He wanted to win and he did.” 

Plaid Maid, purchased for just £3,000 to breed a horse for Lord Oaksey, Sara’s father, had already produced Carruthers who went on to win the 2011 renewal of the Hennessy Gold Cup. As described by Sara: “It was a fairytale, Carruthers had already been amazing and this horse was even better.”  

When Coneygree first came into training he was described as a “funny looking ugly duckling with great long legs and no body to go with it.” He soon showed the incredible stamina which shone through in his racing career as Bradstock explains how you could never make him tired as a youngster, no matter how much work you did with him. The long hind legs, the source of his immense power, plagued him throughout his career with repeat stress fractures in his hind legs making him very fragile. 

It was his fragility that caused the Bradstock’s to consider aiming him at the highest level early on as they knew he wouldn’t last forever. However, his win on Betfair Super Saturday on 7th February 2015 confirmed that decision. Aidan Coleman, the rider of the second placed horse, Houblon Des Oubeaux, came in and told the Bradstock’s that Coneygree would win the Gold Cup. As Sara explains: “We were always going Denman Chase to Cheltenham but it was a matter of what race at Cheltenham. That changed after Newbury. The win in the Denman Chase made us believe the Gold Cup was possible.” 

Sent off 15/8 favourite at Newbury, the son of Karinga Bay recorded a seven length victory over Houblon Des Obeaux. Ridden to victory on the day by Richard Johnson with regular rider Nico de Boinville suspended, Coneygree led throughout. He had won both his previous two starts over fences in novice company including the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day. Victory in the Denman Chase was not only his third start over fences but his first in open company. The following month he would become the first novice in 41 years to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup when ridden to victory by Nico de Boinville, a day Bradstock describes as having gone by “in a blur.” 

Having retired in 2019, Coneygree spends his retirement at Bradstock’s yard where he “knows he is the king.” He does a bit of everything in retirement, he is ridden out by one of the girls on the yard, has done a bit of showing, numerous RoR parades including a return visit to Newbury at this year’s William Hill Super Saturday and has also competed in a team chase. Coneygree is known to let himself out of his stable and wander around the yard. Bradstock explains how nothing phases or frightens him, she said: “you could ride him down the M4!” A horse who enjoys being at the centre of attention, Coneygree is thriving with plenty of attention in retirement, as Sara said: “these horses have been heroes, they want to go on being heroes.”