15 March 2023 , 15:39
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Brighton owner and punter Tony Bloom was celebrating early ahead of his team’s M23 derby match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday when his horse Energumene captured the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second time.
Bloom admitted to having “a few quid” on the 6-5 favourite who was backed in one £400,000 bet to win £580,000 with the Brighton-based bookmaker firm Star Sports.
Energumene had flopped in his warm-up when finishing third in the Clarence House Chase at the track in January, a defeat trainer Willie Mullins blamed on the new white coloured fence boards.
But he was confidently guided round the track by jockey Paul Townend and coasted to victory to beat Captain Guinness by ten lengths.
“I was really confident going in he would run a tremendous race,” said Bloom. “He looked the top horse all the way around so we are absolutely delighted.”
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Asked if he had had a bet, Bloom said: “I had a few quid on so I think we’re quids in.” But he would not divulge how much was “a few quid.”
“We were confident anyway but obviously the rain helps the horse. If it had been good ground we would have been less confident. We were reasonably confident anyway and the rain certainly helped in the last few days and the rain in the last couple of horse has been a big boon.”
It's back to back wins for Energumene and jockey Paul Townend (PA)Brighton, who are seventh in the Premier League, host long standing rivals Palace at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.
“I certainly am going,” Bloom added. “It’s a huge rivalry. We are in good form. We played them a few weeks ago and were unlucky not to win. We got a slight VAR decision against us. Hopefully we don’t have any of those tonight and I am confident going in and looking forward to the game.”
Camilla, Queen Consort, was in the winners enclosure to present the trophy to Bloom and co. His horse became only the fifth this century to win multiple Champion Chases, while it was also a staggering 92nd Cheltenham success for trainer Mullins.