Two miles of racing, so little between them.
Ali had Foreman. Messi has Ronaldo. Federer had Nadal.
All the greats need someone to push them on and once more today it was Sire de Grugy forcing Sprinter Sacre to go above and beyond.
The pair renewed their box office rivalry at Kempton in the two-mile Desert Orchid Chase and it lived up to its billing
Having disappointed in this year’s Champion Chase in Cheltenham both were tipped to return to form today. Heading up the hill it was 11/4 second favourite Sire de Grugy who led the way under Jamie Moore, but Nicky Henderson’s 8/11 favourite showed his class at the last.
Piloted by Nico de Boinville, Sprinter Sacre bounded over the final fence to take advantage of a slight stumble from Sire de Grugy and get up to win by half a length.
We’re already looking forward to their next showdown in Cheltenham, as Henderson suggested Sprinter Sacre may skip the Newbury trial in February.
“The options aren’t exactly staring us in the face, and I’m not worried if he doesn’t have another run (before Cheltenham),” said the trainer following the £45,000 win.
Watch Sprinter Sacre pop the last to outbattle Sire De Grugy to the line in the Desert Orchid Chase. #BlackAeroplane https://t.co/NkOzapq5Yn
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2015
