Just six days remain until the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and the McCarthy family are dreaming of further Prestbury Park glory with Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle.
Kopek Des Bordes won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago, and is said to be in exceptional form.
Charles McCarthy told the Press Association via Racing TV: “It was a massive occasion last year,
“Of course we’re all nervous again and if he wins we’ll be over the moon, but for us we always just hope he comes home in one piece.
“We have one leg on the plane and myself and the family are very excited about it. In racing you need that little bit of luck and hopefully we have it.
“After we won the Supreme last year, Willie said chasing would be Kopek Des Bordes’ game. He’s a big horse and he is respecting his fences than he did the hurdles.”
Mullins unconcerned by lack of experience
Kopek Des Bordes won his chase debut by 13 lengths in November, having pulled his way into the lead early. He was briefly challenged two out, but by a mere shake of the reins, he drew impressively clear.
However, his progress was halted after a setback prior to Christmas. Connections also avoided testing ground at the Dublin Racing Festival, meaning he comes to Cheltenham off just the one run. Very few have won the Arkle off just one run, with Western Warhorse the latest in 2014 for David Pipe. Martin Pipe also managed that feat with Well Chief in 2004, and the Mullins camp appear unperturbed by the campaign.
“Willie is not worried about the lack of experience,” added McCarthy.
“He’s in exceptional form and Willie said he’s done two very good pieces of work. Willie put two good horses with him and they gave him a massive lead, but Kopek Des Bordes pinged the second last and then passed them as if they were standing.
“Willie said he jumped the last as if there was £100,000 to be won. They are all very pleased with him at Closutton, Paul is also over the moon with him.
“Everything is geared to heading over there on Monday and then racing on Tuesday.”
The Closutton confidence among the barrage of Cheltenham preview’s has seen Lulamba knocked off his perch as the Arkle Chase favourite paving the way for Kopek Des Bordes, who is seemingly in flying form to land back to back Cheltenham Festival successes for the McCarthy family.