Cian Collins is excited for Jazzy Matty’s racing future after Cheltenham heartbreak last week. The seven-year-old was a nostril’s width away from becoming a three-time Festival hero.
As it was, the line fell just at the wrong time for Jazzy Matty. The defending champion in the Grand Annual was beaten a nose by the charging 66/1 outsider Martator.
It was a game effort by Jazzy Matty in a tremendously competitive race. Collins’ charge no longer possesses an unbeaten record at the Cheltenham Festival. He won the 2024 Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle under the late Michael O’Sullivan as well as last year’s Grand Annual.
At aged seven though, there is lots more to come from him at big meetings. Aintree and Punchestown are just around the corner as just two examples. However, Collins may be dreaming even bigger than those illustrious festivals.
“He’d love the traveling over” – Collins on US plan
British and Irish trainers have an excellent recent record in the American Grand National. Gordon Elliott won it for the second time with Zanahiyr last season. Nicky Henderson is also on the roll of honour since 2018.
It is that hurdle contest which Collins is eyeing up for Jazzy Matty.
“The American Grand National is the long-term plan,” he said to the Racing Post. “I think the good ground would suit him and he’d love the travelling over, I think it would spark him up.
“Ballysax Hank was narrowly beaten over there last year and he was sixth in the Grand Annual. I think he has the ability to go there and it would be a great experience for everybody.
“I’ve never been over there, but I’ve been watching Gordon [Elliott] going over there for years. I’ll ask plenty of questions and we’ll have a look at it.”
The season is not over yet for Jazzy Matty though. The spring festivals keep on coming over jumps, and Collins is intent on being there.
“I’d expect another big run, either at Aintree or Punchestown,” he said. “I do think he’s a different horse around Cheltenham, but he came out of the race in great order. While he’s in form, we’ll go again.”
It has been tricky not to look back at what might have been in the Grand Annual. A third straight Cheltenham Festival success would have been a remarkable return.
“It was tough to take, but I was so happy with the run,” said Collins. “It was nice to see him put in a performance like that.”
Another performance like that could easily await over the coming months.