12:40pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Mike Donovan
Mattie Batchelor refuses to give up on the dream.
The Brighton jockey will makes his Cheltenham Gold Cup debut on board Carruthers tomorrow.
And he still harbours hopes of upsetting the odds in partnership with his seven-year-old mount as they take on superstar favourites Kauto Star and Denman in the 12-horse field.
Batchelor, 31, said: “Stranger things have happened in racing. You never know. As long as you get to the line on the day anything can happen.
“Carruthers has all round qualiities. He has jumping ability and enthusiasm. Only a few horse combine those attributes. He will give everything.
“He’s a nice animal and his form is good, I’ve ridden him on all his 13 rides and we’ve had six wins and four seconds.
“It wouldn’t do to get firm ground for him but Cheltenham have been watering the track well, trying to get it the easy side of good. And rain is forecast the night before and all day Friday. The more rain the merrier for my horse.
“The pressure is also off my horse and on the big two. I wouldn’t have thought I’ll be nervous while the press are raving about Kauto Star and Denman.
“I can go out and enjoy the occasion. I’ve ridden Carruthers over jumps at his stables this week and he seems good It is a mammoth task to beat Kauto Star and Denman and even Cooldine, who beat my horse in the Sun Alliance Chase at the Festival last year.
“Top six would still be a hell of a race from Carruthers but if the ultimate dream comes true there will be a hell of a party. The champagne will come out. I haven’t drunk for 15 years but would have a tipple.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a horse good enough to run in the Gold Cup. It is a blue riband event. Only the crème de la crème take part. It be would something to say I’ve done it. To tell my 15-month daughter, Fay, when she is old enough. She might be proud of her dad for once!
“My partner Cara will be there but my dad Mick doesn’t like the Cheltenham crowds and will babysit Fay back home while watching the Gold Cup on the television.”
Batchelor revealed he will prepare for the big race with a run over part of the course.
He said: “A few of us will do it, although we won’t be jumping any fences! It blows the cobwebs away and warms up the muscles. People think it is easy on a horse but it can be tricky on your legs.”
Batchelor has tasted victory at the Festival, on board King Harald five years ago. He said: “I’m one of the lucky ones to have done that. It was amazing. Now to just be a part of the Gold Cup day I’m sure will be fantastic.”
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