Kientzheim

“We were very happy with Kientzheim. I think she might just be better going that way around [right-handed]. She struggled to cope at Wetherby, being a little bit free in behind, and here she was able to prick her ears in front and relax. Stepping up in trip too, everything seemed to click today. The Wetherby race had set her up nicely, although the takeaway wasn't really a lack of fitness - more that we needed to change direction and how we rode her. The way she jumps a hurdle, I wouldn't be surprised if we let her see a fence at some point. She's very straightforward and a nice horse, as they always are when JP [McManus, owner] sends one. It's great to have one from him and we're very lucky to get opportunities to train horses like that - Ben Haslam, trainer.”

“Kientzheim is related to Epatante, so it's lovely as she's a sweet filly too. She jumped really well until they really kicked on, but she's a novice. She'll have to grow up a bit more, but I'd think she can go up to some nicer races now. This was a lovely race to start in - Nicky Henderson, trainer.”