Chester Cup celebration for Hill

One of the horse racing events in Great Britain, which is looked forward to by spectators and trainers, is the Chester Cup. On Wednesday, 6 May 2009, it was that time of the year again, and it would be a day of pride and celebration for well known trainer, Barry Hill. The seventy two year old trainer was already on a high, after winning the 1000 Guineas a few days before, with Ghanaati, and on Wednesday, Daraahem added to the joy and track record of Hill, as the Chester Cup is known to be a favorite event for him.

Run at the Chester Racecourse, the Chester Cup is an annual horse racing event for four year old thoroughbred horses, and older. It was inaugurated in 1824 and even though the distance has changed over the years, it is currently run over a distance of 3 755 meters. Barry Hill has been one of the lucky trainers, winning the Chester Cup in 1980 with Arapahos and twice with Rainbow High in 1999 and 2001. With the victory of Daraahem on Wednesday, Hill has raked in his fourth win at this event.

Not only was it Hills’ fourth win at the Chester Cup but it was his 150th victory. Adding to this milestone moment was the fact that Richard Hill, Hill’s son, was the winning jockey, making it a memorable family moment. Daraahem really delivered a magnificent performance, being sent off at 7-1 odds. It was his debut of the season, and run bravely to fend off other competitors. He was able to hold on and win the Chester Cup by a neck, with Ajaan following him home in second position and Hallasan finished third.

On the 27th of June 2009, the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate will be hosted by the Newcastle Racecourse and it is hoped by many that Daraahem will be competing as most of the competitors which ran in the Chester Cup, have been confirmed for this horse racing event. But no matter where he starts next, the fact remains that the Hills’ enjoyed a very successful and rewarding Chester Cup.