Options open for Saratoga after Cheltenham success

Options are open for Saratoga after his victory in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – better known as the Fred Winter – at the Cheltenham Festival.

The JP McManus-owned grey started life as a Flat campaigner, running six times on the level for Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners, the most recent of which was in the Long Distance Cup on British Champions Day.

When changing hands he was gelded, and posted three encouraging runs over hurdles for Roche before lining up at 10-1 at Prestbury Park last week.

Under Mark Walsh he was triumphant by two and a quarter lengths, following in the footsteps of his late half-brother Brazil, who won the race in 2022 for the same owner, breeder, trainer and jockey.

“We’re delighted with him, he’s come out of the race great. No problem at all,” said Roche.

“It was a great, great thrill. We’re very grateful, it was unbelievable.”

Brazil went on to contest the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Aintree, where he was third, but Saratoga’s next step is not yet confirmed.

Roche said: “I wouldn’t think he’ll go to Aintree, I haven’t spoken to JP or Frank (Berry, racing manager) yet so we haven’t come up with a plan for him.

“It was great to get him after having Brazil, and we really enjoyed the day.”