Tranquil Sea Takes Paddy Power Gold Cup
Held in Britain, every November, the Paddy Power Gold Cup is a National Hunt Chase event, for four year old horses and older. This Grade 3 meeting is hosted by Cheltenham, the Old Course, and features fifteen fences throughout the race. It was inaugurated in 1960 and has become a popular horse racing event. This year, the Irish walked away with the title, as racing sensation Tranquil Sea crossed the finish line in first place, and surprised the entire horse racing community.
Sent off as the favorite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, Tranquil Sea, who was ridden by Andrew McNamara and trained by Edward O’Grady, delivered a magnificent performance from start to finish. Supporters never had a worrying moment throughout the race, as Tranquil Sea slowly made his way into the leading position. As he passed the leading contender at the second last fence, there was nothing more left for McNamara to do, but ride out the remainder of the race. Tranquil Sea did tire towards the end, but still managed to hold onto a four length lead over second place finisher, Poquelin. Hold Em finished in third position, followed by Ballyfitz in fourth. It was the first time in 29 years that an Irish trained contender won the Paddy Power Gold Cup, making it a very special moment for everyone involved with Tranquil Sea.
Speaking out after the race, Edward O’Grady expressed his elation and joy at Tranquil Sea’s victory, and confirmed that they would now be looking towards the Ryanair Chase, which forms part of the Cheltenham Festival. It is a Grade 2 racing event for horses five years old and older, and is run over a distance of two miles and five furlongs. It is a faster race, as there are seventeen fences for horses to clear. But if Tranquil Sea’s performance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup is anything to go by, he should deliver another spectacular effort during the Ryanair Chase. Supporters of Tranquil Sea are hoping that this is just the beginning to a long and successful career, and that this wonderful equine athlete will be able to achieve new heights with each racing event he participates in.
