Some Neck provided the reigning joint-champion under-21 rider Ben Harvey with his first success in England when he pounced late to win a thrilling renewal of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, the feature race on the opening day of the International Meeting at Cheltenham.
The ride was already a notable one for Harvey, given that it was his first on English soil, however the day got even better when the John McConnell-trained grey came from off the pace to overhaul the bold-jumping Defi Des Carres after the last.
The Maynooth Business student had shared the Under-21 title with Brian Lawless last season, and has been in demand this term, with 24 rides coming close to already matching his busiest season to date, having been used by the likes of Pat Doyle, Gavin Cromwell, David Christie, Brian Hamilton and Barry Connell.
Speaking following the success, Harvey said: “That was brilliant, it was the ultimate for me.
“Winning a cross country race around here is brilliant.
“I had a willing partner underneath me, which always helps. All he does is gallop and he is tough and really genuine.
“Cheekpieces gave me a hand today to help ride a race on him. I thought I was going to have to settle for second to be honest, but he just kept finding for me.
“It’s my first visit here and first winner, it’s brilliant.”
💔 Heartbreak for Defi Des Carres
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 11, 2020
A first ride for Ben Harvey in Great Britain is a winning one as he steers Some Neck to a dramatic success in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase for @McConnellRacing at @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/G9p3JK6wzd
