Evan Williams secured one of the major victories of his career at Cheltenham Festival as Coole Cody triumphed in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase. Coole Cody was an outsider in the betting odds for the event, but he produced a stellar performance with Adam Wedge in the saddle to beat out the favourite Imperial Alcazar for the crown.
It was a major moment for the trainer from Glamorgan to make a mark at the festival, rewarding a season of toil at the Cheltenham Racecourse. He prepared his charge thoroughly throughout the campaign and will now look to the future with more than a few talented horses, including Coole Coody, ready to make their mark at Cheltenham.
The victory for Coole Cody might persuade Williams to target other races such as the National Hunt Chase for his charge next season, although the level of talent will increase with Gaillard Du Mesnil considered the early favourite in the horse racing betting odds for the crown. Alternatively, he could also pursue the Coral Cup that evaded him at the 2022 Festival with one of his other charges, Dans Le Vent, who could be one to watch in the horse racing tips.
Williams is not quite ready to put his horses into the Grade One category, but taking a gradual step up to competing at the Grade Two level may give him a chance to make inroads in the future. Coole Cody proved he can cope with talented charges, and Williams may be tempted to push his charge into the higher standard of races come the start of the season. Alternatively, a second run in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase could present him with a second title in the event.
Other rising stars in his yard could be ready to take the next step forward. Ansaam finished the last campaign on a high note by winning the Standing Handicap Hurdle, having also won at Ascot in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old’s progress will be interesting to watch when he resumes his career.
The Last Day might be the most intriguing of competitors out of his yard for next term. The Irish thoroughbred was sensational in his last outing of the 2021/22 season, winning the Red Rum Handicap Chase ahead of a talented field. Williams will be desperate for him to take the next step that could include a run in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase or even the Champion Chase should he continue to impress.
Coole Cody’s win at Cheltenham may just be the start of a bright era for the Glamorgan-based trainer.
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