2 minutes From dark horse to Festival favourite, The thrilling ascent of Jamie Snowden's celebrated mare!
Jamie Snowden’s mare, You Wear It Well, has become something of a dark horse on the racing circuit, especially after her dazzling performance at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. Remember that day? She zipped past 20 rivals like they were standing still, notching a win at those lovely long odds of 16-1 under the skilled guidance of Gavin Sheehan. That victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Kicking off this season, You Wear It Well didn’t rest on her laurels. She went head-to-head with Luccia at Wetherby over two miles and came out on top, proving her prowess yet again. But, as with any tale of competition, there was a bump on the road. The rearranged Fighting Fifth at Sandown saw her as the favorite, but alas, victory slipped through her hooves.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Snowden took a calculated risk. He decided it was time to test You Wear It Well over an extended three miles in the Warfield Mares’ Hurdle. A change in tactics was in order; instead of leading the pack, she was held up at the back early on. It was a bold move, a different game plan, aiming to surprise and outmaneuver the competition.
As the race unfolded, You Wear It Well began her move, threading through the field with grace and power. By the final flight, she was challenging Marie’s Rock, the 2022 Mares’ Hurdle winner, for the lead. The anticipation was palpable, the crowd on their feet, but as they thundered down the run-in, it became clear Marie’s Rock just had that extra gear. You Wear It Well was beaten, but only just—by a mere length and a half.
Snowden, ever the sportsman, tipped his hat to the victor, acknowledging Marie’s Rock’s strength on the day. But there was no mistaking the pride in his voice when he spoke of You Wear It Well’s performance. Despite the quicker ground and the sprint from three out, she had shown her mettle, proving she could hold her own against the best.
Looking ahead, the plan is clear: the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. There’s talk of a run at Warwick on February 10th as a stepping stone, a chance to fine-tune and prepare. For fans of You Wear It Well, it’s an exciting time. The mare has shown she’s got the heart, the speed, and the agility to make her mark. As the Festival approaches, all eyes will be on her, watching, waiting, and hoping that this time, she’ll outshine them all.
So, grab your hats and mark your calendars. If You Wear It Well’s journey so far is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling ride.
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