Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
Gary Carson
Coonan off the mark on King
Billy Coonan rode his first winner on Movie King
© Photo Healy Racing
Movie King powered home on the run-in to land the spoils in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal and give amateur Billy Coonan his first winner.
The Tony Martin-trained gelding was held up in rear and still had plenty to pass turning for home.
Coonan asked his mount for an effort going to the second last and the 8/1 shot jumped that flight in sixth.
The Animal Kingdom gelding really started to motor from the back of the last and got to the front in the closing stages for a two-and-a-quarter length win over Serpolette
Movie King was going one better having chased home Princess Sophia at Punchestown 10 days ago.
Coonan said: "From the back straight he just kept picking up.
"We went a good gallop and I settled him in behind, and he just kept picking up for me turning in.
"Yes, definitely (hopeful after his Punchestown run) - we thought the step up in trip would help him a lot.
"Turning in, I was trying to keep the front-runner in my sights but he just made up a load of ground.
"I started riding out for Tony about a year ago - I'm just in Maynooth about 10 minutes away. He has taught me loads over the year. He's starting to give me a few rides now. Hopefully there is more to come
"Dad is the owner, so it's good."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)