THE anticipation is building as the iconic 1800m race, the OK Grand Challenge, draws near, but this year, the spotlight is not solely on the seasoned champion Bridget Stidolph this Saturday.
With a string of victories behind her, Stidolph remains a formidable force; however, a new wave of contenders is ready to challenge her reign at Borrowdale Racecourse this coming weekend.
Stidolph, known for her past dominance, expressed her gratitude at the final acceptance ceremony on Friday. She acknowledged the support of sponsors, owners, co-trainers, and jockeys. Reflecting on her past successes, especially with horses like Simona, she aims to duplicate her previous achievements.
“Obviously just a very, very big thank you to OK. You know, it’s one of the most prestigious races to be won, and we all try our hardest to be able to do this,” she remarked.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have won this race a couple of years ago. I think I won it about five years ago. And the one that we can’t forget is my friend Simona. We won it back-to-back.”
This year’s competition is expected to be intense, other trainers are also preparing their strong contenders. Debra Swanson has an impressive eight-horse lineup, Thomas Mason has Action Zone, Amy Parham has Holy Land, and Gavin McLeod has Raining Again. They are all ready to challenge the established order.
Stidolph’s experienced favourites such as Wantage, Citrusdal, and Tradition are prepared to compete. However, this year’s story goes beyond Stidolph’s formidable presence.
A fresh cohort of contenders, led by determined trainers, has stepped into the arena, ready to challenge the established order all entering the fray with their promising steeds, the race promises to be a spectacle of talent.
Stidolph is still confident, especially with Wantage, whom she holds dear as a champion. However, the emergence of these rising stars adds an element of unpredictability to the race, making this year’s OK Grand Challenge one to closely watch as new contenders aim to unseat the multi-winning trainer.
“Look, it’s a tough one. Wantage is one of my little favourites,” she added. “Look, it’s a tough one to call. It’s a very, very, very hard race.”
Stidolph discussed her strategy, notably with Raffles, despite carrying more weight.
“Obviously I’ve got Raffles. You know, he’s a lovely little horse. He won the Castle Tankard,” she said.
“He’s doing the same as he was in the Tankard. He’s got a very good chance. Wantage ran an absolute cracker in the Tankard, running very fast and very good.”
