Zanza records landmark success for PhIlip Hobbs in Denman Chase
Course specialist Zanza provided Philip Hobbs with his 3,000th winner in the Betfair Denman Chase.
Hobbs went the whole of January without a winner as he edged closer to the landmark figure – and it was apt that a stable stalwart like Zanza would provide him with it.
The nine-year-old has only won seven races under rules, with the last five of them now all being at Newbury.
No place like home for Zanza!
Zanza (16/1) powers clear from the second last to win the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase and make it five wins from six starts at @NewburyRacing!@PJHobbs1 | Tom O'Brien pic.twitter.com/O175uFqYJy
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 11, 2023
The 16-1 chance was ridden by Tom O’Brien, who since the retirement of Richard Johnson has been stable jockey for Hobbs and his delight was evident as he raised his arm aloft on crossing the line seven lengths ahead of 9-4 favourite Hitman.
For Hobbs, trainer of the likes of Rooster Booster, Monkerhostin, Flagship Uberalles, Menorah, Captain Chris and Defi De Seuil, it was undoubtedly special to have such a winner in a Grade Two event.
He said: “It is extraordinary how this horse is so much better here than anywhere else. I’ve never had a horse to that extent. He’d only ever been beaten once here, which was in the Betfair Hurdle and he was only beaten about three lengths in that.
“I didn’t anticipate that – not on his previous form.
“The obvious race to come for is the handicap in three weeks’ time, but I don’t know what the handicapper will do after that.
“Cheltenham is possible, so supplementing I suppose has to be an option.”
Sarah and Philip Hobbs with Zanza, who gave the Minehead yard their 3,000th winner, taking the G2 Denman Chase at Newbury. @PAracing pic.twitter.com/gVhA0JZDeW
— Simon Milham (@simonmilham) February 11, 2023
On Johnson White, who has been with the yard for just under 30 years, coming onto the licence, he added: “It has been in the pipeline for some time – he has been with us a very long time and obviously he is a big part of the set-up.
“I think, maybe, if it has to be done, it has to be done sooner rather than later.
“He has got some people who will bring some horses to the table as well.
“The 3,000 has been a bit slow coming in the last few weeks, but we got there eventually.
“It has taken us a long while to do it.”
Asked about the big-race winners over the years, Hobbs said: “Rooster Booster was extraordinary, because he went 18 months without being beaten. He was the highest-rated hurdler in the country at the time. And more recently, Defi Du Seuil won seven Grade Ones.”
Asked about the lack of winners in recent times and whether he was still enjoying training, he said: “I still very much enjoy it. I’m going to be around for a long time.
“Early in my career, we had very few horses and not many winners, either. We have had a very good period in between. It has been a bit slow recently, but hopefully Johnson will bring more to the table.
“I’m a little emotional. It has been a long time, so I suppose that’s right – but not very emotional!
“I’m not thinking of drawing stumps in the slightest. I shall still be there very much as well.”
Hobbs’ wife, Sarah, said: “We have found it difficult as we’ve had about 12 seconds in the last two weeks. We have had 32 seconds and 21 winners, so it has been a nightmare.
“He doesn’t get emotional, but this has been quite difficult, because it has been 2,999 for so long. Everything you try to do, it gets worse.”
