Gallant grey Vintage Clouds rolls back the years to land Ultima at fifth attempt

Vintage Clouds powers up the Cheltenham hill to win for Ryan Mania and Sue Smith

Tim Goode (Getty Images)

Veteran Vintage Clouds finally had his day in the sun when winning the Ultima Handicap Chase at the fifth attempt under Ryan Mania.

The Sue Smith-trained 11-year-old produced a bold display of jumping before extending clear of Happygolucky, Aye Right, Cepage and One For The Team. He returned at 28-1. 

It was a first festival success for Mania, who came out of retirement in 2019 after five years away. Ongoing weight issues were affecting his enjoyment of the sport and he hung up his boots in 2014.

The jockey said: “I took five years out and was lucky to get rides let alone winners when I came back. I was in a dark place 18 months after winning the National and I walked away from the sport I love but I was enticed back with unfinished business.

“It’s been a long road back but I’m absolutely over the moon. He’s been a real stalwart for the yard and loved it the whole way around.

“The cheekpieces helped to sharpen up his jumping. He was really slick. We thought he’d have a good each-way chance and knew he would run his race. He’s a true old warrior so we’re delighted.”

Vintage Clouds, who provided owner Trevor Hemmings with his 12th festival winner, was third in the Ultima in 2018 and second in 2019.

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FIRST PUBLISHED 2:44PM, MAR 16 2021