There was a crisp northern wind blowing through Carlisle, but that didn’t stop the warmth of celebration for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen, as Resplendent Grey delivered a stirring performance to win the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase — and in doing so, emerged as the new favourite for the Coral Gold Cup later this month.
A Touch of Class on a Chilly Afternoon
The Listed two-and-a-half-mile contest, run in memory of the late Lockerbie-based trainer Colin Parker, is known as a stepping stone for future greats. The race’s past winners include names that went on to shape jump racing — Lostintranslation, Tidal Bay, Waiting Patiently, and Many Clouds, to name a few.
Now, Resplendent Grey (9-2) might just add his name to that illustrious roll. Under champion jockey Sean Bowen, the seven-year-old grey produced a determined late surge to deny Handstands (4-5F) and Hollygrove Cha Cha (4-1), sealing a three-quarter length victory for trainer Olly Murphy and owner Carol Skan.
A Measured Ride from Bowen
It was a race that built steadily to a thrilling crescendo. Handstands, a proven Grade One winner, made the early running under Ben Jones, but by the final fence all four runners were still in with a chance. That’s when Bowen’s patience paid off.
“He feels like he’s matured,” said Bowen afterwards, his voice reflecting quiet confidence rather than surprise. “Ben’s horse was having a good look, and I didn’t want to go too early. But from the back of the last, mine picked up beautifully. For a horse who’s won over three and a half miles, he sprinted like a proper one.”
That change of gears — unexpected yet decisive — sealed the deal and immediately had bookmakers trimming his odds for Newbury’s upcoming Coral Gold Cup.
Coral Gold Cup Beckons
Following the victory, sponsors made Resplendent Grey the 7-1 favourite for the Coral Gold Cup — a move that suggests serious confidence in his staying credentials. Bowen, too, hinted that this might only be the beginning of a much larger story.
“I said before the season started that I hoped he’d be my Grand National horse,” Bowen added with a grin. “If he keeps improving like this, I think he might just get there.”
Paggane Dominates in Listed Mares’ Chase
Earlier in the afternoon, there was another emotional triumph when Paggane justified her 13-8 favouritism to land the pricedup.bet Houghton Mares’ Chase for trainer Faye Bramley and jockey Harry Cobden.
Making all from the front, the six-year-old daughter of Shirocco repelled a strong challenge from Telepathique two fences out, eventually powering clear to win by nine and a half lengths. It was a landmark day for Bramley — her first runner at Carlisle, and her first major success since taking out a training licence.
“She’s our stable star,” Bramley said, visibly emotional. “I was so lucky to get her when Ronnie Bartlett and his partners bought her from an online sale. We’ve had to learn each other a bit, but today she was just brilliant. I’m over the moon.”
Cobden echoed the praise: “She’s tough and classy — a real professional. Faye’s done a brilliant job with her. These Listed mares’ races are hers for the taking.”
The Making of a Champion
On a day where stories of promise and patience intertwined, Resplendent Grey’s triumph stood tallest. It was a performance that blended maturity, stamina, and finishing speed — the perfect combination for a horse now marked as a serious Coral Gold Cup contender.
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