Summerhill for Cheltenham Winners Imperial Commander was another major chase hero to have commenced his career in Irish point-to-points, the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase winner scoring at Summerhill in a division of the two and a half mile four-year-old maiden over three years ago. Partnered by Jimmy Henry on that occasion, the Flemensfirth gelding got to the front at the last in a grief stricken affair, quickening impressively to win by eight lengths from Andsosayallofus. Trained at the time by Eyssen and Kevin Ross, Imperial Commander had been purchased by Bloodstock Ireland for the Our Friends In The North syndicate, whose members come from all over England. As the story was carried in the Irish Field at the time, he was sourced from trainer, Colin McKeever (who gave E19,000 for him at June's Land Rover Sale in Goffs) after being spotted "flying" at home. The world is now the seven-year-old's oyster and his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies has lots to look forward to with Ballyfitz as well, who also triumphed under Paddy Brennan on the same card, in the Sir Tristam Ricketts Novices' Chase. Winner of the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle at the Festival in March, the Overbury eight-year-old recorded his third course win at Cheltenham on Saturday. He originated from the Wilson Dennison nursery, falling and finishing fourth within eight days back in 2004. The latter effort was in the same event at Summerhill that Imperial Commander landed the year after. There he finished behind subsequent track winners, Kranji, Letterman and Dunguaire Lad. Ballyfitz was then bought by current connections at the Doncaster Sale the following month. (EM)
