Imperial Cup day at Sandown (Pictures and Results)

By Jon Vine

11 Mar 2023

Jon Vine 11 Mar 2023

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Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park. (Getty)

Ahead of what could be a successful Cheltenham Festival next week, Paul Nicholls enjoyed a double on Saturday's card at Sandown.

The well-backed Iceo came through late on to win the Imperial Cup. Harry Cobden then rode Larchmont Lass to a hard-fought victory in the Listed Mares' Flat Race.

Jamie and Gary Moore went one better than Nicholls and Cobden by sealing a treble on the day at Sandown. Odds-on favourite Spirit D'Aunou delivered in the opening Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, before Hudson De Grugy claimed victory in the final ITV race on Saturday's card, the Novices' Handicap Chase. Zhiguli then survived a late charge from Eden Du Houx to win the Card-closing handicap.

Iceo's owner, Chris Giles enjoyed a lucrative double of his own at Sandown, as Fergal O'Brien's Crambo carried his silks to victory in the Grade Three Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final. Like Paul Nicholls, Ben Pauling will be hoping for a successful week at Cheltenham, so he will have been pleased to see Mucho Mas claim victory in the three-mile handicap chase.

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (L, dark green) clear the last to win The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (L, dark green) clear the last to win The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (L, dark green) clear the last to win The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (3L, dark green) on their way to winning The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: The recall man raises his flag at the start at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (R, pink) on their way to winning The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: A general view as runners turn down the side of the track during The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: A general view as runners turn down the side of the track during The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Hooves and mud at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Hooves and mud at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Bunched runners at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Larchmont Lass (blue/yellow) win The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Larchmont Lass (blue/yellow) win The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Runners pass Esher station during The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Down the back straight during The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) on their way to winning The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) on their way to winning The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) on their way to winning The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Luca Morgan riding Mucho Mas clear the last to win The Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Luca Morgan riding Mucho Mas clear the last to win The Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (L, dark green) clear the last to win The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Spirit D'Aunou (3L, dark green) on their way to winning The Racing Only Bettor Podcast Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: The recall man raises his flag at the start at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (pink) clear the last to win The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final from Jamie Moore and Inneston (L) at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Connor Brace riding Crambo (R, pink) on their way to winning The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: A general view as runners turn down the side of the track during The European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Iceo (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Hooves and mud at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Hooves and mud at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Bunched runners at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Harry Cobden riding Larchmont Lass (blue/yellow) win The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Runners pass Esher station during The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Down the back straight during The British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) clear the last to win The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jamie Moore riding Hudson De Grugy (pink) on their way to winning The Betfair Daily Multiples Offer At Cheltenham Novices' Handicap Chase from Harry Cobden and Quel Destin at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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ESHER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Luca Morgan riding Mucho Mas clear the last to win The Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Sandown Park on March 11, 2023 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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