That victory marked A Plus Tard as a horse to watch, and he continued to impress throughout the 2019/2020 season. He won two more races, including the Grade One Novices' Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, before running a creditable second in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 2020/2021 season saw A Plus Tard take on some of the best horses in the sport, and while he was not always successful, he continued to show his talent and determination. He won the Grade Two Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown in December 2020, before finishing third in the Grade One Savills Chase at the same track later that month.
A Plus Tard's path to the 2022 Gold Cup was not without its challenges. He suffered a setback early in the season, which forced him to miss some important races. However, his connections remained confident in his ability, and he returned to action in January 2022 with a victory in the Grade Three Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.
That win set A Plus Tard up for a shot at the Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the sport. He faced tough competition from some of the best horses in the world, including the defending champion Al Boum Photo, but he was undaunted. In a thrilling race, A Plus Tard stayed close to the leaders throughout, before making his move in the closing stages. He surged past the tiring Al Boum Photo and the fast-finishing Frodon to win by a length and a quarter.
The victory was a career highlight for A Plus Tard and his connections, who had worked hard to get him to this point. It was also a testament to the skill and talent of trainer Henry de Bromhead, who had masterminded the horse's success over the years. De Bromhead had also trained the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Minella Indo, and his success with A Plus Tard further cemented his status as one of the best trainers in the sport.
Looking ahead, A Plus Tard's future is bright. He is still only seven years old, and he has plenty of racing years ahead of him. His victory in the Gold Cup marked him as one of the best horses in the sport, and he will be a formidable opponent for any horse that comes up against him in the future.
In conclusion, A Plus Tard's victory in the 2022 Gold Cup was a well-deserved and impressive achievement. It marked him out as one of the best horses in the world, and a serious contender for major races in the years to come. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a strong team behind him, and it is a story that will inspire horse racing fans for years.
Photo: Canva
