Lester cherishes precious Gift

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), March 9, 2006

Byline: By Keith Hamer

Robert lester cannot believe his good fortune in owning Iris's Gift, the 2004 Stayers' Hurdle winner and leading fancy for next week's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The former Manchester coalman, now mine host of the Red Cow at Nantwich in Cheshire, paid just pounds 5,000 for the talented grey more than five years ago.

And though he could have virtually named his price to several of National Hunt's top owners, nothing will tempt Lester to sell the grey he named in memory of his late mother.

"I'm finding it difficult getting my head around the fact I've got a runner in the Gold Cup," said Lester.

"I've had offers from five different people, but I will never sell him."

Lester will be surrounded by family and friends when Iris's Gift, trained by his long-time friend Jonjo O'Neill, goes for glory in jumping's blue riband.

Iris's Gift fell for the first time in public in his last race, but it failed to dampen Lester's enthusiasm.

"It was a soft fall and he's not put a foot wrong schooling since," added Lester. "Jonjo's horses are just coming into form now. The break he's had has done him a treat and he's not missed any work. He's in the best form he's ever been in and he'll be spot on come the big day."

Tony McCoy, retained jockey to O'Neill's main patron JP McManus, has partnered Iris's Gift all season after taking over from Barry Geraghty.

"Jonjo wanted someone to ride the horse all season and Barry was committed to Kicking King, who of course is out of the Gold Cup this year.

"They are totally different characters and jockeys, both very good in their own right. You can't criticise AP ( he's the champion.

"Barry is a mate of mine. He's been to the pub and is very popular with the family. AP doesn't drink and is not as outgoing. You've only got to look at Barry's smile. He's a cheeky chappie.

"It was a tough call, but AP gave us his assurance he'd ride the horse all season. What would have happened if JP had something in the Gold Cup I don't know.

"Should anything happen to AP, Barry will be back on him in the Gold Cup and I've explained that to Barry."

Lester is hoping Iris's Gift can make up for the disappointment the O'Neill yard has suffered with the death of Champion Hurdle fancy Lingo and the enforced retirement of Ladbrokes World Hurdle hope Rhinestone Cowboy.

"Lingo was a big fancy for the Champion Hurdle. That was a blow and then there was Rhinestone as well," he went on.

"From start of the season the Gold Cup has been our goal. We might only get one stab at it."