TIDAL BAY BACK TO HIS BEST

January 30 2010

Tidal Bay leads over the last.

Tidal Bay bounced right back to form with an impressive display in the Betfair Cleeve Hurdle in the hands of Brian Hughes.

The 2008 Arkle Trophy hero was without a victory in well over a year and was sent off at 14-1 for this return to the smaller obstacles.

Howard Johnson's nine-year-old travelled strongly throughout and was still hard on the bridle turning for home.

He showed his customary high head carriage going to the final flight and jumped it slightly awkwardly, but he quickened well up the hill to beat Time For Rupert by five lengths.

Hughes said: "This was the forgotten horse of the race and there weren't too many Arkle winners in that field.

"He didn't really like the ground but fair play to Howard and his team as they had him spot on and the horse dug very deep.

"He was flat out all the way and he's got his critics but he didn't half try there.

"Howard just wanted to give the horse a change of scenery and it's worked."

Johnson added: "He's enjoyed himself today and we had to do something as I was getting knocked and the horse was getting knocked.

"We entered him in this and the Argento Chase but it got to about a minute to 12 and I thought I'll save myself £500 and take him out of the chase so I don't get tempted to run him.

"I rang Graham (Wylie, owner) and told him I'd schooled him over two sets of hurdles and eight poles, he'd jumped great and we would have a go at the Cleeve.

"He'll be 10lb better if the ground dries up as he doesn't like dead ground and it was pretty dead out there, but he's an honest horse.

"He's a quality horse and class always tells.

"When we tacked him up today, my head girl told me he was number 13 when he won the Arkle and he was number 13 today, so I thought that will do for me.

"He's in the World Hurdle and I don't fancy going back chasing at the minute, but I'll have a word with Graham and see what he says."

He is 10s from 25s with Sky Bet for the World Hurdle.

Paul Webber, trainer of Time For Rupert, is now eyeing a trip to the Festival. He said: "He's coming along and we are very proud of him.

"He still has some ground to make up in this division and it's always tough for a horse in his graduation season towards chasing, but I do think there is more to come and he will take his chance in the World Hurdle."