Celestial Tune hits the right note for Sean Bowen

Celestial Tune made nearly every yard of the running to win the Cheltenham Guardians Safeguarding Team Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race.

Tralee-based trainer Tom Cooper had booked champion jockey Sean Bowen to show his intent for the journey from Ireland and his confidence was not misplaced.

The four-year-old came in for sustained support near the off as the 9-4 favourite, and her backers never really had a moment of anxiety.

Bowen was happy setting sedate fractions as he hugged the far rail and he was always in the box seat.

As the pace quickened coming down the hill, those who closed from the rear were using up petrol that Bowen had saved and when he asked for an effort once in the home straight, his mount relished the hill, pulling three lengths clear of Shotgun Shirley.

“She controlled the race. I’ve been annoyed all day as all the winners had come from the front so I thought ‘right, I’m going to pop out’ and she found plenty,” said Bowen.

“She has a very good attitude, that’s what makes her good and how she goes through a race. I could drop my hands and let her do what she thinks is best.

“The way she picked up off the bend was impressive and it’s great to get on board an Irish winner.”