FORMER Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick is facing a mega-money row in a sport he once said he enjoys more than football.
But it could prove an ultimately very lucrative discussion – because it’s set to net him a small fortune.
Sir Chips stood down as Arsenal chairman in 2020 after seven years in charge – but his love for sport has continued with racingGetty – Contributor
Sir Chips, who stood down as the most powerful person at the Emirates in May 2020, is a keen racehorse owner.
And it turns out he could have his best runner yet this year in the shape of hugely exciting mare You Wear It Well.
The six-year-old has won three of four races over hurdles and netted her owner more than £55,000 in all.
But far greater riches lie in store at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, where the horse has the pick of three races to run in.
You Wear It Well was a runaway winner of a Grade 2 Mares’ Novice Hurdle at Sandown this week.
Victory there was worth £28,475 alone and she pocketed another £12,822 when second on her prior run to the brilliant Hermes Allen.
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Trained by Jamie Snowden, she will now be targeted at one of the big races at next month’s Festival.
But the question is which one?
You Wear It Well is currently entered in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle, the Albert Bartlett and the Ballymore at Cheltenham.
Victory in those races is worth £59,084, £75,965 and £75,965 respectively.
It’s a brilliant problem to have – and one Snowden is looking forward to talking to Sir Chips about.
Speaking after You Wear It Well’s most recent win, Snowden said: “We didn’t really have a plan going out there to be honest.
“It was a five horse race and all five have gone on in the past, so I said to Gavin (Sheehan, jockey) to do what he wanted as he knows her so well.
“I think she was kind of dossing to be honest and when Bridget (Andrews) came past (on She’s A Saint) it probably just helped her out a little bit.
“She looked really good. I look forward to the argument with Chips!”
Jockey Sheehan reckons the mares’ race, the least valuable and prestigous of the three, would be the best – but the decision lies with Sir Chips.
Sheehan said: “She’s one of those who could stay three miles but I think she can also run over two.
“I think the mares’ race at Cheltenham would suit.
“It’s run on the track which is more for stayers, so even though it’s over two miles… no matter what at Cheltenham you’re going to be flat out – so you need to stay.”
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