25/1 Rite Of Passage To Make History With Dual-purpose Gold Cups

Rite of Passage has been installed by William Hill as a 25-1 chance to become the first horse to win Flat, and National Hunt Gold Cups following his victory at Ascot this afternoon.

Punters were caught unawares when Dermot Weld’s dual-purpose gelding Rite of Passage showed his stamina capabilities over the testing 2m4f trip, by just holding off Aidan O Brien’s Age of Aquarius at odds of 20-1 with William Hill.

After storming home in track-record breaking time, Hills have installed the Irish trained-stayer at odds of 5-1 for a repeat victory next year, and installed him as a 10-1 shot to triumph in the Melbourne Cup later this year.

It could be a third possibly victory for handler Dermot Weld who became the first European trainer to take Australia’s iconic race when winning with Vintage Crop in 1993. The Curragh trainer also followed-up with a win by Media Puzzle in 2002.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill: “We were looking for a new staying champion, and it came in an unlikely form of Rite of Passage. A top-class performer over hurdles, he has now become one in both codes. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that we witness a dual Cheltenham, and Ascot Gold Cup winner if he ever takes up chasing.’’

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
David Hood - Tel: +447803 233689 or dhood@williamhill.co.uk
Jennie Prest – Tel: 44 7740 735464 or jprest@williamhill.co.uk
Kate Miller - Tel: +447725 446317 or kmiller@williamhill.co.uk
Tony Kenny – Tel: +353 868589276 or tkenny@williamhill.ie