Whatadeal details

Whatadeal was bred by RS Cockerill of Cockerill Farms at Dunnington, York. His sire was Then Again, a multiple Group 2 winning miler. Whatadeal's dam was the Nicholas Bill mare Close The Deal, also bred by the Cockerills, who had twice been placed over sprint distances.

Whatadeal was not to enter training until he was four years old, given plenty of time to grow into his significant frame. Brought into the yard as a three year old he was to make his racecourse debut in April 2000 at Market Rasen in the colors of Abbots Salford Caravan Park, when he was twice placed in bumpers within the space of five days.

Given a summer break he returned to Market Rasen in September, this time winning under Mark Nicolls. After a battle with Sikasso in the home straight he was victorious by a head to take the 'BBC Radio Lincolnshire Standard National Hunt Flat Race'. A week later, again at Market Rasen, the same partnership ran out easy winners of the 'Pinewrap Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race'.

Jumping had always been the plan, but Whatadeal failed to complete on his first run over timber, and was beaten by 50 lengths on his second start.

However, he was to make amends at Catterick in November, when Russ Garrity got him home in front in the 'thehorsesmouth.co.uk 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle'. The punters had little faith, as he'd opened at 8-1 and drifted to 14-1 but he won in style.

Whatadeal was to win his fourth and final race in January 2001, Mark Nicolls piloting the 13-8 favourite home at Newcastle. The opening show had put him in at odds on, but again he had drifted. Whatadeal however didn't know of the punters' lack of faith in him and another tough performance saw him defeat Tony Dobbin and Schuh Venture by seven lengths.

Whatadeal's final start came at Wetherby in May 2001 before injury cut short his career and retirement followed.

His short career had produced four wins from just 12 starts, all of his wins coming in a remarkable six month period in the 2000/2001 season.