Sam Thomas carried off another fine training performance in Newbury’s William Hill Hurdle (formerly the Betfair Hurdle, and originally the Schweppes), even though it only resulted in a second place. This was with Lump Sum, his Welsh Champion Hurdle winner and Fighting Fifth runner-up to Sir Gino. Lump Sum was conceding the winner Joyeuse 21 pounds.
Libberty Hunter was a gallant second in the Game Spirit Chase for Evan Williams. Adam Wedge saved him up for a late challenge and thought at one point on the run-in that he would get there, but couldn’t quite manage it and finished a length down to Master Chewy, who he beat last time. The pair ran pretty well exactly to their handicap ratings.
Like his stablemate Libberty Hunter, Juby Ball is owned by Angela and William Rucker. He followed up his Ffos Las victory in January by sauntering to an impressive success in a novice hurdle at Chepstow on Sunday. Juby Ball is a big horse and is sure to make a chaser.
The Midwife has strengthened up in the last year and Grace Harris (photographed) found she could cope with heavy going when finishing second over three miles at Chepstow twelve days previously. With the benefit of a low weight to carry, the mare went one better on Sunday in her second try over fences. She was held up in last place for the first two miles but made ground steadily and once she hit the front three out the result was in no doubt.
Lorcan Williams has been having a quiet time of it, his win on Celtic Art at Warwick on Saturday being just his seventh this season. That’s mirrored the fortunes of one of his principal stables, that of Jeremy Scott. Celtic Art used to be rated 101 on the flat but hasn’t lived up to that over hurdles, despite winning four times. On this occasion he took the lead nearing the second last flight and stayed on well to score.
Richard Patrick has been in the frame a few times this season on novice chaser Lucky Lugger for Matt Sheppard but it all clicked for them at Uttoxeter on Saturday, coming home eleven lengths ahead of the Bowens’ Another Lord. It was Patrick’s third win of the week.
In a Listed novice hurdle at Exeter Fingle Bridge and Sean Bowen upset the odds on Regent’s Stroll, who changed hands for a very large sum last year. He disputed the lead with the favourite for much of the contest until going on after the penultimate flight. The jockey said later that the only way he could win was to make it a good test of stamina. Fingle Bridge, who cost £590,000 less than the runner-up, is now unbeaten in three races since returning from two years on the sidelines.
Our next meeting at Chepstow is the Beer & Cider race day on Saturday 22nd February with a Six Nations Fan Zone. Tickets and hospitality are available.
