British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Peter Buchanan has come in for the ride on Big Shu in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week.
Paul Carberry has ridden the Peter Maher-trained nine-year-old on his two starts this season, most recently finishing third when trying t...
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British Horseracing Authority
Tullius riding high for Town Moor
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Connections of Tullius are optimistic the six-year-old can make up for a long time on the sidelines with a big run in the William Hill Lincoln, the feature race on the opening day of the turf Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Andrew Balding-...
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O’Brien forecasts World rule
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Joseph O'Brien, the man in the hotseat when Ruler Of The World makes his debut for new part-owners Al Shaqab Racing in the Dubai World Cup, believes the colt has the scope to enjoy a long and prosperous season.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien's son reached Me...
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Cavalry charged up for Gold repeat
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Saeed bin Suroor is confident veteran stayer Cavalryman can successfully defend his crown in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan on Saturday.
The Godolphin team do not have too many eight-year-olds in training, but Cavalryman has already proved his worth t...
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Hill primed to star at Meydan
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Sir Michael Stoute thinks Hillstar has acclimatised well to his new surroundings ahead of Saturday's Dubai World Cup.
The Danehill Dancer colt landed the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot last summer and finished third in the King George, but was behind Investec Derby hero and World Cup favourite Ruler Of The World in the Champion Stakes when last seen,
Ryan Moore was in the saddle when Ruler Of The World struck at Epsom, but the in-demand pilot is teaming up with Hillstar at Meydan.
"He's really loving it here and has settled in very well. We've had luck with the draw (seven) but it's a tough race," said Stoute.
Remarkable global traveller Red Cadeaux was beaten only by Animal Kingdom in last year's race, and has subsequently made other notable performances in defeat in Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.
Trainer Ed Dunlop said: "We will drop him in from his outside draw (stall 14) and try and pick up the pieces if we can. He has won nearly �4million in prize-money, been second in two Melbourne Cups and been second here. Everyone seems to love him and he may be a perennial bridesmaid but we will settle for that."
Godolphin horses have claimed the feature a record five times, all of which were trained by Saeed bin Suroor. He and colleague Charlie Appleby field a pair each this time, with Bin Suroor having the best hand via Group One Al Maktoum Challenge winner Prince Bishop and African Story.
"We have always really liked Prince Bishop and he has thrived this year. He has a good draw (one) and we expect a big run. African Story lost his chance at the start last time when he banged his head. He is better than that and was a closing fifth in this last year, having won the Godolphin Mile in 2012," said the trainer.
Vancouverite rose through the ranks for Andre Fabre last year and made a pleasing comeback, but Appleby does not hold much hope for Cat O'Mountain improving on his fourth to Prince Bishop last time.
"The draw (15) has not been kind to Cat O'Mountain and Mickael (Barzalona, jockey) is particularly disappointed. We will have to ride him for luck and hope some gaps appear in the straight," he said.
"Vancouverite ran well on turf on Super Saturday over 1800 metres, and will appreciate this extra 200m and the switch to the all-weather should not be an issue. I am really looking forward to running them both."
Last year's fourth, the Andrew Balding-trained Side Glance, became a Group One winner in Australia last November.
David Redvers, for owners Pearl Bloodstock, said: "All that could go wrong in his prep race did go wrong but he has come on for that run three weeks ago and is in very good hands. He thrives on his travel but he does need a strong pace and his chance will depend on how well he settles."
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Mukhadram, has been critical of the Tapeta surface, and last season's Eclipse and Royal Ascot place-getter must also break from stall 13.
Sheikh Hamdan said: "The surface is an unknown for him. Richard Hills took him to Kempton on a similar surface and he seemed to handle it but we will only find out on Saturday if he really copes with it."
Trainer William Haggas said: "We would have preferred a lower draw, certainly, and the surface is a big question mark. We will find out on Saturday whether he handles it."
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Kempton awaits Guest of honour
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
George Margarson hopes the decision to bypass the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster in favour of a trip to Kempton proves the right one with Rebellious Guest in Saturday's BetVictor 6 Places Grand National Rosebery Handicap.
The five-year-old was no...
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Captain Cat out of Lincoln
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Ante-post favourite Captain Cat has been declared a non-runner for the William Hill Lincoln.
Trainer Roger Charlton had already issued concerns about the Doncaster ground for the five-year-old gelding, who has posted his best efforts on a sound surf...
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Crosse aiming for swift return
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
David Crosse hopes to be back in action inside a fortnight despite suffering three broken ribs and facial injuries in a fall at Exeter on Wednesday.
The jump jockey was allowed home from Royal Devon And Exeter Hospital on Thursday afternoon after hi...
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Rebel wins on Cork return
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Rebel Fitz made a winning return to action with a smooth display in the www.racinghomeforeaster.com Hurdle at Cork.
The 2012 Galway Hurdle hero was returning to the smaller obstacles for the first time in almost a year having won five of his seven s...
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ARC signs prize-money agreement
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Arena Racing Company has signed a prize money agreement after previously declining to join up to the British Horseracing Authority-backed scheme.
The Horsemen's Group issued an angry response last October when ARC opted not to sign an agreement - a contract which covers a range of items including prize money contribution from each racecourse - with the operators instead agreeing terms with the BHA for their 2014 contribution.
However, all three parties announced on Thursday that ARC has come on board with the agreements, providing a three-year commitment from 2014-2016 between ARC's 14 racecourses and the sport's participants, leaving just five of Britain's 58 racecourses not signed up to the scheme.
Tony Kelly, managing director of ARC, said: "We are delighted to have signed a prize-money agreement. We recognise the value horsemen place on getting a greater return from prize money and the mutual benefits of a longer-term deal.
"ARC's executive contribution for 2014 is �11.3million, an increase of �2.2m (24 per cent), and with this contract we have committed to meeting the terms agreed with the Horsemen's Group and BHA for the next three years.
"Following last year's discussions we have been able to agree a deal which will allow racing's participants to share in ARC's future growth which is to the benefit of British racing as a whole.
"I would like to personally thank Philip Freedman and Richard Wayman, as well as BHA, for the measured and collaborative manner in which these discussions took place. The team at ARC look forward to continuing to work with the Horsemen's Group through the tenure of this agreement and beyond."
Freedman, chairman of the Horsemen's Group, said: "It's our belief that prize money agreements represent a new era of collaboration and trust between racing's key stakeholders.
"Consequently, it is encouraging that ARC, as the group with the largest number of fixtures, has now signed the same deal with the Horsemen's Group and BHA, which is excellent news for all our members."
The three-year deals commit each of the parties to working together, not only in terms of a racecourse's prize-money contribution but also in a range of areas designed to bring benefits to all in the sport. Other topics addressed include racecourses having a special fund to enhance prize money according to field sizes in certain races and facilitating racecourses' access to bonus schemes to top up prize money.
Paul Bittar, chief executive of the BHA, is pleased to have ARC signing up to an agreement.
He said: "Prize-money agreements provide further evidence of the benefits for the sport when the key stakeholders work together in the best interests of the sport as a whole.
"We're pleased that ARC has seen value in coming under the umbrella of prize-money agreements which was a natural extension of the commitment they'd already provided to BHA.
"Recent developments in terms of Government announcing its intention to address British racing's central funding issues give grounds for optimism that the economic health of the sport will markedly improve."
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Hunt set for National challenge
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Hunt Ball is "99 per cent certain" to line up in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week.
The nine-year-old was bought by American-based ownership syndicate Atlantic Equine last May, having previously carried the colours of Anthony ...
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Sheikh outlines Tapeta concerns
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is concerned the "inconsistent" nature of Meydan's Tapeta surface could count against Mukhadram when he goes for glory in the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
The William Haggas-trained five-year-old mixed it in some of Britain'...
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Qipco to back Irish Champion Stakes
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Qipco Holding has agreed a three-year deal with Horse Racing Ireland to sponsor the Irish Champion Stakes for the next three years.
The mile-and-a-quarter Group One, run at Leopardstown on September 13, is the feature race on day one of the new Iris...
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Upbeat Jacob enjoys Nicholls visit
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Daryl Jacob could have a better idea of the timetable for his return to race-riding after multiple injuries in a freak incident at Cheltenham when he sees his specialist next week.
The jump jockey suffered a broken knee, leg and elbow when he was th...
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Straight to Newmarket for Ihtimal
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Saeed bin Suroor has confirmed Ihtimal will make her return to European action in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4.
Winner of the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket and the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, the daughter of Shamardal brought he...
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Cusack hoping for National service
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Liam Cusack is hoping for just five more withdrawals from the Crabbie's Grand National to allow Last Time D'Albain to run in the world's greatest steeplechase.
The 10-year-old is currently five away from making the cut for the Aintree spectacular on...
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Lincoln concerns for fancied Cat
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Roger Charlton has warned ante-post favourite Captain Cat would be doubtful for the William Hill Lincoln if Doncaster receives its expected rainfall.
The Beckhampton trainer has stressed good ground is crucial for the five-year-old, who has been the...
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Crosse confirms broken ribs
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
David Crosse has confirmed he has suffered three broken ribs and facial injuries in a fall at Exeter.
The jockey was aboard War Treaty in the Higos For Your Commercial Insurance Novices' Selling Hurdle when he was unshipped at the first flight and k...
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Ballyalton could have done enough
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Ian Williams is leaning towards putting Ballyalton away for the remainder of the campaign following his fantastic run in defeat at the Cheltenham Festival.
The seven-year-old, owner by professional golfer Lee Westwood's father, John, won three of hi...
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Lynam Power-ed up for big night
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Eddie Lynam is back in Dubai with two of his stable stars in a bid to finally strike gold at Meydan on Saturday night.
Balmont Mast seeks to improve on last year's cracking second in the Golden Shaheen, while Sole Power also returns following a clos...
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Crosse confirms broken ribs
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
David Crosse has confirmed he has suffered three broken ribs and facial injuries in a fall at Exeter.
The jockey was aboard War Treaty in the Higos For Your Commercial Insurance Novices' Selling Hurdle when he was unshipped at the first flight and k...
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Options open for Channon aces
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Somersby and Sgt Reckless could miss the Aintree meeting in favour of other opportunities, including Punchestown.
Now a 10-year-old, Somersby put in one of the best performances of his career when chasing home Sire De Grugy in the Queen Mother Champ...
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Crosse confirms broken ribs
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
David Crosse has confirmed he has suffered three broken ribs and facial injuries in a fall at Exeter.
The jockey was aboard War Treaty in the Higos For Your Commercial Insurance Novices' Selling Hurdle when he was unshipped at the first flight and k...
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Benefficient forced into retirement
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Tony Martin's 2013 Cheltenham Festival hero Benefficient has been retired.
Also a winner of three Grade Ones at Leopardstown, including the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase earlier this season, he earned his owners over �200,000.
Benefficient last ran in the Ryanair Chase two weeks ago but was pulled up.
In a post on Facebook, New York-based Aidan 'Red' Shiels and Niall Reilly said: "To all our friends in horse racing and Benefficient fans.
"It is with great sorrow that we have to report that Benefficient has run his last race after sustaining a serious leg injury.
"Three years ago we began a fairytale trip with Benefficeint which saw us in March 2013 reach the pinnacle of National Hunt racing at Cheltenham when we walked Benefficient into the winner's enclosure a champion.
"To everyone who made this great journey possible, from our vet Ned Gowing, jockeys Ruby Walsh, Paul Townend and of course Bryan Cooper, our trainer Tony Martin and all his staff who put in all the hard work behind the scenes, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for everything."
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National fever bubbling for Tindall
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Rugby union ace Mike Tindall is looking forward to his first Crabbie's Grand National experience with Monbeg Dude at Aintree on Saturday week.
The former England star famously bought the horse on impulse at Brightwells back in January 2010 and his snap decision has already reaped rich reward, with victory in last season's Coral Welsh National a particular highlight.
The Michael Scudamore-trained nine-year-old has won one of his four outings this term, triumphing at Cheltenham in December, but part-owner Tindall admits he would not be in his current position were it not for his wife, Zara Phillips.
The pair married in July 2011, and Tindall says the Queen's granddaughter sparked his interest in the sport.
He said: "From where I come from, we never went racing much as I was growing up, although obviously we took an interest in the National. But I got more into it when I started going out with Zara, who is very into racing and goes to Cheltenham every year.
"Gradually through that I got to meet some of the jockeys and then the trainers and it's gone from there. Now when I go home I'll switch on Racing UK, At The Races or Channel 4 Racing and watch what has been going on in the races. It's an education and I'm still learning.
"James (Simpson-Daniel, Gloucester wing), me and Zara were at the sale with Scu and he was an impulse buy, all the other horses that night made �20,000-plus so I thought I would be out-bid. But the bidding suddenly stopped with him. Zara wasn't happy when I got landed with him!
"I went to look at him in the stable and he looked tiny. We then had to find a way of transporting him so Scu had to drive home and come back with the box. It took a while for us to work out the horse but he'd won a point-to-point in Ireland and is a battler. I don't know much about horses, but one thing I learned from Zara with eventers is that is you have one that tries you are 90 per cent there and he is a trier."
Phillips is a renowned equestrienne, who boasts a three-day eventing world title and a silver medal from the London Olympics among her achievements.
She has been putting those skills to good use with Monbeg Dude, but was keen to downplay her role in the gelding's noticeably improved jumping following his Cheltenham success.
Tindall, speaking as the press and media descended on Scudamore's Ross-on-Wye yard, said: "After the Welsh National, Zara said he was not quite respecting his fences and was lazy with his jumping. So she started doing some pole work with him and getting him sharp on his feet.
"The progression is there to see, now he bounces over his fences. He travels a lot better now and is conserving his energy and speed. He goes to Gatcombe most Mondays to do it, in the outdoor arena. He was there a couple of days ago and will go on Monday ahead of Aintree."
Tindall is currently a player-coach with Gloucester so should Monbeg Dude win, his celebrations will have to wait as his side play Wasps the following day.
He said: "I've never been to the Grand National before and it's just something having a runner. It's going to be tight because I'll be training early on Saturday but I'll get up there and watch the race. Unfortunately, if we do well I'll have to come straight back down and we'll have to delay the celebrations."
Monbeg Dude's hopes of Aintree glory were augmented on Wednesday when Scudamore announced he had secured the services of Paul Carberry for the Grade Three feature.
Carberry, who won the world's greatest steeplechase in 1999 on Bobbyjo, trained by his father, Tommy, was in the plate for his Welsh National success and has ridden on two other occasions, most recently when the combination finished fifth in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster.
Scudamore said: "Paul is going to ride and I'm very happy to have him.
"Someone with Paul's skill, experience and craft is not a bad man to have on board. I think this is one of the best Nationals ever and it's a hugely competitive race. But he deserves to take his chance and there are 39 others and 30 fences to get in the way. He goes there with a major chance on form, he stays, I hope his jumping is not a problem and he goes on any ground so he ticks a lot of the boxes.
"A lot has come together with the horse and Zara's input has been huge. Her work has just made him a little more aware where his feet are over the obstacles. That's what eventing horses is all about - they have a completely different way of looking at it. Accuracy and speed are more the National Hunt thing while eventers look at how it is done."
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Power – Form book doesn’t lie
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Paddy Power believes the best piece of evidence concerning a YouTube video which has emerged of Johnny Murtagh after Sole Power won at Royal Ascot is the form book.
The British Horseracing Authority said it is aware of the clip.
In it, Murtagh, who...
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Crosse taken to hospital
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
David Crosse was taken to hospital for further examination after suffering a fall at Exeter.
The jockey was aboard War Treaty in the opening Higos For Your Commercial Insurance Novices' Selling Hurdle when he was unshipped at the first flight.
Scre...
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Telescope has Sandown in sight
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Sir Michael Stoute will tread a tried-and-tested route this season with Telescope as the Great Voltigeur winner returns to action in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown next month.
The four-year-old was one of the talking horses of last season bu...
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Godsmejudge is Ayr apparent
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Last year's winner Godsmejudge is among 88 entries for the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on April 12.
The eight-year-old was classed in some quarters as a "home" winner last season, with proud Scot Alan King sending him from his Barbury Castl...
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High-class Scottish Champion entry
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
My Tent Or Yours and The New One are among a classy entry of 55 for the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr on April 12.
Second and third behind Jezki in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, both camps felt they had excuses with My Tent Or Yours refus...
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Scudamore books Carberry for Dude
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Michael Scudamore has secured the services of Paul Carberry for Monbeg Dude in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week.
Carberry, who won the world's greatest steeplechase in 1999 on Bobbyjo, trained by his father, Tommy, was in the...
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Cirrus steps up Sheema work
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Corine Barande-Barbe was track-side to supervise Cirrus Des Aigles as the much-travelled gelding slightly upped his work ahead of the Sheema Classic on Saturday.
The Chantilly trainer was taken in a limousine straight to the training area direct fro...
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Bay and Spring in Sandown shake-up
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Previous winner Tidal Bay and Cheltenham Festival victor Spring Heeled are two of the headline names in an 84-strong entry for the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on April 26.
The Paul Nicholls-trained Tidal Bay notched a wide-margin success over the the...
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Gosden accepts Fugue dilemma
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Gosden admits it was a hard decision choosing which race to tackle on Dubai World Cup night with The Fugue.
The five-year-old mare had the option of either the mile-and-a-quarter Dubai World Cup on the Tapeta track or the nine-furlong Dubai Dut...
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Wide draw for Ruler in World Cup
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World will have to defy a wide draw in stall 12 if he is to win the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday, when he will be sporting new colours.
Al Shaqab Racing has purchased a 50 per cent share in last season's E...
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Fitz powered up for Cork comeback
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Rebel Fitz could book his ticket for the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse with a good run at Cork on Thursday.
The nine-year-old won five novice chases on the bounce over the summer and autumn, culminating in a Grade Three success at Tipperary in Octob...
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BHA ‘aware’ of Murtagh footage
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
The British Horseracing Authority is looking into a video clip taken after a race at last year's Royal Ascot meeting following the posting of footage on YouTube.
The film appears to show jockey Johnny Murtagh being handed an object by Sarah Lynam, d...
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Cirrus steps up Sheema work
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Corine Barande-Barbe was track-side to supervise Cirrus Des Aigles as the much-travelled gelding slightly upped his work ahead of the Sheema Classic on Saturday.
The Chantilly trainer was taken in a limousine straight to the training area direct fro...
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Gosden accepts Fugue dilemma
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Gosden admits it was a hard decision choosing which race to tackle on Dubai World Cup night with The Fugue.
The five-year-old mare had the option of either the mile-and-a-quarter Dubai World Cup on the Tapeta track or the nine-furlong Dubai Dut...
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Conti to contest Bowl
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Silviniaco Conti will try to improve on his Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth in next week's Betfred Bowl at Aintree.
Paul Nicholls' King George hero was beaten just a length and three-quarters at Prestbury Park and the Ditcheat trainer has admitted he is ...
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Al Shaqab swoop for Ruler interest
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Al Shaqab Racing has purchased a "significant interest" in the Coolmore-owned Ruler Of The World, last season's Epsom Derby winner.
The four-year-old Galileo colt will remain in training with Aidan O'Brien and will continue to be ridden by the Bally...
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Al Shaqab swoop for Ruler interest
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Al Shaqab Racing has purchased a "significant interest" in the Coolmore-owned Ruler Of The World, last season's Epsom Derby winner.
The four-year-old Galileo colt will remain in training with Aidan O'Brien and will continue to be ridden by the Bally...
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Royal summons for willing Able
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Moore views the fast-improving Able Friend as a possible Royal Ascot contender in June - rather than Dubai World Cup second favourite Military Attack.
The Hong Kong-based trainer reports his triple Group One winner Military Attack in tip-top or...
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Royal summons for willing Able
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Moore views the fast-improving Able Friend as a possible Royal Ascot contender in June - rather than Dubai World Cup second favourite Military Attack.
The Hong Kong-based trainer reports his triple Group One winner Military Attack in tip-top or...
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Red Ed takes on the World
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Ed Dunlop visited the Meydan training track for the first time on Wednesday morning and expressed enthusiasm Red Cadeaux can again perform with credit in the Dubai World Cup.
The eight-year-old gelding has been a standing dish in major middle-distan...
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Red Ed takes on the World
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Ed Dunlop visited the Meydan training track for the first time on Wednesday morning and expressed enthusiasm Red Cadeaux can again perform with credit in the Dubai World Cup.
The eight-year-old gelding has been a standing dish in major middle-distan...
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Jarvis planning licence appeal
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Alan Jarvis has signalled his intention to appeal against the British Horseracing Authority's decision to reject his request for a full training licence.
The BHA's licensing committee announced on Tuesday that the Buckinghamshire handler would not b...
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Crosse savours Fontwell win
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Jump jockey Dave Crosse was relieved and delighted in equal measure after he rode his first winner for 12 months, overcoming a final-flight scare to boot at Fontwell.
Norfolk Sky (5-1) had a long lead when she stepped at the last obstacle, almost unseating Crosse who managed to keep the partnership intact.
So much was her superiority that the Brian Barr-trained mare still won by 17 lengths from Bow Quest, with the 4-6 favourite Midnight Minx half a length away third in the Play Tomb Raider At 32Red Mares' Maiden Hurdle.
"It's a been a year and three days since Sunday. I don't think I've been doing anything wrong, just riding the same. I just haven't been getting on the right type of horse," Crosse told At The Races.
"It was brilliant to get one in the bag. When you go for that length of time, you start to doubt yourself. I thought I was riding well, but I just needed a bit of luck which we had at the last."
Tarraco pipped Danners after a battle royal for the Switch To 32Red For �10 Free Handicap Chase.
Aidan Coleman kicked on from four out on the Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old, who was carrying the Vida Bingham colours made famous by 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome. Danners put in a strong challenge but the 11-4 joint-favourite kept him at bay by a short head.
"Halfway up the run-in I thought I was going to get beat, but my fella was on his own for a while and once the other horse came upsides he was very brave and stuck his head down," said Coleman.
"We had the inside rail which makes a lot of difference here. I could see why Mark (Wall on Danners) was trying to get there, but I was just doing enough to hold it and it showed in the end."
Keltic Rhythm (6-4 favourite) defied top weight in gutsy fashion to capture the 32Red for Microgaming Games Handicap Chase. Trevor Whelan brought Neil King's charge home by a length and three-quarters from Venetian Lad, with only three of the seven starters completing the course.
"He didn't travel great, but he jumped well and when he got to the front he was winging his fences," said the 3lb-claiming conditional, who was banned for two days (April 8 and 10) for using his whip above the permitted level.
Nico de Boinville always had the Ben Pauling-trained Malibu Sun (9-4 favourite) up with the pace as they lifted the 32Red Welcomes Microgaming Players Handicap Chase by 11 lengths from Morestead.
Pauling said: "I bought him a while ago quite cheaply out of Ascot. I knew him from Oliver Sherwood's yard. He had a tweak of a leg so I turned him away for 12 to 14 months at my father's farm. My mates from university bought him so it's great to get one on the board for them."
Laura Mongan's 12-year-old Sea Cadet (12-1) jumped into the lead at the second-last under Jack Sherwood and held Miss Mayfair by a length and three-quarters in the Premier Roulette At 32Red.com "Hands And Heels" Handicap Hurdle.
Amateur rider Freddy Tett escaped with a cut above his eye after a nasty tumble from Elegant Olive at the third flight.
Virtuel D'Oudon (2-1) was all out to hang on by three-quarters of a length from the staying-on Ballyheigue Bay in the Docker Hughes Memorial Novices' Hurdle for trainer David Pipe and jockey Conor O'Farrell.
Sheena West's Justanother Muddle (4-1) gamely gave weight all round to land his second success in the Play Thunderstruck At 32Red Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
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Jarvis licence request rejected
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Alan Jarvis has had his application for a full training licence rejected following a British Horseracing Authority hearing.
The Buckinghamshire handler's case was considered by the BHA's licensing committee, who decided not to approve his request bu...
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Princess facing Trial test
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Runaway Dundalk maiden winner Harry's Princess is set to test the water at Pattern level in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial.
The daughter of Strategic Prince did not make her juvenile debut until November, but it was worth the wait as she pulle...
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