FAMILY FUN EVENING ATTRACTS A CROWD
FAMILY FUN EVENING ATTRACTS A CROWD
Action got under way with the Family Fun Evening Novices’ Hurdle Race and a front running performance by First Street culminating in a three quarters of a length success for First Street, the 13/8 favourite. Zafar was the only serious challenger as the field were well strung out for the majority of the race. Jockey Nico de Boinville commented: “The ground is good. It was a comfortable win and he’s very straightforward.”
“He’s been a difficult horse as he’s very keen at home. We’ve always thought he needed fences, but it was hard to get him to settle. He has today and it was brilliant,” explained jockey Chris Ward. He was referring to Richie Valentine the 28/1 winner of the Horseradish Catering Novices’ Handicap Steeplechase. The partnership was in contention and had a narrow lead over the last fence and First Revolution was three quarters of a length in arrears passing the post.
Course and distance winner Cousin Oscar, returned at 7/2, notched up a further course success when landing the Book A Wedding At Bangor-on-Dee Handicap Hurdle by one and three quarter lengths from Hurricane Ali. Front running tactics were adopted by Theo Gillard and upping the tempo two furlongs from home proved decisive. Successful trainer Donald McCain said: “He’s very effective on a quick track and he’s an accurate jumper. He doesn’t miss too many and that gives him a better chance. Theo is very good rider, a couple of injuries have gone against him, hopefully he’ll get a clear run now.”
An impressive winning margin of 11-lengths was recorded by Wishfull Dreaming in the Burridge Trophies Handicap Steeplechase. Gangster was the early leader before fading quickly and Mr Mafia headed the field on the far side. The nature of the race changed as the 9/2 chance accelerated into the lead after clearing the final obstacle. Jockey Jonathan England explained: “He took a while to get his confidence and he needs a galloping jumping track. I couldn’t believe how well I was going. It’s a family affair today, long may it continue.”
The Wynnstay Restaurant Handicap Hurdle Race provided an exciting finish as Calum Gilhooley surged late to overhaul his rivals and deny Catchmeifyoucan by half a length. The early leader Drumlee Watar was a head further back in third place. “It was really good, the nice gallop suited him and he put in really good jumps at the last two flights. Our lad has done nothing wrong this year, and it was compensation stakes today; he deserved that,” said jockey Kielan Woods.
“She went great. Gary (Hanmer) has really freshened her up, he’s an excellent trainer and I’m grateful to the owners for the ride,” said William Shanahan after landing the Paddock Restaurant Mares’ Handicap Hurdle on 5/1 chance Isthebaropen. The mare raced in arrears as Karannelle had set up an impressive lead which was eroded as the field entered the final straight. The winner showed a good turn of foot to open up a margin of two and three quarter lengths on the line.
Racing came to a close with the Summer Raceday 24th August Handicap Steeplechase. Mix Of Clover showed a good pace to jump the final fence in the lead and go on to win by five and a half lengths. Alex Edwards, the jockey said: “He really enjoyed that and has taken well to fencfes. He’s got more than he showed; he’s a little bit quirky.”
Attendance at the meeting was a pleasing 3275 which represents an increase of almost 10% on the corresponding meeting two years ago.
