It’s slightly over 350 miles from Bagenalstown in Carlow to Stratford by vehicle, with a small matter of the Irish Sea in between. So it was something of a surprise to see Shark Hanlon’s Roxboro River sent off at 20/1 in yesterday’s 2m6f Saige Composite Products Handicap Hurdle. Although owned by Birmingham-based Mark Sheasby of Eventmasters, there would have been closer targets to home for sure, so it was a sure sign of confidence from a yard that’s known to like a punt.
We can be sure that the stable fancied their runner and took a little from the bookmakers’ satchels from the stewards’ report into the apparent improvement in form: trainer’s rep said, regarding the apparent improvement in form, that gelding may have appreciated a sounder surface, officially described as good to firm, good in places and less undulating track. This is the standard terminology of obfuscation loved by those in the trade, and Shark is the epitome of the lovable rogue. Keeping it in the family, son Patrick was in the plate for this 1 1/2l win over Doc McCoy.
Coming from the traditionalist school of David Nicholson, Alan King has never been a keen exponent of summer jumping. However, in common with many Jumps trainers, his owners’ pockets aren’t deep enough to pay the top prices nowadays. The Barbury maestro has adapted well, purchasing cleverly with more flat-breds, and his runners are seen more regularly during the summer NH calendar. He is arguably the best dual-purpose trainer in the country.
Just four turned out for the opening 2m 1f novices handicap chase, and they were well-bunched until 2 out when the race evolved. King’s Finest View, winner of 8 races already, and this her hat-trick over fences, showed good speed to divide Black Hawk Eagle and one time Champion Hurdle fourth Aspire Tower, to win by 2 1/4l under Tom Cannon.
Aspire Tower’s trainer Jennie Candlish didn’t have long to wait for compensation however as her T Or Coffey fairly bolted up in the second, the Hollow Bottom Reopens This Summer Maiden Hurdle. Always prominent under Sean Quinlan, the 4 year old led narrowly approaching the last, and had plenty on hand at the line, perhaps more than the 1 3/4l over Whatyouwaitingfor would suggest.
The Hollow Bottom, for so long a massive racing pub in Guiting Power, has gone through several changes of ownership in recent years. It is to be hoped that this popular venue can reclaim the form that saw Tipping Tim, Earth Summit and other Twiston-Davies big race winners parade in front of crowds of happy drinkers 25 years ago.
The faces got longer in the ring after race 3 as a third consecutive favourite passed the line in front, this time Jamie Snowden’s Realistic Optimism in the 2m 2f Davisons Law Handicap Hurdle. Gavin Sheehan bided his time midfield on the 15/8 favourite, making headway only on the final bend, and heading Square Du Roule to win by 2 1/2l at the line.
Lilly Pinchin has been making waves this summer with the release of the Cotswold Film Company’s A Racing Life – living with ADHD, a fascinating insight into how horses have helped her cope with a nervous condition. There was certainly no sign of nerves in her delivery of Charlie Longsden’s Midnight Jewel to pick off the leaders in the 2m 3f Farmers Farewell Handicap Chase to leave her 3l to the good on the line. Rides are hard to come by in the summer months, especially so this year with small fields the norm, but Pinchin has earned her place.
Five year old bumper Fairlawn Skipper made good on the promise shown on debut at Perth a fortnight ago when making all to win the concluding bumper for the Bowen team by a handy 2l.
