The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
McLernon finally breaks Perth duck with victory
RACING: Jockey rides winner at 46th attempt at Scone Palace track
Richie McLernon recorded his first winner at Perth last night on Lake Baikal in the handicap chase over two miles for horses rated 0-105.
Trained 418 miles away in Wiltshire by Neil Mulholland, the 5-1 chance saw off Vino’s Choice by three lengths at the track’s first meeting behind closed doors.
McLernon, opening his course account at the 46th attempt, said: “I’ve been coming up here for a few years now and it’s a track I just couldn’t get a winner at.
“Although I have had a few seconds I can’t say I’ve had any hard luck stories. I’m delighted for this horse as he has done a lot of his racing at Perth.”
Milnathort trainer Lucinda Russell had a one-two in the Bet At RacingTV. com Handicap Chase as 12-1 shot Fortunes Gold led home stable companion Boy’s On Tour.
The winner failed to complete in two point to points at Alnwick in February and March but he showed good attitude to score after a summer break by three and a quarter lengths.
Winning jockey Tom Willmott said: “Things fell right for him tonight and he has clearly benefited from having his wind operated on.
“It is my first day riding since the resumption of jumping and the yard is pretty busy with about 80 horses.”
Sam Twiston-Davies and Dr Richard Newland teamed up to land the Scottish Tourism Alliance Handicap Hurdle with hot favourite Clever As A Fox.
Sent off a 4-6 favourite, the Worcestershire raider beat Beeno by a comfortable eight lengths.
Jockey Nathan Moscrop was handed a 10-day ban for failing to pull up his mount who was lame, despite him being the only runner left in the race.
The Rebecca Menzies-trained Im Too Generous was the only finisher from six starters in the 9 Lives Challenge Novices’ Handicap Chase.
The 10-year-old was left alone after the third from home and was eased down by Moscrop to safely jump the remainder.
But, following the last fence, the horse appeared to go lame and Moscrop remained on board to the post.