Williams and Artiste heading to Perth
Former jump jockey Christian Williams saddles his first Perth runner tonight in the perthlodge.co.uk Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle.
Based in South Wales, Williams is represented by Artiste Celebre. During his days in the saddle Williams rode just one winner from his ten rides at British racing’s northern outpost.
The feature event, the £16,000 Heineken UK Handicap Chase over three miles, has attracted a field of five. The line-up includes former pointto-point winner Buck Dancing, who also has useful form under Rules in Ireland and has done well since joining Rebecca Menzies with a win and second at Southwell for his County Durham handler.
Also running is Old Salt, trained by Stef Keniry and a winner at Cartmel this month.
The most recent renewals of the Best Wishes To Shelley Johnstone Novices’ Chase has seen the last three favourites winning and this year’s race has decent quality in Nietzsche, Tonto’s Spirit and Innocent Touch.
In 2016 Sean Mcparlan won the Follow @racingtv On Twitter Maiden Hurdle with 100-1 Drummullagh Rocky and this time the Irish trainer is responsible for Golden Drumlee.
Meanwhile, Jim Goldie was the toast at Ayr yesterday when saddling a big price double on July Finale Raceday.
Jim’s first winner came with Nicholas T in the feature race of the day, the Ayrshire Cancer Support Handicap. Sent off at 11-1 this was the horse’s sixth course win and his third at the track this month.
Jockey Ben Robinson held the horse up and he got up in the shadow of the line to win by a neck. His delighted trainer said: “He loves Ayr but there’s nothing for him here in the next month or so and I might send him to Ascot for the Shergar Cup a week on Saturday.”
Jim’s second winner came with Strong Steps, returned at 9-1 in the Get Daily Tips At Racingtv.com Handicap with Clifford Lee riding.
Mark Johnston recorded his best ever total for a month when Makyon, 11-8 favourite, owned by The Makyowners syndicate from Peterhead and ridden by Joe Fanning gave him his 48th winner in the month of July. Edinburgh owner Ken Mcgarrity was on hand to see his Forever A lady, trained by Keith Dalgleish and ridden by Vincent CY Ho, win the Watch On Racing TV Handicap. The mare had been running over 7f but the drop back to 6f paid dividends.
Land Of Oz won the 2m 1f handicap for trainer Sir Mark Prescott and jockey Luke Morris. The 4-5 favourite was always travelling well and his jockey said: “He’s a nice horse and should go on to win more races.”