Grapevine tells Leech his potential is paying off
HAVING an eye for horses with untapped potential from one of the leading yards in the country continues to pay handsome dividends for Elton-based trainer Sophie Leech.
Former Nicky Henderson inmate Grapevine snaffled one of summer jump racing’s most important contests at the weekend, over the minimum trip at Market Rasen.
It was a particularly noteworthy victory because the six-year-old was purchased with the race in mind just nine days earlier.
Leech booked top conditional jockey Connor Brace to ride inthe Listed Betway Summer Handicap Hurdleand he extended his 18th birthday celebrations by scooping the £22,780 prize.
It was Grapevine’s first run over hurdles for more than 400 days, as he was last seen representing Henderson in a hot novice race at Sandown won by the talented Ballymoy.
Leech has managed to win with many of her recruits from the fivetime champion trainer, including West Wizard, Owen Glendower and Birch Hill.
Her latest buy from the Tattersalls sale on July 11 cost 18,000 guineas and his length and three quarters triumph repaid all of that on Saturday.
“We know they are always nice horses from Nicky Henderson’s and that makes life easier,” said Leech.
“It’s just finding the right ones that work for us.
“Grapevine had been running on the Flat for Charlie Hills and we thought he would make a summer jumper.
“We bought him with the Summer Hurdle in mind hoping he may sneak in at the bottom of the weights.
“We were really pleased to see him win. For a small yard we seem to have a stellar bunch of horses at the moment.”
Attentions now turn to the Guinness Galway Hurdle on August 1 and fine-tuning the preparation of Garo Du Juilley, one of three Britishtrained entries.
Owned by Winston Churchill super-fan Geoff Thompson, the seven-year-old has already earned his keep with success in Chepstow’s Grade Three Silver Trophy.
“We thought we would have a crack at the Galway Hurdle,” Leech added.
“He finished his season after The Festival and he goes well fresh.”