Trainer triumphs with a first
Love is in the air for trainer Dan Astbury, while a student steers his ride to a convincing win and it’s a fight to the finish for two contenders
LATE ROMANTIC was the subject of strong market support prior to giving Dan Astbury his first winner as a trainer in the opening hunt members’ race.
The victor made virtually all of the running under jockey Ed Glassonbury to see off favourite Lilbitluso and had drawn three lengths clear by the final fence, registering a relatively comfortable success.
“He got a leg last year and is owned by a syndicate from the Spital Vaults pub in Chester. He’ll go for a restricted at the next meeting here,” said Dan.
Philip Rowley’s yard are in good form at present and his
Barel Of Laughs had a final prep run before his second crack at the Cheltenham Foxhunters next month when taking home the Timico mixed open contest.
“We wanted to qualify for the Timico final [at Cheltenham in May] and the plan was a bit different today — keep him behind horses for longer. He needs a stiff track, so Cheltenham suits him,” said Philip.
Student Harry Myddelton took the confined here for the second year in succession when partnering his father Guy’s Open Hearted to victory.
The 11-year-old, who had led at various stages of the race, had four lengths to make up jumping the second last but was galvanised by his young pilot up the run-in and drew six lengths clear of chief rival Irish Anthem (Henry Crow) at the line.
A CLOSE CALL
THE best finish of the day came in the veteran and novice riders’ race with the front two having the race to themselves for much of the final mile.
Coming to the last, it was Oscatara (Theo Gillard) who held a one-length advantage over Global Power (Leanne Painter). However, the latter rallied on up the run-in to provide Leanne with a second win from just four rides — all of those coming on Global Power, who is trained by Heidi Brookshaw.
“We got a little bit of daylight and the rail; he’s a real stayer,” said Leanne.
Following Mama provided jockey Alex Edwards with a treble when recording her second victory at this course in the concluding restricted.
“I’ve been riding her around the farm and she’s very straightforward, she’s a lovely horse to have at home,” said the winning trainer Diana Ralph.
The open maiden contest proved testing, with just two from seven runners completing the course. Spoilt Sam (Jack Andrews) led for much of the final circuit and he came home clear of the only other finisher Alright Chief (Ed Glassonbury).