Arthur’s Secret banks a win on rerouted run
One jockey wins despite fitting training around a full-time job and another finishes a convincing 18 lengths ahead of the field
Hampshire Hunt point-to-point, Hackwood Park, Hants
THE “Beast from the East” caused Abigail Banks to reroute to Hackwood Park, where she was first past the post in the mixed open on Arthur’s Secret.
“We wanted to get him out last weekend as he can be quite highly strung, but it wasn’t to be. I only get to ride once or twice a week around my job, but he’s a great horse to jump on,” said Abigail, who works full-time in sales at Treehouse Sporting Colours.
The going wasn’t ideal for the eight-year-old Martin Weston-trained gelding.
“The going was testing, but he knows the job and got quite strong. My job is to keep him calm and focused which can be tricky. Once he settled he jumped well today,” said Abigail.
‘TODAY HE DID PLENTY’
TOMMIE O’BRIEN piloted the previously unraced four-year-
old gelding Kootenay River to a convincing win in the four-, five- and six-year-old open maiden, finishing 18 lengths ahead of Sam Lee’s Kalinite.
“He’s a nice youngster and we were confident coming here today. He’s very laid-back and usually does just enough, but today he did plenty; he’s very professional. He had a little look when he got to the front which is fair enough for a four-year-old, but he kept galloping to the line,” said Tommie.
The chestnut gelding owned by Francesca Nimmo and Charlie Poste is a small type.
“He isn’t overly big but he’s very nimble and athletic. It’s better to be on a small, quick horse than a big, slow one. It’s tricky ground here but he’s wellschooled. Francesca got him very well-prepared and he was ready for anything that came at him,” said Tommie.
The jockey, who rides for
Tom Lacey, is heading to the Cheltenham Festival this week.
James King won the open maiden on the five-year-old Cook The Books.
“He’s one for the future,” said James. “There were a few experienced horses today which was a bit off-putting at times, but he had a great start at Larkhill last time out and stepped it up today, travelling and jumping well. Hopefully he will improve and learn again from the experience.”
James is looking forward to three rides at Cheltenham.
“It was a slow start to the season but it’s picking up again now and I’ve had seven wins since Christmas,” said James.