A grand win for Waugh
The diminutive Nicki’s Nipper moves Amie Waugh up the ladies’ leaderboard and a young jockey claims his first win
AMIE WAUGH was the leading jockey following a win and a third, which included the richest point-to-point in Scotland — the sixstrong mixed open worth £1,000 to the winner.
The jockey steered Nicki’s Nipper to victory — the Denounce 10-year-old mare is owned by Amie’s father Simon. They were in contention throughout and, although challenged late by Thomond (Kit Alexander) and Viacometti (John Dawson), they pulled clear two from home. The
mare, who was purchased at Doncaster sales last year, bled in her previous run under Rules at Musselburgh in January, so she was given a couple of months’ rest.
“This race was always her aim,” explained Amie, who now moves up into second in the leading ladies’ title, just two points behind Charlotte Dun. “She’s just little and I didn’t think she’d be one of the fastest here, but she quickened and picked up when asked.”
In contrast, the winner of the club members’ conditions race, Tambour Major, towered above the other horses in the paddock. Under Connor Wood, he set the pace. However, a wider turn coming into the final straight allowed Nine Altars (Charlotte Dun) to surge forward and almost catch them on the line.
“He’s so big that he makes the fences feel easy; every time I tried to take a pull, he ran on stronger,” said Connor, who is based with Tony and Rose Dobbin.
Owned by John Threadgall, the Myrakalu 11-year-old was purchased seven months ago.
“I bought him for my daughter Tabitha to ride, but she’s not had a chance yet. He’s a joy to watch and may be aimed for the Perth hunter chase on 16 May,” said John.
BACK WITH A WIN
THE restricted saw three runners in contention at the second last. Afterclass (Ross Wilson) led the whole race but in the final straight Exit Ten (Charlotte Tailford) came up the inside and moved into the lead. After jumping fluently at the last, they landed clear to win — it was Charlotte’s first ride back since breaking her collarbone at Overton in March.
The intermediate was declared void after none of the three entries came forward.
Cameron Wadge rode Peter Russell’s Chanceiton to win the opening conditions race. The horse has not been out of the top three this season and he was unchallenged when winning by eight lengths.