The future is bright
Youngsters make their mark, while seasoned jockeys enjoy multiple victories
THE next generation were in command as up-and-coming riders claimed the lion’s share of the silverware.
Otis Morgan enjoyed his first double, riding his second and third pointing career winners aboard Skylander in the hunt members, and Alternatif in the conditions (level three).
“I knew Skylander would jump this course beautifully; he won here last year and he suited the ground perfectly today,” said Otis, whose rides were both owned by the Dartmoor Racing Club and trained by Annabelle Bacon.
The 17-year-old’s victory aboard Alternatif tasted particularly sweet, because it marked a turning point in the combination’s form.
“Coming up that last hill, knowing that he really wanted this and that he was going to get this, was the best feeling for me,” said Otis.
Olive Nicholls, 16, who is also juggling school with riding, claimed the four-mile mixed open with popular veteran Virak, trained by Sam Loxton.
Chad Bament scored his first win with glory in the Oriental Club owner-trainer conditions race with Talk Of
The South, trained by Chad’s mother Helen, who co-owns the 13-year-old gelding with husband Peter. Flete is a happy hunting ground for Chad as the site of both his first pony racing triumph and his debut pointing victory.
Conor Houlihan ended his wait for a winner this season with a close-fought finish in the maiden on the eight-year-old Champions Hill for owner-trainer George Beilby.
“It’s my first season out of novice [riders], so it was always going to be tough,” said Conor, who sourced the horse from his uncle in Ireland.
“I thought he would be made for English pointing, and for him to go and do the business today was just brilliant. He’s a bit of a rogue, he got his own way out in front today and I think that’s the way to ride him.”