In-form duo are double winners
THE Sinnington Hunt staged their rescheduled meeting last Saturday in the stately grounds of Duncombe Park.
Racegoers turned out in their masses to view what was set to be some quality racing.
The in-form duo on the day was that of Nichola Naughton and Ian Smith, who recorded a double in what were possibly the two most hotly-contested races of the day.
The first leg of their double came in the Confined race with Lem Putt, who put a disappointing effort behind him at Sheriff Hutton to win gamely here.
The pair led two out and with a wall of horses stacking up behind them, battled on gamely up the Duncombe Park hill to fend them all off.
The 13yo Kildonnan was staying on best at the finish to get up for third, with Stagecoach Diamond back in third
The second leg of the double came in the Mixed Open race and came as somewhat of a surprise to most.
Scrum V’s overall form left him with a bit to do with some useful rivals. Ian Smith’s mount stayed on gamely on the flat to beat recent Sheriff Hutton winner Dark Moon, who weakened after the last, by half a length.
Third place went the way of the Val Jackson-trained Cast Iron Casey, who was having its first run between the flags.
The winner was bought by owner Cecilia Hope, who noticed the horse while turned out to grass during the summer with one her other horses and liked the look of him so much decided to buy him.
All three were recording their first ever doubles as Cecilia Hope was also the owner of Lem Putt.
The Novice and Veteran Riders race went the way of Pristine Condition, who has now been purchased by Johnny Greenall, Lord Daresbury’s brother.
Ridden by Jack Greenall, the pair made most of the running and after leading over the last stayed on well to win and justify being favourite.
Canada Street travelled well to challenge the leader, but looked outpaced in the closing stages, while Dessert Tommy, who struggled to go the early frantic pace, came from out of the clouds and took third.