Too Many Chiefs is King of Ayr
● Staying hurdler racks up third win at track
Too Many Chiefs is fast becoming an Ayr specialist and racked up his third win at the track in two months yesterday when winning the Jump To It And Join Racing UK Handicap Hurdle.
The three-mile trip on heavy ground was a bit of a slog and the seven-year-old had to defy an 11lb penalty but stayed on in the closing strides under a great ride from Finian O’toole to win by three quarters of a length from long-time leader Chef d’oeuvre. The winner was returned at odds of 4-1.
Winning trainer Sharon Watt said afterwards : “Weight stops trains but clearly not himatayr!he-is-an-out-and -out-stayer and just keeps galloping.”
The famous green and gold colours of owner JP Mcmanus were carried to victory by the very promising Grand Morning in the opening race – the Racing UK Maiden Hurdle over two miles. The 4-1 chance wore down Nando in the end to win by a length and a half in the heavy going.
It was a first victory in the silks for Grand National winning jockey Derek Fox who was praised by trainer Lucinda Russell. She said: “The conditions are pretty attritional and I thought Derek gave him a very sensible ride. He’s a lovely young horse who will get further in time.”
The Hawick yard of Donald Whillans was on the mark in the Racing UK Jump To It Mares’ Handicap Hurdle over two miles when Baby Ticker (6-1) stayed on past 5-2 favourite Raised On Grazeon in the hands of Callum Whillans.
The easiest winner of the afternoon was 9-1 shot Rosquero who crossed the line 16 lengths in front of Casual Cavalier in the totepool Betting At totesport.com Handicap Chase over two miles. Trainer Kenny Johnson had ridden the horse to win at the track almost four years ago but Harry Reed was on board yesterday.
Today’s Ayr meeting is subject to a precautionary inspection at 8am and, if it gets the go-ahead, the will be a sevenrace card with the first off at 12.35pm.
At Kempton today, Intransigent, who has an extraordinary record at the Sunbury venue, can keep up the good work in the Matchbook VIP Handicap.
Andrew Balding’s nine-yearold has only been out of the first three once in 12 outings at the track, winning three times and finishing second on six occasions.
The most recent of those was his latest start in November, where he was beaten threeparts of a length in a fair sixfurlong handicap.
Seven furlongs probably suits him better these days and, while he can find it hard to get his head in front, if he is going to win anywhere it is here and he should give his backers a bold showing once more.
Also in his favour is the continued assistance of Jason Watson in the saddle, as the 7lb claimer has done really well in the early stages of this year, winning three of his seven rides, including the last two.