THE NORTHWEST RACING MASTERS
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SECOND DAY, AINTREE, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NORTHWEST RACING MASTERS
Today’s racing at Aintree concluded a third successful year of the Northwest Racing Masters.
Julian Thick, Managing Director at Aintree, commented: “Mr Pointment’s success in the totesport.com Becher Chase provided the perfect highlight to the second day of the Northwest Racing Masters.
“Today offers the only opportunity outside of the Grand National meeting for horses to experience the unique challenges of the Grand National fences at Aintree and provides a perfect stepping-stone for the John Smith’s Grand National.
“It is very satisfying to see Mr Pointment emerge as a serious challenger for the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National.
“There was something on offer for everyone at Aintree today and there were plenty of people here to enjoy the day.
“What a weekend it has been for Paul Nicholls and Sam Thomas and we send our warmest congratulations to everyone involved.”
Race 3 - totepool Grand Sefton Chase - Winning Quotes
LAMPION DU BOST PROVIDES SECOND 66/1 SHOCK OF THE DAY
Lampion Du Bost provided a second 66/1 shock of the afternoon when putting up a superb display of jumping to land the £70,000 totepool Grand Sefton Chase over the Grand National fences in the hands of Phil Kinsella.
The winner was never far away and was well in command from the final bend onwards, eventually coming home eight lengths clear of Jimmy Bond.
The winner is trained in Scotland by Jim Goldie, having previously been trained by Andrew Parker.
Goldie said: “He finished sixth in this race year so we knew he jumped well and he has jumped his way into the race today. He really seems to love it here.
“We’ve only had him since June and we had to run him today.
“This is our first winner at Aintree and the horse really jumped from fence to fence. Hopefully, he can progress from here and we will look to come back to Aintree next spring. “
The winner is owned by The Dodoz Partnership, which includes former Dundee United, Rangers and Scotland centre-forward Billy Dodds, who works on BBC Scotland as a pundit.
Dodds said: “We knew the horse always runs fresh and we knew he could jump from fence to fence. David has given him a great ride.
“He is one-paced - he just keeps on galloping. There have been so many disappointments over the years but this more than makes up for it.
“I can honestly say this is the best day of my life, better than playing in the World Cup or the European Championships.”
The successful jockey Phil Kinsella added: “This is my biggest ever winner and just the sort of success I needed. It should help me as I’m coming to the end of my claim.
“I used to ride the horse when he was with Andrew Parker and he jumped like a stag over the fences last year. He’s only a pony, but I walked the course before racing and knew he would really like it out there today.”
RACE 3 TOTEPOOL GRAND SEFTON HANDICAP CHASE
PLACED QUOTES
BOND, JIMMY BOND
“It was too much of a dream to win it,” enthused Kate Walton after her Jimmy Bond had found just Lampion Bu Bost too powerful in the totepool Grand Sefton Handicap Chase.
The Middleham trainer said: “He jumped superb and it was another very good placed effort.
“I wasn’t really worried about his jumping as he is sound, but it was quite eventful behind him.
“I don’t know where he will go next and he will probably have a break after this. We will find an ordinary race for him somewhere, although he won’t come back here as all of the races are too long for him as he doesn’t stay three miles. He put in a good round of jumping.”
Donald McCain Junior was also pleased with third-placed Bannister Lane. He said: “That was smashing as obviously one or two of mine have needed a run. He is a bit of a fool at home!
“We bred him and we would have liked to have run in the Becher Chase but with the top-weight in there, he would have been 9lb out of the handicap. All this horse does is stay and gallop. If it had rained here like it did at Haydock yesterday, I would like to think that he nearly would have won.
“He will go for some long-distance chases and a race like the Northern National at Newcastle would come into the equation as he won the Crudwell Cup last year. That race would be his cup of tea as he likes left-handed tracks.
“He has his quirks and sometimes at home he doesn’t like going down the gallops. I enjoyed that as everything that we do with him is hard work.”
THIRD RACE RESULT
1.40pm totepool GRAND SEFTON
HANDICAP CHASE
2m 5f 110yds Grand National £70,000 Guaranteed For 4yo+ Rated 0-130 Minimum Weight 10st Penalties after November 17th, each chase won 7lb
1. LAMPION DU BOST (The Dodoz Partnership) Jim Goldie 8-9-11 Phil Kinsella (3) 66/1
2. JIMMY BOND (Mr & Mrs Paul Charlton) Kate Walton 8-10-08 Richard McGrath 16/1
3. BANNISTER LANE (Shaw Hill Golf Club (Sage Cott Props Ltd)) Donald McCain Jnr 7-11-00 Paddy Aspell 40/1
4. THEATRE KNIGHT (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-11-09 Denis O'Regan 8/1
5. TURTHEN (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 6-11-12 Sam Thomas
6. MIGHTY MOOSE (Gale Force Four) Nick Williams 7-10-05 Daryl Jacob
7. LAWYER DES ORMEAUX (C B Brookes & Sr T J Winning) Peter Bowen 8-11-00 Peter Buchanan
8. DONOVAN (George Hibbert & Jayne Greenwood) Richard Guest 8-11-02 Robert Thornton
9. HIGH MOON (Fergus Wilson) Paul Murphy 11-10-00 Keith Mercer
10. SURFBOARD (Ashton Racing Club) Paul Blockley 6-10-09 Mark Bradburne
F 1st ALPHABETICAL (Hugh Villiers) Charlie Mann 8-10-12 Noel Fehily (stood down rest of day with a leg injury)
F 1st CASSIA HEIGHTS (Mr D I Hewitt & Steve Brookshaw) Steve Brookshaw 12-10-00 Dougie Costello
UR 1st KING COAL (Richard Rowe Racing Partnership) Richard Rowe 8-10-03 Liam Heard (3)
BD 1st CAIPIROSKA (Trevor Hemmings) Ferdy Murphy 8-10-11 Graham Lee
F 3rd TIGHE CASTER (Don Jones) Peter Bowen 8-11-01 Tom O'Brien
F 8th CRAVEN (Racing Roses Partnership) Milton Harris 7-11-01 Josh Byrne (injured)
F 9th GLENFOLAN (Beal Camp Syndicate) Tony Martin IRE 9-10-05 Mr Jack Doyle (5)
P before 12th PARKINSON (Trevor Hemmings) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-01 Brian Harding
F12th ROOKERY LAD (Mr S Kitching & Mrs K Taylor) Chris Kellett 9-11-04 Tony Dobbin
F 12th WHICH POCKET (A D Peachy) Brendan Powell 9-10-07 Sam Jones (5)
F 3 out ROWDY YEATS (Hamsard Ltd) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-10-13 Paddy Brennan
P before 2 out OLAY OLAY (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 7-10-06 Tony McCoy
22 ran
Time 5m 40.2s
Distances: 8, 6, 14, 15, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 26, 26
Breeder: Hubert Morgat Breeding: b g Mount Basile -Ballerine
Tote Win: £107.70 Place: £12.90,£4.00,£4.80,£2.50 Exacta: £1,306.30
Winning trainer:-Name Goldie, James (Jim) Sloan Based: Libo Hill Farm, Uplawmoor, Glasgow, Scotland Born: December 30, 1955 Business Interests: Garden fencing Career: Rode between 1970 and 1975. Worked for T Goldie for 10 years Date of First Trainer’s Licence: March, 1992 Major wins include: totepool Grand Sefton Chase (2007 Lampion Du BostAyr Silver Cup (2006 Geojimali), City Wall Stakes (2000 Indian Spark), Gosforth Park Cup (2001 Indian Spark), Shergar Cup Sprint (2001 Orientor), William Hill Trophy (2001 Orientor) Wins (FLAT) (2000-2007): 28; 24; 17; 23; 24; 18; 31, 35 Number of Winners (Jumps 2001/02-2006/07): 3; 10; 6; 10; 3 ; 10 Horses in Training (2001-07): 29; 33; 32; 21; 37; 27; ? Wins JUMPS 2007 - 2
Winning Jockey: Philip Kinsella Based: c/o Keith Reveley, Groundhill Farm, Lingdale, Saltburn, Cleveland Background: His father, David, was a point-to-point rider who now runs the family pub, the Bluebell Inn, at Northallerton, North Yorks. In September 2005, he became the first recipient of the Tom Halliday memorial scholarship. First win on the Flat: Vandenburghe, Wolverhampton, November 12, 2004 (Gloworm Amateur Riders’ Handicap) First win under National Hunt Rules: Red Rampage, Newcastle, February 15, 2005 (Culture 10 Hunters’ Chase (For The Northumberland Hussars Challenge Trophy)) Wins 2004/05-2006/07: 1; 11; 46 Wins This Season: 10
Mr Pointment jumped his way to the head of the market for the John Smith’s Grand National (April 5, 2008) with a superb front-running display to win the highlight of day two of the Northwest Racing Masters, the £100,000 totesport.com Becher Chase over the Grand National course at Aintree.
Returned at 15/2, Mr Pointment was soon in front and jumped brilliantly throughout, staying on gamely to repel the challenge of Bewleys Berry by a length.
This was a third totesport.com Becher Chase winner for trainer Paul Nicholls following on from Silver Birch (2004) and Eurotrek (2006). It also capped a perfect Northwest Racing Masters for Nicholls and jockey Sam Thomas, following the combination’s victory with Kauto Star in yesterday’s £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Paul Nicholls said: “I really fancied him today.
“Ruby (Walsh) said when he got off him at Cheltenham last month that the Becher was the race for him.
“He was sent to me by the owners after being with Charles Egerton.
“He is a horse that needs to be fresh and it wouldn’t worry me if he didn’t run again before the National. He could have a run over hurdles but I don’t think he will go over fences again before April.
“This horse is the first real proper National horse I have had in that he is relatively unexposed, having only had five chases in his life. He is so game and jumps so well.
“He jumps huge when he is schooled and jumps slightly to the left which is perfect around Aintree.
“There is only one race for him now - the Grand National - roll on.”
“It has been a brilliant weekend, the same as last year in that we won the Betfair Chase with Kauto Star and then a Becher Chase.”
Sam Thomas added: “This weekend really has been a dream a true come true and today was just the icing on the cake.
“I thought Mr Pointment had a good chance today if he handled the fences - you never quite know when horses run over these fences for the first time.
“I promise you, you will not find a better ride over these fences.
“Early on, he was a bit keen but he then settled well in front. Being in front is often the best place to be around here, he just did his own thing. His jumping has really helped him today.”
Reflecting on the best-ever two days of his career, Thomas added: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet.
“I have five rides tomorrow at Ludlow and so maybe I will have a bit of a party in the middle of the week!”
Mr Pointment has a connection with the North West, being owned by Warrington-based Stockton Heath Racing.
totesport make Mr Pointment 16/1 co-favourite along with Bewleys Berry and Butler’s Cabin for the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National. The eight-year-old is also a 16/1 chance with Blue Square, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, while William Hill go 20/1 for the world’s greatest chase on April 5.
Bewleys Berry may have fallen at Bechers second time around in the John Smith’s Grand National, but he seems to have suffered no ill effects as he finished runner-up to Mr Pointment in the totesport.com Becher Chase.
Howard Johnson, trainer of Bewleys Berry, said: “He doesn’t want the ground as dead as that and would prefer better ground. He won’t go chasing again until the John Smith’s Grand National weights come out although he might have a run in a hurdle.
“Hopefully, the handicapper will put ours up 1lb and the winner 11lb - he should do as they have won the race!
“We could have Theatre Knight for the National as well as he wants four miles and we’ll get it one day!”
Bewleys Berry’s owner Graham Wylie added: “He jumped very well and we were a little bit concerned how he would come back after he fell in this year’s National.
“But he jumped well and I’m pleased as he seemed to enjoy it and loved it.”
Totesport make Bewleys Berry’s a 16/1 shot for the National (from 20), while Ladbrokes go 16/1 about the nine-year-old, Paddy Power trimmed him into 20/1 (from 25) and William Hill did likewise.
Richard Phillips, trainer of third-placed Pak Jack, really wants to run his charge in the Grand National, but has the headache of whether the Pitchounet gelding will get into the race.
He said: “I am really pleased with him. People think that he is a two-miler but he is really good around here and jumps.
“I think that he would jump around in the National and the plan is to come back for that.
“I need to try and get him up the weights and I am one of the few people to want their horse to go up! Perhaps I should send Phil Smith [official handicapper] a bottle of champagne for the wrong reason!
“The Aintree factor comes in with some horses and they should let those in that jump the course well. He has a genuine chance of being placed in a National and I am really pleased with him.”
FIFTH RACE RESULT
2.50pm totesport.com BECHER HANDICAP CHASE (LISTED RACE)
3m 2f Grand National For 5yo+ Minimum Weight 10st Penalties after November 17th, a winner of a chase 3lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb)
1. MR POINTMENT (Stockton Heath Racing) Paul Nicholls 8-11-05 Sam Thomas 15/2
2. BEWLEYS BERRY (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-10-11 Denis O'Regan 11/2 JF
3. PAK JACK (The Bellflower Pak Jack Partnership) Richard Phillips 7-10-03 Richard Johnson 18/1
4. LE DUC (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 8-10-06 Joe Tizzard 16/1
5. A NEW STORY (Storey’s Over Syndicate) Michael Hourigan IRE 9-09-13 Mr J J Doyle (5)
6. IRISH RAPTOR (Caroline Beresford-Wylie) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-10-05 Paddy Brennan
7. TOMMY SPAR (Ralph Morgans) Peter Bowen 7-10-08 Peter Buchanan
F 1st LEADING MAN (Mrs C McKeane) Ferdy Murphy 7-10-01 Graham Lee 11/2 JF
UR 3rd KANDJAR D'ALLIER (Let’s Live Racing) Alan King 9-10-11 Robert Thornton
F 4th KING KILLONE (Hogarth Racing) Harry Hogarth 7-10-03 Phil Kinsella (3)
UR 6th BRIERY FOX (Vicky Reed, Helen Plumly, Jane Trafford) Henry Daly 9-10-06 Mark Bradburne
UR 6th SILVER JACK (Mrs J Batey) Martin Todhunter 9-10-00 Brian Harding
P before 9th BALLYCASSIDY (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullager) Peter Bowen 11-10-10 Tom O'Brien
F Becher’s IRON MAN (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullager) Peter Bowen 6-11-09 Paddy Merrigan (3)
F Becher’s DUNBRODY MILLAR (Dundon Else Partnership) Peter Bowen 9-10-05 Jamie Moore
UR 11th ROYAL AUCLAIR (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 10-10-11 Liam Heard (3)
F 12th AKA JAKE (Tom Nagle Jnr) Tom Nagle Jnr IRE 8-9-11 Joey Elliott (3)
UR 15th GARVIVONNIAN (Angela Long) Ned Mitchell IRE 12-10-06 Martin Ferris (5)
UR 4 out I HEAR THUNDER (Nick Elliott) Bob Buckler 9-10-05 Daryl Jacob
19 ran Time 6m 58.9s
Distances: 1, 19, 3, 1, 20, 27
Breeder: Miss A Gibson Fleming & Mrs E Cooper Breeding: bg Old Vic - Bettyhill
Tote Win: £8.90 Tote Place: £2.60,£2.20,£3.80,£3.70 Exacta: £59.60
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: Professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star), Betfair Chase (2007 & 2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek, 2007 Ladalko), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 lagship Uberalles, 2005 Azertyuiop), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business, 2006 Kauto Star), Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Be Be King), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Pendil Novices’ Chase (2006 Napolitain, 2007 Natal), Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Vodafone Gold Cup (2006 Cornish Sett), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba, 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 Azertyuiop), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 37
Winning Jockey: Sam Thomas Born: June 22, 1984 Background: The son of a maths teacher from Abergavenny, South Wales. Rode in point to points and spent one year with David Evans before moving to Venetia Williams’ stable, where he has been since training at the British Racing School. Big Race Wins: Betfair Chase ( 2007 Kauto Star), Amlin 1965 Chase (2006 Cerium); Paddy Power Amateur Riders Handicap Chase (2003 Its Onlyme - last ride as amateur); Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (20004 Limerick Boy); Pendil Novices’ Chase (2005 Limerick Boy); First Winner Under Rules: Indian Sun (Western Wines Selling Hurdle, Ludlow, April 2, 2003) First Professional Winner: I Tina (G D Environmental Services Selling Hurdle, Chepstow, November 26, 2003) Wins (2002/03-2006/07): 1; 47; 55; 55; 73 Wins This Season: 27
JOCKEYS & HORSES
Josh Byrne, who has a suspected broken collar-bone, went to hospital for treatment. He fell at the eighth when riding Craven in the totepool Grand Sefton Chase.
Charlie Mann has taken his stable jockey Noel Fehily home after the rider suffered foot bruising when Alphabetical fell at the first in the totepool Grand Sefton Chase. Fehily missed three subsequent rides
All the horses who ran in the two races over the Grand National fences returned uninjured.
Race 1 - Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle - Winning Quotes
66/1 MONTY SPRINGS SURPRISE IN OPENER
There was a 66/1 shock in the first race on day two of the Northwest Racing Masters, when Sir Monty recorded a four-length success for trainer Peter Bowen and jockey Paddy Merrigan.
The winner was always in command from the final bend and never looked liked being overhauled.
The Haverfordwest handler said: “We thought it might be a bit too sharp for him today and we ran him to give him a third run to get him handicapped.
“He was a good horse on the Flat with Amanda Perrett and I paid 8,000 guineas for him at Doncaster in May.
“It was a decent race race today and we may have to change our plans for him now.”
Winning rider Paddy Merrigan added: “Sir Monty should be on a nice mark now to get into the better races.”
Bowen reflected on yesterday’s £100,000 Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle when his Special Envoy fell at the last when looking assured of victory.
Bowen continued: “I was gutted yesterday but the horse is fine and will go to Newbury next weekend.
“At least he doesn’t have a penalty.”
Paddy Merrigan, who threw off his crash helmet in frustration after the fall of Special Envoy, quipped: “I lost £6,000 when Special Envoy fell at the last and then had to spent £6,000 on a new crash helmet!”
RACE 1 WEATHERBYS BANK MAIDEN HURDLE
GROUND
After the opening Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle, the following jockeys reported the ground as:
Tom O’Brien said: “Dead.”
Paddy Merrigan, rider of winner Sir Monty, said: “Lovely, perfect.”
Sean Quinlan said: “Good, good to soft.”
Tom Greenall said: “Good to soft and not as soft as I thought it would be. Nice ground.”
Denis O’Regan said: “Tacky ground.”
Brian Harding said: “Soft.”
Richard Johnson said: “Soft and tacky .”
Graham Lee said: “Very slow.”
Gary Berridge said: “A bit on the dead side.”
Tony Dobbin said: “Soft in places.”
Stephen Craine said: “A bit on the slow side. My lad [Ballabrook] is a good ground horse, but he handled it okay.”
Sam Thomas said: “Slow enough.”
Stephen Gray said: “It will be soft after the race.”
RACE 2 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE NOVICES’ CHASE
WIN QUOTES
CEDRUS LIBANI REMAINS UNBEATEN OVER FENCES
Cedrus Libani put in an exhibition round of jumping to make all in the Amberleigh House Novices’ Chase by a length from Tramantano.
Winning trainer Howard Johnson, who was winning the race for the second year running following on from Lennon, said: “He is a nice horse, but it is a shame that only two ran.
“He jumps great and jumps better at speed and that is why he has to go on. He is the best horse that I have ever bought off Tom Costello.
“He’ll have a holiday now - he needs a month or six weeks off but this was a £20,000 race. He is alright and an improver.”
Asked if Cedrus Libani could exhibit his talents in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March, the Crook-based trainer replied: “I don’t know if he is quick enough for that.
“I am hoping that Arcalis will run in novice chases and we have schooled him. I would like to get a racecourse gallop into him.
“We might try him in a novice chase at Ayr in two weeks time and he has schooled well at home and is quick.
“He has had a hard time coming back as he had three runs too quickly last year. I would have liked to gallop him for the final touches.
“The yard is doing alright and that’s our 20th winner. The ground is just coming for us now.”
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of the two-length runner-up Tramantano said: “The race didn’t suit him as he needs to come off a fast pace.
Peter Bowen and Paddy Merrigan gained their second winner of the afternoon when Souffleur scored by four lengths from Hi Cloy in the totesportgames.com Handicap Hurdle, following on from Sir Monty’s victory in the opening Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle.
The two men had endured a nightmare yesterday when Merrigan fell at the last when four lengths clear in a £100,000 handicap hurdle at Haydock.
Bowen said: “That was unbelievable as I thought that Paddy had dropped Souffleur out too far and I thought that he would come nowhere.
“He’s a nice horse for £5,000! On his first run, he was a little disappointing but the ground was too fast. He then missed the break at Market Rasen before winning at Bangor and here last time.
“He’s alright for a four-year-old isn’t he? Paddy said that he made a mistake at the first.
“I wasn’t at Haydock yesterday and it’s a good job that I wasn’t!
Merrigan added: “It was the worst day of my life yesterday and today has gone the right way. Words can’t describe the ups and downs in this game.
“I missed the first on this fellow and then had to settle him and I thought that I had no chance. Then he pulled me on from there.
“When things go so bad one day it is a relief to bounce back and I was heartbroken yesterday. Things have gone right today, thank God.”
Irish trainer Michael Hourigan was very pleased with the effort of Hi Cloy, the four-length runner-up behind facile winner Souffleir in the £30,000 totesportgames.com Handicap Hurdle.
Hi Cloy, a 16/1 chance today, has won four times at Grade One level over fences, including the John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree in 2006.
Hourigan said: “That was a nice run.
“Like a lot of horses in my stable, he was sick with a virus last year and that is why he was so disappointing.
“Today will have set him up nicely for his next run. His next intended start will be back over fences in the John Durkan Memorial Chase (run over two and a half miles at Punchestown on Sunday, December 9).
“There were no suitable races for him in Ireland, so that is why we came to Aintree as this was a good race and offered a good opportunity for him.”
The McCain family has enjoyed plenty of success at Aintree over the years and Donald McCain Junior successfully managed to exploit a favourable handicap mark over hurdles for Original Fly in the concluding SERIOUSQUITTERS.CO.UK Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
The trainer said: “That was grand and I wanted to get a run into him over hurdles as he is rated 10lb lower over them than chases.
“I have been running this horse over the wrong trip when the ground was soft and he is owned by Alf Chadwick, Ray Pattison and Eric Chapman, who are all Lancashire lads.
“Eric has had horses with Jonjo [O’Neill] and they have also had horses with my dad [Ginger McCain]. We thought that we would come here and have a run at Aintree and he stripped a bit fitter than we thought he might.
“We took the blinkers off today and he goes on soft ground. This is good for Paul [Benson, winning rider] who came to me from Nicky Richards as he is a proper rider.”
SUNDAY PAPERS PRAISE KAUTO AND THOMAS
The Sunday papers united in their praise for yesterday's Betfair Chase hero Kauto Star and his jockey Sam Thomas.
KAUTO STILL KING stated the front of the Racing Post as Tom O’Ryan went on to say: “Kauto Star, beaten at Aintree four weeks ago, put himself firmly back in the spotlight that he hogged exclusively last season with a brave and thrilling win in the the Betfair Chase as got the better of old adversary Exotic Dancer by half a length.”
Lee Mottershead, also of the Racing Post, observed: “The horse who raced so lethargically at Aintree just a month earlier was once again the animal we had marvelled at last season. It was all as it used to be, but at times better, for his mighty leaps at the final two ditches brought ‘oohs’ from the crowd not heard since Desert Orchid dazzled. And then, when the going got tough, how he battled. Maybe now the critics will finally be silenced.”
Ray Gilpin of the Sunday Times wrote: "There was no more than a blink of an eye in it, but Kauto Star is still shining brightly and on the trail of another £1 million payoff following his narrow success over Exotic Dancer in a thrilling renewal of the £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock."
Sue Montgomery, writing in the Independent On Sunday, said: "Are you watching, Scott Carson? Big-race rookie Sam Thomas rose to the occasion here yesterday, defying any nerves and pressure to steer Kauto Star back to winning ways. Thomas, replacing injured Ruby Walsh on the Paul Nicholls-trained champion chaser, remained ice-cool in a crucible of scrutiny with much at stake – a considerable step on his burgeoning career, the horse's reputation and the small matter of a £1 million – and almost nonchalantly secured victory by half a length."
The headline in the Observer read "No doubting Thomas as Star shines bright" as Eddie Fremantle went on to say: "Kauto Star earned his fourth, and most hard-fought, verdict over old rival Exotic Dancer in the Betfair Chase to give stand-in jockey Sam Thomas by far the biggest win of his career."
Over in the Sunday Telegraph, Brough Scott wrote: "It's not just the opportunity but the way you take it. Few sportsmen have ever stepped up to the plate quite as convincingly as Sam Thomas did when he took over the ride on Kauto Star from the injured Ruby Walsh at Haydock and landed two other winners into the bargain."
Jonathan Powell of the Mail On Sunday said: "Kauto Star is on course for another massive bonus after returning to form with a vibrant success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Doubts raised by his recent defeat at Aintree were brushed aside as he landed the first leg of a treble that can earn his connections a pot of £1 million from yesterday's sponsors for the second year running."
THOMAS LOOKS TO BETTER THINGS
Sam Thomas, who was given the opportunity to ride Kauto Star in yesterday’s Betfair Chase due to an injury to regular jockey Ruby Walsh, did not let connections down, giving the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner a superb ride to win by half a length. He is hoping that his profile and career improve as a result.
He said: “I haven’t had a chance to look back at the race, but tonight I’ll have a look at the replays and it will sink in - it all happened so quickly yesterday.
“Obviously, it was a great day and hopefully it will be a stepping stone in my career as people who have not seen me performing before at the weekends will have spotted me now.
“During the week trainers and racing regulars have probably already noticed me, but hopefully a broader scale of people will have seen me now.
“I spoke to both of my parents last night and they were very proud. My dad was at Haydock and he was lost for words, but they are both over the moon.
“I will take whatever comes along now and I have shown that I am capable of riding on big race days and hopefully a few more opportunities will come along now.
“Paul [Nicholls, Kauto Star’s trainer] and Mr Smith [Clive Smith, Kauto Star’s owner] gave me the opportunity and I am glad that it all paid off.”
Thomas went on to ride a 39.5/1 treble yesterday, having also partnered Lightning Strike in the opening Betfair Poker Newton Novices’ Hurdle and Opera Mundi in the Betting As It Should Be Handicap Chase to victory.
Today he gets the leg up on two Nicholls runners - Turthen in the totepool Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and Mr Pointment in the feature totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase.
“I am looking forward to riding both of them and they probably both have a good chance,” he added.
TIMEFORM ASSESSMENT OF BETFAIR CHASE
Timeform spokesman Kieran Packman commented today following Kauto Star’s second victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park yesterday on the first day of the 2007 Northwest Racing Masters: “We have rated Kauto Star as running to the same figure as he returned at Aintree on his reappearance, so just shy of his peak rating (put up at Aintree last autumn), with Exotic Dancer putting up a career-high and Beef Or Salmon not far off matching his best efforts of last season.
“A time comparison, although slightly hampered by worsening conditions, puts Kauto Star's run some 30lb ahead of handicap winner Opera Mundi.
“All in all, yesterday just confirmed again the impression that we have had since last year’s Old Roan Chase - that Kauto Star is an outstanding chaser. A second Betfair Million win looks a distinct possibility.
"As for My Way de Solzen, he did have 23lb to find with the winner on bare form going into the race but, on reflection, given the way he travelled through the race, left us to conclude that the race would bring him on in terms of fitness.”
Adapted from a Timeform press release
“KAUTO STAR A TEMPTINGLY GOOD GOLD CUP BET AT 9-4 ON BETFAIR”, SAYS CLIVE SMITH AND ADDS: “EXOTIC DANCER IS A GREAT TALENT BUT I DOUBT IF HE WILL EVER QUITE GET TO US”
Owner Clive Smith seemed more relieved than jubilant when Kauto Star rediscovered his travelling and fencing panache to take a thrilling Betfair Chase by half a length from Exotic Dancer on the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Haydock Park yesterday.
But any doubts about his star chaser's continued potency on the big stage have now been banished to the past - and this morning nature seemed to send him a sign that there were indeed further riches to be had this season.
“I am just driving up to Aintree after attending a party for a dear friend in Berkshire last night,” said Smith. “And as I passed Warwick Castle, there was a brilliant rainbow in the sky. Perhaps there is another pot of the gold at the end of it!”
He didn’t mention it outright, but it was clear that he was referring to the Betfair Million, the exchange’s seven-figure bonus that his horse captured for connections and stable staff by winning the Betfair Chase, the King George and the Gold Cup last season.
And, as his horse took another major step on the road to that massive “pot of gold” once again by winning yesterday, Smith's confidence and bullishness have reappeared once again.
Smith continued: “Yesterday was a pressurised situation in every way, and I was thrilled to see Kauto Star back in top form. And I may see him again shortly as Paul texted me earlier to say that the horse is just having a peck of grass at Aintree, where I have two runners today.
“Conditions at Haydock yesterday were not ideal for us and he was also probably in front too soon, but it was out of this world to see him win as he did, with some extravagant leaps and showing real guts.”
“And when told of the Betfair prices, both for the in-running action yesterday and looking ahead to the 2008 Gold Cup (he is as short as 6-4 with some firms for Cheltenham), his comments should make punters ears prick up.
“Even though you say Exotic Dancer was backed at evens on the run-in, I was always confident Kauto would hold on. He dug deep and was not going to be passed.
“Exotic Dancer is a great talent, but I doubt if he will ever quite to get us. And as for Kauto Star being 9-4 on Betfair for the Gold Cup, I think that is a temptingly good bet. I may have to get an order up myself!”
Not quite the 139-1 that he started backing Kauto Star at on Betfair before the horse went on to win the race last year. But then again Kauto Star has won two Betfair Chases, a Tingle Creek, a King George and a Gold Cup in the interim.
Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin said: “It is currently only a 3-1 chance that Kauto Star wins the Betfair Million once again, and we are beginning to steel ourselves for another million pound pay-out. I don't suppose Paul and Clive would consider giving the King George a miss this year, would they? After all, they have already won it once.”
To win the Betfair Million - Betfair bet: 1-4 No, 3-1 Yes.
To win the King George - Betfair bet: 11-10 Kauto Star, 13-2 Exotic Dancer, 15-2 My Way De Solzen, 14-1 Taranis, 15-1 Aces Four, 16-1 Monets Garden, 21-1 Racing Demon.
To win the Gold Cup - Betfair bet: 9-4 Kauto Star, 5-1 Denman, 8-1 Exotic Dancer, 15-1 My Way de Solzen, 25-1 Star De Mohaison, 33-1 War Of Attrition, 35-1 Taranis, 39-1 Aces Four, 43-1 Kicking King.
Adapted from a Betfair press release
THRILLS AND SPILLS ANTICIPATED IN TOTESPORT.COM BECHER CHASE
Totesport is looking forward to the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase (2.50pm), which has aroused plenty of interest with ante-post punters since the Wigan-based bookmaker opened betting on the race on Monday.
The two best-backed horses this week with totesport have been Mr Pointment and Leading Man. The former is trained by Paul Nicholls, who won the £100,000 contest with Silver Birch in 2004 and Eurotrek last year, and was a 10/1 chance when betting begun before shortening to his current 15/2.
Totesport’s biggest ante-post loser is Ferdy Murphy’s Leading Man, who was noted making good late progress over this trip on his seasonal bow in the Coors Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle earlier this month. The seven-year-old, who is partnered by Graham Lee, was a 14/1 shot when the market was formed, but is now joint-favourite at 7/1 together with Bewleys Berry.
Damian Walker said: “Leading Man currently has a handicap mark of 128 and if he were to win well today, he would probably get a weight that would see him get into the Grand National.
“Usually a horse with plenty of chasing experience lands the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase and, in the last 10 years, all of the winners have raced 10 times or more over fences except Silver Birch and Eurotrek.
“It could be significant that a novice last season in Mr Pointment is Paul Nicholls’ selected one for this race and he clearly thinks that the horse will be suited by Aintree’s unique fences.
“The two horses that we have tried to keep on our side are Silver Jack (14/1) and Irish Raptor (10/1), both of which we are shortest about this morning and each of these has been well backed.
“It should be a terrific race again this year and we are offering 20/1 about the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase winner going on to win the Grand National next year.
“Interestingly, the 2001 totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase winner Amberleigh House went on to win the 2004 Grand National, while the 2004 totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase winner Silver Birch went on to win this year’s Grand National.
“Garvivonnian (a 22/1 chance today) won the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase in 2005 so maybe he is the one for the 2008 Grand National?”
The £800,000 John Smith’s Grand National takes place at Aintree on April 5, 2008.
GOING CHANGED BEFORE RACING
The going has changed before racing after Andrew Tulloch, Clerk of the Course & Director of Racing at Aintree, walked the course.
It is now
GOOD TO SOFT, GOOD IN PLACES ON THE GRAND NATIONAL COURSE
&
GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES on THE MILDMAY & HURDLE COURSES
Tulloch said: “The courses have dried out overnight and this morning when we had less than a millimetre of rain.
“We missed most of the rain yesterday, getting about three millimetres, mostly in the morning. The Grand National course is in wonderful condition, not having been raced on since April.
“The Mildmay course has recovered well since our first meeting of the season, while we have moved the hurdles and bends out wide to gain fresh ground on the hurdle course.”
GOING
The official going at Aintree this morning is Good To Soft on the Grand National Course and Good To Soft, Good in places on the Mildmay and Hurdle Courses.
Andrew Tulloch, clerk of the course, reported that the Merseyside track received a millimetre of rain overnight.
NON-RUNNERS
Race 1 The Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle (12.30pm)
No 14 Red Lancer (vet’s certificate)
No 16 Snake Charmer (vet’s certificate)
Race 4 The totesportgames.com Handicap Hurdle (2.15pm)
No 1 Altilhar (vet’s certificate)
No 2 Mister Mcgoldrick (ran yesterday)
No 13 Backbord (vet’s certificate)
JOCKEY CHANGES
Race 1 The Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle (12.30pm)
No 3 Border Fox will be ridden by Richard McGrath in place of Wilson Renwick
Race 4 The totesportgames.com Handicap Hurdle (2.15pm)
No 5 Mirjan will be ridden by Brian Harding in place of Wilson Renwick
totesport MARKET MOVERS
There are three market movers with totesport in today’s feature £100,000 totesport.com Becher Chase (2.50pm), run over three and a quarter miles on the Grand National course.
Bewleys Berry, runner-up behind Eurotrek in this race 12 months ago and still very much in contention when departing at Becher’s Brook second time around in the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National, is into 6/1 from 7/1.
The Henry Daly-trained Briery Fox, who was brought down at the third fence on his only previous start over the Grand National fences in the 2007 John Smith’s Topham Chase, is now 14/1 from 20/1.
Pak Jack, who has clearly demonstrated his aptitude for the unique challenges of Aintree in the past when third in the 2006 John Smith’s Topham Chase and when runner-up in the 2007 John Smith’s Fox Hunters Chase, is now 16/1 from 22/1 on his first start for new trainer Richard Phillips.
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