Tag Archive for: Market Rasen

Kingston is crowned Queen at Market Rasen

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Kingston Queen showed ample ability to win the Unibet Alan Swinbank Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race for David Pipe.

The grey is a three-mile point-to-point winner who made her British debut when third in a Chepstow bumper in November, with her next outing at Plumpton a step forward as she was beaten just a neck in second.

On Boxing Day she made her third bumper start in a Sedgefield contest and there she made all the running to secure an eight-and-a-half-length victory under 7lb-claimer Gearoid Harney.

The same jockey took the ride at Market Rasen, though his claim was void in a Listed event, and his mount started an overlooked 16-1 chance in a field of 10 promising mares.

Always prominent, the five-year-old was at the head of the field as they reached the home straight, but faced a challenge from the strong-finishing Charisma Cat in the closing strides.

She held on to prevail by a neck with Charisma Cat behind her and Dream Shadow, the 13-8 favourite, further back in third.

“She’s very tough and pretty straightforward,” said Harney.

“She is actually still quite green and she’s learning the whole time.

“After her last win at Sedgefield I said that whatever she does in bumpers, she’ll be even better going forwards and going up in trip.

“It’s brilliant that she’s got a bit of black type now. She was still green when she won the last day and she’s improved again today.

“I’d say the softer (the ground) the better, she’s as tough as nails and she’ll stay as well.”

Of the prospect of the mare lining up for one of the key bumpers at the spring festivals, the rider added: “I’ll let the boss decide that! I’m sure they’ll sit down and discuss a plan for
her.”

Harney had earlier been called before the stewards following the Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase, although it was not for his ride in the race.

The jockey avoided injury after mistakenly jogging on the course during the extended two-mile-five-furlong contest, with the runners and riders safely navigating around him on the bend.

The stewards report read: “An inquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding why Gearoid Harney was jogging on the bend into the home straight, in close proximity to the runners and riders of this race. The stewards noted Harney’s explanation and reminded him of his responsibilities.”

‘Proper performance’ seals Rasen riches for Copperhead

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Copperhead’s renaissance continued as he did Joe Tizzard proud to land the Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

The 11-year-old has been flourishing this term after a spell where he looked adrift when struggling to reach the heights of his novice years.

Tizzard considers a heavy fall in the 2020 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival as the cause of a complete loss of confidence, and the road to restoring his faith in his own ability has been a long one.

His connections did not stop believing, however, and this season their patience has finally begun to pay off with the chestnut returning in autumn in excellent form.

The Veterans’ Series has very much been the target and the gelding won legs at Chepstow and Aintree before finishing second by narrow margins at both Sandown and Cheltenham.

Under Freddie Gingell he was widely tipped to be the horse to beat in the final at Market Rasen, which was rerouted from its usual host track of Sandown and then again from Warwick after both meetings were lost due to the weather.

A well-known field of eight assembled for the race, worth over £38,000 to the winner, and after a smooth passage throughout it was Copperhead who came to the fore in the home straight.

Sam Brown, Anthony Honeyball’s evergreen 13-year-old, threw down an admirable challenge from the last to the line but Copperhead had more to offer still and prevailed by a length and a quarter.

“I’m just absolutely chuffed,” said Tizzard.

“I was genuinely pleased to get his head back in front at Plumpton in May, and it just shows that winning again has done him the world of good.

“He’s had a fantastic autumn and I was so glad they rearranged this because it is this horse’s Gold Cup.

“He had a horrible fall in the RSA in 2020 and he just completely lost his confidence, but Alan and Gill (Pritchard, owners) stuck with him.

“He showed signs of coming back and now he is back, that was a proper performance.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him, I’ve got more out of winning this with him than I do from plenty of other races.

“I’m really proud of Eldorado Allen as well (fourth), they have been fantastic horses for the yard and this means a lot to me.”

Flier jets in for Veterans’ victory

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The Flier Begley soared to success in the Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

Gary Hanmer’s 10-year-old was ridden by 3lb-claimer Jack Hogan in the valuable contest, which offered £23,000 to the winner in addition to a spot in the series final.

In a field of 10, the bay always jumped well and looked comfortable throughout, taking full advantage of his low weight allocation to hold off all challengers and secure a three-and-a-quarter-length victory.

“He’s a dream to ride – he travelled, he jumped like a buck and he’s won well there,” said Hogan.

“I said to the owner before the race that we were up against it with some of these horses here, but we were coming with him in form.

“He couldn’t have been any better, so I knew we’d have a good stab at it and he’s done it very well.”

The Free Bet With Unibet’s Betbuilder Rebound Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle went the way of Olly Murphy’s Double Oban, who won the race in the stewards’ room after an inquiry.

The five-year-old was the 11-10 favourite under Lewis Stones and crossed the line in stride with Donald McCain’s Lahire, who was announced the winner after a photo finish.

The stewards were called in to look at interference between the first two home, however, and after an inquiry the initial placings were reversed and Double Oban has handed the race.

A double on the card was then secured for Murphy by Fingle Bridge, who took the Watch Unibet Racing Post Postcast Novices’ Hurdle under Sean Bowen as the 2-5 favourite.

The seven-year-old was a useful bumper prospect who then had a long spell off the track, but returned to make his hurdling debut with a Uttoxeter win in December.

He was well backed to follow that win up with another, but did not always look comfortable around the tight bends of Market Rasen and had considerable ground to make up in the home straight.

He plugged on and reeled in the race leader and eventual runner-up Wellington Arch to score by a length and a quarter.

Fingle Bridge with winning connections
Fingle Bridge with winning connections (Molly Hunter/PA)

“I want to go to Exeter with him for a Listed race on February 9, he went badly left at Uttoxeter so I was very keen to go right-handed with him,” said Murphy.

“I wanted to make sure that wasn’t going to be a problem, hence why we came here, and the timing was right as well.

“He’s not an easy horse to train, you can see that he hits the ground hard and he’s a big boy.

“If he stays sound he’s got a big future ahead of him. It’s beautiful ground here, good to soft, but he wants proper soft ground. He won’t be going anywhere near good ground at Cheltenham.”

Our Portia was a Market Rasen winner
My Portia was a Market Rasen winner (Molly Hunter/PA)

My Portia came good for Laura Morgan when winning the Unibet More Extra Places Than Ever Novices’ Handicap Chase under Brian Hughes.

The 3-1 favourite ran promisingly last time at Leicester and built on that effort in Lincolnshire, jumping fluently throughout and looking to find things fairly easy with an uncontested four-length success.

“It’s all down to Mrs Micklethwait (owner and breeder), any other owner would have given up on her!” said Morgan.

“She’s not easy but I was really confident coming into today, she jumped so well the whole way round.

“That has come with time, she used to be a bit iffy and run her races backwards almost, she was too free and she wasn’t relaxing.

“Whereas today, she got into a great rhythm and she ran away from them at the end with her ears pricked.”

Tizzard team vying for veterans’ victory

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Joe Tizzard has high hopes for stable stalwarts Copperhead and Eldorado Allen when they lock horns in the rearranged Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

The race has been rerouted to the Lincolnshire circuit after being beaten by the weather at Sandown and Warwick, and Tizzard is grateful the race was able to be saved.

Copperhead has enjoyed a stellar season and completed a hat-trick at Aintree in October. He has just been touched off on his last two starts, only headed by a neck by Numitor at Cheltenham last month, with Eldorado Allen behind him in third.

Joe Tizzard poses with Eldorado Allen
Joe Tizzard poses with Eldorado Allen (David Davies/PA)

Tizzard’s nephew Freddie Gingell will be back on board Copperhead at Market Rasen as he steps back up in trip from an extended two and a half miles to three miles.

Tizzard said: “He jumped and travelled really well and just got done for a bit of toe again, but ran a blinder. He’s having a cracking season and he’s loving these races for older horses.

“He’s really gained all of his confidence back. It’s a bit further again back at Market Rasen and he should run his race, which means he should be thereabouts.”

Eldorado Allen has been placed on both his starts this season following wind surgery in August and will again be fitted with cheekpieces.

Tizzard added: “He ran a lovely race (at Cheltenham), he got outpaced around halfway but stayed on well so we’ll just pop the cheekpieces back on him to make him concentrate mid-race.

“I wouldn’t like to split them, there is not too much between them, they’ve both been brilliant horses and I’m really pleased they’ve rearranged this race a couple of times.

“I might let Eldorado Allen have another go over the National fences, but drop back to the Topham. They’re in these veteran races and there’s plenty of them over two and a half and three miles and there’s good money, so we’ll just sort of concentrate on them really.”

Sam Brown will attempt to defend the crown he won for Anthony Honeyball last year when it was relocated to Warwick and will be boosted by conditional Chad Bament taking 10lb off the top-weight of 12st.

Honeyball said: “His third in the Charlie Hall sort of says he is running to a mark in the 150s there and if we run him off what is effectively 143, I don’t think he will have gone downhill overnight.

“I think if Chad and him get on well and have average luck, he has to be thereabouts.”

Elsewhere on the card, Fergal O’Brien is making no secret of the regard in which he holds Dream Shadow ahead of her bid for Listed success.

A £100,000 purchase after winning an Irish point-to-point in the spring of 2023, the six-year-old finished third on her bumper debut at Uttoxeter 12 months later before returning to the Staffordshire circuit to open her account in October.

Having missed a couple of potential outings since, Dream Shadow bids to follow in the hoofprints of her esteemed stablemate Dysart Enos by landing the the Unibet Alan Swinbank Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.

“She’s a lovely mare and the owners have been extremely patient because we were meant to go to Cheltenham (in November) and the ground was a bit quick, and then we were meant to go somewhere else and she didn’t scope right,” said the Ravenswell Farm handler.

“She’s a been a bit frustrating for everyone, for us and the owners, but she’s a very good mare, we love her and hopefully she can reward their patience on Friday.

“You need a decent one to win this race, we think she’s good and her form is solid because our other one that finished second to her at Uttoxeter (Strong Run) went on to finish third at Cheltenham behind another one of ours (Siog Geal) that has won a hurdle race since.”

Charisma Cat winning at Warwick
Charisma Cat winning at Warwick (David Davies/PA)

Dream Shadow is unlikely to have things all her own way, with several talented rivals lying in wait.

Alan King is represented Charisma Cat, who has impressed in winning her two starts at Southwell and Warwick, while Dan Skelton saddles both Carlisle scorer Getawhisky and Settle Down Jill, who finished fourth in Cheltenham’s Listed bumper in November on what was her rules debut.

Queenofthejukebox (Noel Williams) and Smile Back (Richard Phillips) also feature in what promises to be an informative contest.

Marsh Wren makes light work of Listed assignment at Market Rasen

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Marsh Wren did her connections proud once again when skipping to success in the Pertemps Network Bud Booth Mares’ Chase at Market Rasen.

Trained by Stuart Edmunds and owned by the Far Bihoue Partnership, the eight-year-old is a model of consistency who had won eight of her 14 starts ahead of the Listed event.

Amongst those victories is a Listed triumph at Thurles last season, after which she finished an admirable third in the Grade Two Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

She was returning for the season here and started at 11-4 under Sean Bowen as she stepped up to three miles for the first time in her chasing career.

She made the running in a small field of five and travelled well throughout, jumping soundly and holding off any and all challengers to canter home 16 lengths to the good in a lovely performance.

Edmunds may now have another trip across the Irish Sea in mind for the mare, with a Grade Three event at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day pencilled into the diary.

“I’m very happy – she’s a star. She’s tough and doesn’t know when she’s beaten. The trip was an unknown, but obviously it’s not a problem,” he said.

A victorious Marsh Wren in the unsaddling enclosure
A victorious Marsh Wren in the unsaddling enclosure (PA)

“We were very happy when the rain fell. Once the Skelton horse (Sacre Coeur) didn’t run we thought we’d make the running.

“She just wears her heart on her sleeve and gets on with it.

“She might go to Ireland now, Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day (for the John and Chich Fowler Memorial Mares Chase).

“It’s two and a half (miles), that’s the race we’ll have to be having a look at now.”

Supreme Gift secures Pertemps place with Market Rasen victory

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Supreme Gift booked his place for a potential tilt at the Pertemps Network Final when coming out on top in a qualifier at Market Rasen.

The Henry Daly-trained seven-year-old was seventh on his seasonal debut when last seen at Cheltenham and was ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies as a 3-1 shot for his trip to Lincolnshire.

Harbour Lake, the 2-1 favourite, looked the main threat and did take the lead over the final flight, but Supreme Gift was tough and put his head down to battle his way back and prevail by half a length, securing his spot at Cheltenham in March in the process.

“I suppose he hit the front a bit too soon and then came back again, but I think we’ll aim him at the final,” said Daly.

“It would be the obvious thing to do, he’ll go up a couple of pounds so he’ll probably get in anyhow.

“It’s a win and you’re in so it’s probably going to be the natural long-term aim for him now.”

Fergal O’Brien’s Tripoli Flyer made light work of his second hurdles start when taking the Pertemps Network “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle under Jonathan Burke.

The five-year-old has some good bumper form, finishing second to stablemate and subsequent hurdles winner Horaces Pearl in a Grade Two event at Aintree at the end of last term.

His debut over obstacles was a runner-up finish to David Pipe’s useful-looking Jurancon and there looked little to oppose him on his second attempt and he started the 1-14 favourite.

Those cramped odds proved correct and he was totally unchallenged in securing a 29-length victory.

“I’m very pleased with him there, I’m glad he did that and Johnny got him in front early enough and tried to teach him a little bit,” said O’Brien.

“He was a very short-priced favourite, but he’s won like a short-priced favourite so we were obviously delighted with that.

“We were disappointed not to win the first day, but Johnny said he’s come on leaps and bounds since then, sometimes it’s not all about winning the first time and he’s never run in a point to point so he’s learning on the job.”

The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle went the way of Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Chief Sunday, who struck on his handicap debut at 5-1 under the trainer’s son, Sam.

In a field of three the gelding was a comfortable two-length victor over even-money favourite Brave Jen.

Jim and Suzi Best’s Camino Rocio secured the hat-trick when taking the Pertemps Network Novices’ Handicap Chase under Sean Bowen.

The six-year-old joined the stable this season and has not looked back, winning on his yard debut at Wincanton in October and then again at Huntingdon earlier this month.

He was the 7-4 favourite to land a three-time and duly did so, settling into a lovely rhythm and jumping fluently to score by 12 lengths.

“I was over the moon with that, we were a little bit worried about whether he’d handle the softer going but he seemed to handle it well,” said Jim Best.

“He probably got in a better rhythm than last time, it’s a great start for us, three on the trot and you never know, there might be one more in him.

“We’ll see what comes up, but he seems to be really enjoying his work and enjoying racing.”

Needham keen to test the water with star mare Sine Nomine

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Fiona Needham’s Cheltenham heroine Sine Nomine will step out of hunter chase company to take on the Pertemps Network Bud Booth Mares’ Chase at Market Rasen.

The grey shone on the biggest stage of all when landing the St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup at Prestbury Park last season, powering up the hill to fly the flag for Yorkshire under John Dawson.

The same rider will be in the saddle when the eight-year-old lines up at Listed level at Market Rasen, her first start outside of the amateur ranks following several successful seasons point-to-pointing and hunter chasing.

Needham, who is the clerk of the course at Catterick and won the Cheltenham hunter chase as a jockey aboard Last Option in 2002, said of Sine Nomine: “She seems in really good form, obviously it’s her first run back and everything sharpens up for the run, but she’s very well.

“It’s a hot race and obviously we’ve been in the point-to-point and hunter chase field, so it is a little step into the unknown. I’m relying on the handicapper a bit and hoping he’s not far out!

“I think we are due a bit more rain tomorrow morning and any rain would help because she stays so well.

“She’s a very determined mare, she’s been brilliant for us so far and she’s risen to the challenge of everything we’ve thrown at her.

“I just hope it continues, we’re dipping our toe in the water and she’s earned her chance to have a go.”

Stuart Edmunds will run the ultra-consistent Marsh Wren in the race, a horse who took her form to a new level last season when winning the Listed Colreevy Mares Novice Chase at Thurles and placing third in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

She makes her seasonal comeback at Market Rasen and like Sine Nomine would appreciate any rain ahead of the race.

“We’re very happy with her, I just hope the ground is soft enough for her,” said Edmunds.

“She goes there in good nick but she just absolutely loves it when the ground is soft.

“She’s very consistent and she’s been a star, it’s the right race for her, I just hope there’s a bit of rain.”

Lucinda Russell will be represented in the race by Apple Away, a Grade One winner over hurdles who struck twice over fences last term and was second in the Grade Two Hampton Novices’ Chase.

She made her reappearance in the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso, where she was fourth, and will be supported in Lincolnshire by syndicate owners Old Gold Racing.

“Apple Away is in perfect form ahead of the Listed mares’ chase at Market Rasen on Wednesday,” said Russell.

“She came out of her Kelso reappearance really well, where she probably needed the run a little bit and was in against some seasoned campaigners too.

“Market Rasen ought to be right up her street. It’s flat, right-handed, and to that extent is very much like Perth, where she was fantastic in winning in April.

“Derek (Fox) goes down there to ride her, the three-mile trip is spot on, and so we think she’s got every chance.”

Of longer-term plans, Russell added: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that we have big dreams for her this season and the Scottish Grand National is her main aim.

“We want to build her up to that, so we’re keen not to over-face her in big handicaps all the way through the season.

“She’s improved markedly for her run at Kelso for sure, and I think the way Wednesday’s race has come together should suit her down to the ground. I hope she can run a big race for the Old Gold Racing team!”

Elsewhere in the contest is Nicky Henderson’s Fantastic Lady, who won the race in 2022 and was last seen taking the Grade Two Oaksey Chase at Sandown.

Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole’s La Renommee and Dan Skelton’s Sacre Coeur complete a field of six for the three-mile event.

De Boinville lining up return to the saddle at Market Rasen on Friday

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Nico de Boinville is poised to make his return from a broken collar bone at Market Rasen on Friday.

The rider was injured in a fall at Doncaster on December 29 but should he pass the doctor on Thursday, De Boinville will make his comeback on two mounts for his boss, Nicky Henderson, at the Lincolnshire track.

However, not only does De Boinville need to get medical permission to resume riding, he also needs the meeting to pass a precautionary inspection at noon on Thursday due to the current cold spell.

De Boinville does appear to have won his race against time to take the plum mount on Jonbon in Saturday’s BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot – although that meeting is also subject to the weather. He would clearly be in pole position to ride should the meeting be moved to Cheltenham the following week, as happened last year.

Nicky Henderson with Nico de Boinville
Nicky Henderson with Nico de Boinville (Steven Paston/PA)

The situation neatly sums up the life of a National Hunt jockey as De Boinville has only taken the reins on Jonbon this season as regular partner Aidan Coleman remains sidelined himself.

Henderson said: “He’s got to pass his medical tomorrow and if he passes that then he’s fine to ride.

“Obviously James (Bowen) has stepped up brilliantly in his absence but Nico has been riding out since last weekend.

“Nico knows them all inside out but James is in here everyday as well, he knows them all too.”

De Boinville is scheduled to ride Jemura in the Read Nicky Henderson’s Exclusive Unibet Blog Handicap Hurdle and Kutaiba in the Listed  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Alan Swinbank Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race.

Jonbon and Nico de Boinville on their way to winning the Tingle Creek
Jonbon and Nico de Boinville on their way to winning the Tingle Creek (John Walton/PA)

Looking ahead to Ascot, Henderson said: “It’s such a pain with the weather as everyone is really looking forward to it. We hope it will be all right.

“I don’t see why we wouldn’t go to Cheltenham next week if that is what happens. I’ve seen they’ve said El Fabiolo probably won’t travel twice, but it is pointless me speculating what they might or might not do.

“All I know is we are very happy with Jonbon, we couldn’t be happier and we were really looking forward to the race, I’m sure a lot of people were, and hopefully it will still take place with both of them running.

“We haven’t been held up by the weather, the only thing we can’t do is school on grass but we’ve got an all-weather schooling strip as well and an indoor school, so otherwise everything is fine.

“I’m trying to be an optimist, but I’m finding it quite hard.”

Mixedwave becomes first winner disqualified under whip rules

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Mixedwave has become the first winner to be disqualified under the current whip rules after his rider Alex Edwards used his whip 16 times at Market Rasen last week – nine above the permitted level.

Regulations concerning the use of the whip underwent major changes earlier this year, with the numbers of strikes allowed in Flat and jumps races reduced to six and seven respectively.

A tougher penalty structure for those in breach was also introduced, including doubled suspensions for major races and disqualification in the most serious of cases.

The Pam Sly-trained Mixedwave was a 4-1 shot for Market Rasen’s Pertemps Network Handicap Chase on Thursday – and after making virtually all the running, clung on by a short-head from Post Chaise.

However, following the latest meeting of the Whip Review Committee, Edwards was found to have used his whip nine times above the permitted level of seven and “without giving his mount time to respond from approaching the third-last flight.”

Taking into account Edwards had used his whip more than four times above the permitted level, Mixedwave was disqualified, while Edwards will serve a 24-day suspension (December 12-23 and December 26-January 6), with one of these days to be spent receiving specialised coaching.

It is the first such disqualification since the rules were introduced, with 7,903 races staged under the rules as of November 26, according to the British Horseracing Authority.

A BHA spokesperson said: “Disqualification was introduced as the ultimate deterrent for overuse of the whip and there can be no excuse for exceeding the permitted level by nine uses.

“As well as extensive consultation and communication, jockeys were required to undertake online training modules which clearly set out the new rules prior to riding under them.

“The wide-ranging understanding of what may trigger a disqualification, and the steps taken by jockeys to adapt well to the new rules, is demonstrated by the fact that this is the first time in almost 8,000 races that the rule has been invoked following a winning ride.”

Itchy Feet shows Rasen rivals a clean pair of heels

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Olly Murphy had a double on the card at Market Rasen as Itchy Feet returned to winning ways in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.

The nine-year-old is a seasoned campaigner for the yard, with his seven victories including the Grade One Scilly Isles Chase in 2020.

He started out last term over fences but reverted to hurdling to qualify for Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, where he finished 11th of 23 after coming home second at Grade Two level in the Rendlesham at Haydock.

Pulled up on his seasonal reappearance at Newton Abbot last month, this time the gelding started at 7-2 and ran a pleasing race to come home three and a half-lengths ahead of Giovanni Change with Dan Skelton’s Le Milos back in third.

“It was nice to get Itchy Feet’s head back in front,” said Murphy.

“At the age he is now, it’s nice to see him be as resolute as he still is, he’s a credit to everyone at home.

“It’s nice to win a good pot with him, they’re hard to win with when they’re at that end of the handicap and it was great to see him win again.”

Murphy’s second winner on the card was The Same, a debutant over fences who made success look easy in the Pertemps Network Novices’ Handicap Chase when jumping well and winning by nine and a half lengths as the 7-4 favourite.

“He was good, he jumped really well. He’s a horse who will appreciate a big track and three miles in time,” Murphy said.

“He was lightly raced over hurdles and he appreciated a fence, hopefully he’s going to be a nice staying chaser for his owners.

“With the size of him he was crying out for a fence, I thought he jumped immaculately for a novice. Hopefully that’ll stand him in good stead when he goes up in grade.”

Galia Des Liteaux starts season off with victory at Market Rasen

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Dan Skelton’s Galia Des Liteaux made a winning start to her season in the Rhino.Bet Bud Booth Mares’ Chase at Market Rasen.

The Listed contest attracted five runners, of which she was the 5-6 favourite as a proven Graded-race performer who was set some tough assignments at the latter end of last season.

Fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and fourth in the Mildmay at Aintree, the bay made her return over three miles in Lincolnshire and was partnered by usual rider Harry Skelton.

Martin Keighley’s Found On made the running and jumped soundly in front with the favourite in her slipstream, and it was on the home turn that the market leader first began to throw down a challenge.

Initially she look set to easily pull clear, but Found On was dogged behind her and Jedd O’Keeffe’s Fairfield Ferrata did not fold readily and so Galila Des Liteaux looked grateful for the staying trip when regaining dominance late on.

“She is talented, we got the job done in the end but I think the track was probably sharp enough for her,” said the winning jockey.

“It’s a Listed race, this is where Dan wanted to come right from the end of last season. This was were we wanted to start her off, she stays really well and got the job done well at the line.

“Sean (Bowen, Found On) was going a good gallop in front, she was jumping well but it was all just happening a bit quick for her. I was mindful that I didn’t want him to have it his own way up front and then turn in and be gone on me, I knew I wouldn’t pick him up late on.

“I’ve let her pop three out, pop the second-last, I looked around and I knew I’d need a good one and she had plenty left and would keep finding for me. She was good at the last and then galloped on.

“I don’t think we’ve seen her at her best there, but she’s one that tries and that’s what you need.”

Ruth Jefferson’s Southern Babylon impressed when taking the Download The Rhino.Bet App EBF Mares’ “NH” Maiden Hurdle under Richie McLernon.

The five-year-old was second in a point-to-point before joining Jefferson’s yard and made her debut for the stable in a Sedgefield maiden in late October, finishing second over two miles and one furlong in an encouraging run.

She was stepped up to just over two and a half miles at Market Rasen and seemed to relish the trip, jumping neatly and travelling well throughout before pulling away down the home straight to cross the line two and a quarter lengths ahead.

“I wasn’t going to step her up in trip after last time but this race was here and she’s seemed to really like going further,” said Jefferson of her 4-1 scorer.

“She’s a nice, straightforward horse and she’s done that well. She didn’t do much wrong last time and came on for it.

“She’ll be versatile with her trip, I’m really pleased with her there.”

Harry Derham continued in fine form as Picks Lad (6-4 favourite) made a faultless chasing debut in the Daily Charged Up Offers At Rhino.Bet Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The gelding was making his first start for the stable after a hurdling career with Kim Bailey and was the 6-4 favourite for his first attempt around a course of fences.

Under Paul O’Brien he made the running all the way over the three miles and jumped with great fluency throughout, gaining ground at the head the field in the home straight and finding himself comfortably clear at the last.

“I’m delighted with that and most of all for the syndicate OLBG have put together, who own him,” Derham said.

“We knew he’d make a nice chaser and he’s jumped really well around there, he’s a nice horse and Paul just does so well with these novice chasers.

“We’ll plan something out for him at the end of the season and see how we go up until then.”

Norman Fletcher ran a pleasing race to land the Discover What’s Trending At Rhino.Bet Casino Maiden Hurdle for Sam and Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The four-year-old is a dual bumper winner and although he fell on his hurdling debut, he was the runner-up on his second attempt over obstacles and came into this contest the 5-6 favourite.

In a busy field of 14 he travelled well and comfortably strode to a two-and-a-quarter-length victory to get off the mark over hurdles.

Caro Des Flos went one better than his effort 12 months ago to take the Follow Us On Twitter @betrhino Handicap Chase for Julian Smith and Harry Bannister.

The 11-year-old stayed on at the front of a well strung out field of 10 and crossed the line at a canter having started as the 4-1 favourite.

Found On out to make it a perfect three from three at Market Rasen

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Martin Keighley’s Found On will bid for black type as she returns to Market Rasen for the Rhino.Bet Bud Booth Mares’ Chase on Thursday.

The eight-year-old has been consistent in recent seasons, winning six of her last eight starts over distances varying from two and a half miles to three.

She hit the ground running this season when making her yearly reappearance at this track in October, winning a competitive handicap chase by four lengths under Sean Bowen.

The mare will now return to the Lincolnshire circuit at Listed level, where she is set to join four rivals over an increased trip of three miles.

“It was a really good performance, her first run of the season at Market Rasen,” said Keighley.

Found On and Sean Bowen at Warwick
Found On and Sean Bowen at Warwick (Zac Goodwin/PA)

“That was quite a strong handicap and she did it well, as soon as she won there we had this in mind as we’re desperate to get her some black type.

“We’ve saved her for this race and hopefully she can, she’s been to the track twice and won there twice, she’ll like the decent ground so I’m hoping for a big run.

“The Dan Skelton horse will be a hard one to beat, but she’s in good form and if she doesn’t win and is in the first three, it will be great to get her black type.”

The Skelton horse in question is Galia Des Liteaux, a Grade Two winner last season who was most recently seen coming home fourth behind Gerri Colombe in the Mildmay at Aintree.

Nicky Henderson’s Tweed Skirt, Sue Smith’s Burrows Diamond and Jedd O’Keeffe’s Fairfield Ferrata complete the line up.

Cobden excels as Born Famous takes Summer Plate

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Bottom weight Born Famous came from last to first to deny Peter Bowen another success in the Unibet Summer Plate at Market Rasen.

Sent off the 3-1 favourite under Harry Cobden, the rapidly improving six-year-old looked to have no chance at halfway, detached from the main group of runners.

Bowen had two runners in the race, searching for a ninth win and a third in a row with Francky Du Berlais.

It was his other runner Courtland who looked to have been produced to perfection by Gavin Sheehan, though, as he jumped to the lead at the second last.

But as Hang In There weakened, Born Famous was just hitting top gear and the mare extended her unbeaten record to five since joining Iain Jardine.

Jardine said: “That was class and what a cool ride from Harry too. I knew he was going to take his time but I didn’t think he would take as much time as that!

“They obviously went quite quick and the rain has got into the ground and they’ve stopped, so it was a well-judged and a well thought out ride. She’s a grand filly on an upward curve and I’m just really chuffed for her owners. It’s a fantastic result.

“I’m not sure what’s clicked with her, she’s just gained that bit of confidence and is enjoying her races. We’ve been training her away quietly and we’re not too hard on her, so it’s probably a combination of that.

“She can jump. She’s very versatile regarding ground and she can’t half jump. It was some ride from Harry though – Conor O’Farrell, our jockey, had a word with him earlier and he just said it doesn’t really matter how she’s ridden, it’s all about getting her into a rhythm.

“She was in a good rhythm and finished well, so it’s an excellent result. We’ll sit tight with her now, we might have a look at something down the line but she doesn’t owe us anything.”

Bowen hunting Plate hat-trick for Francky Du Berlais

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Peter Bowen’s Francky Du Berlais will bid for a third successive victory in the Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase at Market Rasen on Saturday.

The 10-year-old has landed the contest for the past two years, prevailing by seven and a half lengths in 2021 and by a neck in 2022.

His successes have continued Bowen’s exceptional record in the race, a contest he has won eight times since its inception in 1995.

Francky Du Berlais became the first horse to land the valuable chase twice when triumphant last year and he returns to Lincolnshire in good form as he goes for the hat-trick.

“He’s had his prep run and everything’s gone fine, everything’s ready for him now,” Bowen said.

Francky Du Berlais at Uttoxeter last season
Francky Du Berlais at Uttoxeter last season (Tim Goode/PA)

“He’s won it twice and whether he can do it a third time, I don’t know, but he’s in great form anyway.”

When asked if the Summer Plate is a specific target for the yard, the trainer said: “Not particularly, but it just seems to happen for us in this race. It’s about seven hours from here but he’s made it worth it.”

Francky Du Berlais will not make the journey from Pembrokeshire alone as Bowen also has Courtland in the Summer Plate.

The eight-year-old has won his past three starts, including a course-and-distance victory by five and a half lengths last time out.

“Sean (Bowen, son) rides him (Francky Du Berlais) and Gavin Sheehan will ride Courtland, he’s in good form and he’s up and coming so he could be well in.”

Courtland in action at Newbury previously
Courtland in action at Newbury previously (Nigel French/PA)

Success in the race would be another win to add to Sean Bowen’s impressive tally so far this season, with the trainer’s son the current favourite be crowned champion jockey at the conclusion of the term.

Bowen snr said: “He’s had a brilliant start. As long as he can stay injury-free and have a bit of luck, he should stand a good chance.”

Elsewhere in the Summer Plate is Jonjo O’Neill’s La Domaniale and Sarah Humphrey’s Gloire D’athon, with Emma Lavelle saddling two entrants in both Killer Clown and Hang In There.

Gavin Cromwell also brings a pair of runners over from Ireland in Railway Hurricane and Broken Ice, while Laura Morgan is also double handed with And The New and Tardree.

Hugos New Horse continues winning spree with four-timer

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Hugos New Horse landed his fourth consecutive race when taking the Follow @starsports_bet EBF Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen.

The six-year-old has been almost unstoppable this season, beaten only on his first run of the term before beginning a hat-trick of hurdle victories at Wincanton, Sandown and Exeter.

Despite his form he was not the favourite at the Lincolnshire circuit and went off at 6-4 for trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Freddie Gingell.

Into the home straight he did not look the obvious winner, but the step up in trip evidently suited and he rallied all the way to the line to win by half a length from Emma Lavelle’s Tightenourbelts.

“It’s his first time running in this good ground since his bumper, I thought maybe the other horse just had him but he’s toughed it out,” said Conor Houlihan, pupil assistant to Nicholls.

“He was gutsy, he enjoyed the step up in trip and probably needed the distance with that kind of surface.

“He’s won four in a row now and you’d love to have a few more like him, I’m sure he warrants being in a Saturday race soon.

“Paul came here today to get him qualified for EBF Final (at Sandown in March) and I imagine that is where he will go now.

“Hopefully he can get the same result as McFabulous who won it two years ago and Complete Unknown who won it last year.

“He has loads of scope and he is a brilliant racehorse.”

Barrier Peaks gave trainer David Pipe a birthday winner when landing the starsports.Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle under Fergus Gillard.

The seven-year-old was seeking a hat-trick after winning at both Exeter and Uttoxeter last month, with the 10lb rise he received as a result of the latter proving no barrier to success.

The 5-2 joint-favourite, Barrier Peaks ran in mid-division and in the home straight left all rivals bar Lone Star behind, eventually doing enough to prevail by a length on the line.

“I got there a bit too soon in hindsight, but I thought Charlie Longsdon’s horse (Calidad, fourth) would travel into the race,” said Gillard.

“As soon as I hit the front he’s idled a bit, but he’s done it well in the end.

“In his first few runs he was very green, now that he’s more race smart he’s a lot more intelligent.”

William Maggs enjoyed the second winner of his budding career when riding Patient Dream to a 11-2 victory in the Call Star Sports On 08000 521321 Handicap Hurdle for his boss Donald McCain.

African Dance then made a winning return after 15 months off the track when taking the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Handicap Chase for Olly Murphy.

Ridden by Fergus Gregory, the eight-year-old had been sidelined by injury since November 2021 when he won his chasing debut at Ayr.

Some 448 days later the gelding returned to the track with a win, prevailing by a length at 11-1 for owners Valerie and Noel Moran of Bective Stud.

“He’s a horse that we’ve always quite liked and hopefully he’s going to be an improving chaser,” said Murphy.

“It’s nice to get a winner for Noel and Valerie Moran, they’re prominent colours and good supporters of mine.

“I thought he was crying out for the trip, I didn’t know if he’d relax well enough first time out but he was grand.”