TRAINER Paul Nicholls and jockey Harry Cobden have been scoring winners frequently over recent days and they came to the second Hereford races held under Covid regulations hopeful of adding to their tallies and their ‘stay at home’ supporters were rewarded, writes Graham Saveker
They struck with former Irish point to point winner Young Buck, in the colours of owner Andy Stewart, made famous by previous top class stable companion Big Bucks, who confirmed the high opinion held of him with a win in the three mile one and a half furlong Maiden hurdle.
After a debut back in March where he finished third, the son of Yeats was made to work by the consistent Ziggy Rose, who was sent off 10/11 favourite, but Young Buck in the hands of rider Harry Cobden showed a willing attitude when challenged and responded well to win by one and a quarter lengths recording Nicholl’s thirty fifth win of the season.
Another anticipated win on the card with Lucky One in the two mile three furlong handicap hurdle did not materialise though as Lambourn raider Fugitives Drift carried top weight to victory in the hands of Nico de Boinville.
Another combination in form is rider David Bass and trainer Kim Bailey and they were on the scoresheet again with the win of El Presente in the three mile Novices Limited Handicap Chase.
A mistake at the second last fence handed the initiative to Aye Aye Charlie but Bass, riding with confidence, balanced his mount and challenged approaching the last before staying on strongly to record a two and a half lengths win over his betting market rival and El Presente to score for the third time in the season.
Wales may be approaching a 'circuit breaker' lockdown but it did not stop welsh trainers Sam Thomas and Evan Williams taking two of the two races on the card with Williams successful in the extended three mile mares chase with Still Believing and Thomas’s Dobryn taking an eventful first division of the Bumper that saw the 6/4 favourite City Derby being hampered and unseating his rider Paddy Brennan when holding every chance
Much Marcle trainer Tom Lacey has a 23% of winners to runners currently and his Immortal Flame was sent off a well supported 5/2 favourite in the concluding Bumper race but despite showing up well his chance evaporated over the final three furlongs.
In a head bobbing finish Translink passed the post a short-head winner from Montenay for rider Sam Twiston-Davies but following a steward's enquiry the placings were reversed for interference so giving a winner to the seasons leading rider Brian Hughes.
The meeting had opened with a fluent success for the rider-trainer combination of brothers Harry and Dan Skelton and the favourite Marada in the two mile Mares hurdle.
Sent off 30/100 favourite to confirm the promise of her hurdle debut at Warwick three weeks ago the result was never in doubt as Marada sauntered home from her ten opponents winning by nine and a half lengths.
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