The first race, a two mile three furlong novices hurdle saw nine runners go to post, top weight Harry Whittington trained Bigmartre went off evens money favourite, but it was another Fontwell favourite in local trainer Suzy Smith who too the honours with Clondaw Cian
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| Clondaw Cian |
The five year old gelding, now two from three, his last win coming at the same course earlier in the month, battled on well from the last, the 6lbs penalty that Bigmatre gave to the winner telling in the going that was clearly very testing.
Jockey Tom O'Brien said ' I wasn't sure coming round the home turn how well Gavin's horse was travelling, but the penalty he was carrying, and the testing going, helped my fella in the end'.
The trainer mentioned that she would of been just as thrilled to be second to the top weight. And would now have to go home and think of where to go next with this promising novice.
Only five runners braved the next, a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle.
Warren Greatrex sent five year old bay gelding Bells 'N' Banjos to post, and the horse rewarded him by romping home by 16 lengths from top weight Decimus.
The five year old by Indian River, surly looks the chasing sort, but jockey Gavin Sheehan who was beaten on the favourite in the first said ' He's a nice sort, but at the moment we'll keep him to hurdling and see how we go.' This one is certainly one to keep an eye out for in the future.
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| Bells 'N' Banjos |
The first of only two chases on the card for the afternoon, saw six runners go to post.Ben Pauling sent his six year old gelding Showboater to post 11/8 fav, and the son of Milan certainly relished in the testing going, coming on from his previous run at Newton Abbot in April on good ground to win the contest by 13 lengths from Bonds Conquest.
The trainer mentioned he bought the horse about 18 months ago at not a big price, and thought the horse had not much experience, was well worth it. With this win though may come penalties so would have to be judged on the competition and ground when he reappears.
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| Showboater |
Incidentally, both trainer of the winner and Jockey Nico De Boinville, both have come out, and still are at the yard of Nicky Henderson, Pauling paying homage to his old boss saying ' the experience you get from him and his team is valuble' De Boinville mentioning ' I'm glad we've won as i have to give the trainer a lift home this evening'
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| Showboater |
The fourth race of the afternoon a two mile three furlong handicap hurdle saw another well priced horse romp home by a distance, with poor form last time out. Cheltenham trainer Emma Baker had to see the stewards after the race to explain the improvement in her five year old Arquebusier as the James Banks ridden horse came home a good 31 lengths from Shalianzi. ' i thought we'd try something different as nothing wanted to take up the race and go from the front. On the run in i should of had a look round instead of riding him out to be fair, I'm sure the handicapper's would of taken note of his win' This former Irish trained horse again would have to be watched on his next outing to see how true to form this win is. But is surly an added bonus to a small yards winning tally.
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| Arquebusier |
The second of the two chases of the afternoon saw a two mile three furlong handicap become part of the Conditional Jockeys training series.
This series encouraging trainers to put up young up and coming jockeys, with the stipulation that the pilots have to use their riding skills and the use of the whip has stipulations. The jockey can only wave and use the whip in the backhand position only.
Four runners went to post, trainer Neil Mullholland sending veteran chaser Matrow's Lady off evens money favourite. Three pound claimer Martin McIntyre, whose only success has come over the bigger obstacles.saw off Double Dan by nine lengths ' i don't know why i have only won over fences but there you go, but it was great to ride for the trainer as you know if he sends them to the races they have a fair chance as any to win'
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| Matrow's Lady |
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| Three pound claimer Martin McIntyre |
The Final race of the card, a two mile one furlong national hunt flat race saw eight runners take two and a half laps of the Sussex track. All runners racing in a steady bunch until the final circuit.
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| two mile one furlong national hunt flat race |
The testing going seeing horses one by one dropping out as the field entered the back straight for the final time. Two horses as they turned for home, 8/11 fav Champagne George and Not Another Muddle neck to neck as the reached the inclined final two furlongs. Both horse then split, Not Another Muddle taking the stand rails, and the eventual winner Neil Mullholland Champagne George on the outside rail, hard ridden by Noel Fehily he took the race by a length and a quick double for Mullhollands Limpley Stoke yard.
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| Champagne George |
This five year old by Acambaro, in only his second appearance showing good form for earlier winner Clondaw Cian as the grey was fourth to the Suzy Smith charge in a course and distance event on less testing ground at the beginning of the month. We're sure to see this horse again at Fontwell soon.
All Novembers Fontwell meetings blogs can be seen at
