31 March 2008 Avon Vale - Larkhill
Ask Again: outstayed the competition to win a fascinating Mixed Open
Ask Again outstayed Cattle Class and odds-on favourite Man From Highworth to win a fascinating Mixed Open at rain-lashed Larkhill on Saturday. Ask Again is now unbeaten in seven completed Point-to-Points, but will return to the hunter chase arena.
"He was withdrawn at the start at Wincanton with blood on his face - we think he hit himself in the horsebox", explained Sarah. "So we came here as a prep race for the Exeter Hunter Chase on 15th April. He'd probably have preferred better ground, but he's stayed on really strongly again".
David Cowie's El Troubadour retained his unbeaten record - three from three - in the Intermediate. "This is the first unbeaten horse I've ridden", smiled Ryan Bliss afterwards. "His jumping is improving and he stays superbly - he's very exciting"
Martin Atkinson got off the mark on Coral Cay, who regained the lead entering the straight in the 17-runner Restricted. Trained at Cattistock by Martin's mother, Nicky, for herself and Nicky Turner, Coral Cay has now been placed in nine of her ten races, winning two. "She's certainly been consistent, so I think she deserved that", smiled Martin's father, Robert.
Polly Gundry took her tally to 22 - eight ahead in the Ladies' table - in the TBA/MFHA PPORA Mares' Maiden on Jean's Joy, who forged ahead over the last three fences. "This is a special win", said John Burbidge, joint-owner with wife Bridget. "Jean's Joy was foaled by Bridget's mother and named after her. Jean died 18 months ago, so this means a lot to us".
Lord Shark took the 16-runner Maiden under a typically patient ride from Neil Harris, now on the 11-winner mark for the season. "We bought him at the Irish Derby Sales last season, and he's a first winner for his four owners, Paul Govier, Peter Govier, Steven Loosemore and Chris Hayes", said Jeremy Scott, representing wife Camilla. "That'll be it for this season, but he's something to look forward to for next".
Richard Hawker took the hunt race - for the first time - on Sweet Shooter, who overhauled pacesetter Kings Bitter (Tigga Barnes) at the last. "She doesn't like the rain, but she does stay, so the plan was to sit in and exploit her staying skills", smiled Richard afterwards.
Gunners Mistake (Stuart Payne) finally asserted after the last to justify 1-3 favouritism in the Pegasus Club Members race.
