10 March 2009 Report: Blackmore & Sparkford Vale - Charlton Horethorne
CANNINGTON BROOK: and James Tudor on the way to winning the Restricted
Sam Allwood and Ian Popham took the riding honours with doubles at storm-lashed Charlton Horethorne on Sunday.
Sam kicked off with Braeroy, who just got the better of Knighton Combe (Michael Miller) after a duel throughout the last circuit. Trained at Droop by Louise Alner for Beaminster owner Bill Dupont, Braeroy has stamina in abundance and will next run in Chepstow's 3m 5f hunter chase on 18th March.
Sam doubled up on Identimin, who just touched off Dream Leader after the pair had disputed over the last. Identimin was a first-ever winner for Ebbesborne Wake trainer Lucy Franks - her partner Jamie Snowden completed an across-the-card double with Marsh Court at Warwick - and a first for Beech House Stud, Upton Noble owner Mark Gregson, whose family colours used to be carried with distinction by Comforting Wave and Rock Saint.
Ashclyst gave a brave front-running performance to get Ian off the mark in the 2½ mile Maiden division 1. Trainer Leslie Jefford would have preferred faster ground for Sue Trump's 7yo, but Ashclyst would not be denied as he deservedly opened his account after six previous placed efforts.
Ian was back in the winner's enclosure following the Richard Barber-trained Shacklesborough's impressive win in the 3 mile Maiden. Sporting Charlotte Townshend's distinctive red and white colours, Shacklesborough never really came off the bridle as he readily accounted for stable companion Bless My Soul (Nick Williams). The win completed a double for Richard Barber after Meanus Dandy's resolute Hunt race win under Rachael Green. Hi Fi and Rilly Goschen kept tabs on the favourite, but were fighting a losing battle up the final straight.
Richard, Rachael and owners, Paul Barber and Harry Findlay, were denied another success when Aiteen Thirtythree blundered and catapulted Rachael out of the saddle at the last in the Restricted, leaving Cannington Brook and James Tudor to coast home. Cannington Brook - now unbeaten in two races for owners Ken and Sara Biggins - would not have beaten Aiteen Thirtythree, but both horses look to have bright futures.
Double Honour stayed on resolutely to give rider Katherine Hobbs her first win of the season in the Ladies' Open, which was run in a snowstorm. Double Honour was last with a circuit to go, but got into his stride down the back straight and readily held off fellow 3-1 joint favourite Perouse (Chloe Roddick).
Ian Popham took the Jane Dufosee Trophy for the day's leading rider.
