15 April 2009 Report: Croome & West Warwickshire - Upton-upon-Severn
PAZMO: and Ian Popham won the second division of the Open Maiden
Just 29 runners lined up to face the starter at what can only be described as a disappointing meeting at Upton-upon-Severn.
The large crowd came to the course full of expectation but the combination of firm ground and a plethora of fixtures over the Easter period resulted in a very poor turnout but at least it gave some horses the chance to have their moment of glory.
Despite losing about 30-lengths at the start of the Members Claire Dyson did not panic and made up the lost ground with relative ease and her mount Regal Vision proved speedier than Jukebox on the run to the line.
This win provided the horses Feckenham based owner/trainer Jackie O'Connor with her first victory from only her second runner.
Hanley Swan trainer Andy Hobbs and Twyning based Stan Warner and Kate Foster Smith teamed up to take Division I of the Maiden with There Ya Go. The favourite was challenged by Leadbrook Lad at the last and these two horses had a ding-dong battle all the way up the long run in.
This success provided compensation for winning connections after their other horse Olivier had been beaten by Maranach earlier in the afternoon.
Oakley Gold has been trying to win a race for five seasons and eventually did so after an inspired ride by Richard Spencer in the Mares Maiden which provided Henley in Arden trainer Mark Rodda with his first win of the season.
