News

VINTAGE CLASS: part of a double for Michael Miller

Michael Miller rode a double - and took an early lead in the National Men's table - on Vintage Class (Conditions Div 1) and Jayne's Crusader (Mens Open) at Larkhill on Saturday.

Vintage Class, an inmate of Michael's Woolland yard, led over the last three fences to hold off Preacher Boy and Southwestern, who never looked like justifying 5/4 favouritism. "Vintage Class is a big horse who won two races for me last season, but he's getting progressively stronger," felt Beaminster owner Bill Dupont.

Michael was equally pleased. "He tired a little coming to the last but he certainly picked up when he was challenged."

Jayne's Crusader gave Droop Trainer Sally Alner her first success since she and her husband Robert retired from training under Rules in August. Formerly owned by breeder Paul Murphy and a half-brother to top Rules performers Mad Max and Carole's Legacy, Jayne's Crusader got the best of a three-way battle up the run-in with Mount Benger and Nenuphar Collonges to make a winning first appearance for joint-Owners Percy and Anne Tory and Di Dampney.

Richard Barber and Will Biddick were in double form with Flanshan (second Maiden) and Dualla Lord (second Restricted). The former, owned by Peter and Sandra Maltby, led throughout and had the measure of Newlyn Bay (James Tudor) when his main rival fell at the last.

"Nobody else would make it, so I thought I might as well, but I did keep a little bit in hand," smiled Will. Marianne Barber's ex-Irish grey Dualla Lord led throughout the last half-mile and readily held stable companion Bold Chief (Alice Mills).

"Liam Burke suggested him to me after he won a Maiden so I bought him for Marianne", explained Paul Barber. "And we've left my colours in Ireland, so he's had to run in Paul's," added Marianne.

Godfrey Maundrell, who made his race riding debut in 1970, reached the 150-winner mark on Spiders Nephew, who was a first winner in his own name for Trainer Paul Thompson. Spiders Nephew looked held but benefited when challenger Buck's Bond (Will Biddick) capsized two out and clear leader Dust In Time (James Banks) fell at the last. "Someone was certainly smiling on us today," said Paul.

Description (Camilla Ewart) put up a fine front-running display to hold off Larkhill specialists Theatre Diva (Jo Buck) and Coombe Hill (Charlotte Tizzard) in the Ladies contest. Bought by Camilla and her partner Jamie Warner for £19,000 at Doncaster in August, Description was a 10th riding success for Camilla, but a first - at the first attempt - as an Owner for Jamie.

West Midlands yards took the remaining three races. The Fergal O'Brien-trained Dammam (Sam Drinkwater) sauntered home clear of weary rivals in the Conditions (Div 2), which had been run at a ferocious pace. Harry The Viking, carrying Bill Bush's famous black and white colours and ridden by his granddaughter Amanda Bush, fought back on the run-in to regain the advantage from Marshal Zhukov, who led over the last in the first Maiden. Mr Melodious survived interference at the last fence to complete a good day for the England family in the third Maiden. The five-year-old is owned by John England and was ridden by his son Johnny, whose brother David had finished fourth aboard Ballyfitz in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow forty minutes earlier.

Back to Top