04 February 2008 North Cornwall - Wadebridge
Colin and Karyn Heard have made a habit of saddling winners at Wadebridge. Their nearby Boscastle yard provided three winners at the course's fixture in December, and they followed up with two further successes at Saturday's North Cornwall meeting.
Innocent Rebel became the first leg of their double when making most of the running to win the Ladies Open by 12 lengths under champion lady Claire Allen. Seven-year-old Withiel Lad later obliged in the Open Maiden, which was divided on the day. Withiel Lad was described as "a big chasing type, so kind he is a treasure to have" by Karyn Heard.
Will Biddick, who had the mount on Withiel Lad, had earlier scored on the promising Ballybrown, who was never in danger of defeat from half way in the Restricted. Owned by Charlie Rush and trained by Becky Kennen on Bodmin Moor, Ballybrown has benefited from a wind operation. "He loves the job, is tough and stays forever," she said, before paying tribute to young rider Joe Tickle for his involvement at home with the gelding.
Hopes of a stable double had gone down when last year's prolific winning mare Sea Snipe was well and truly beaten by Tsar's Twist in the Hunt race. It was the fourth winner of the season for Lucy Gardner who jointly owns the nine-year-old with her Aunt and trainer Roma Cook.
The Heard yard suffered a reversal when odds on favourite Talikos (failed to stay) was pulled up two out in the Mens Open. Dante's Back had always been travelling well and was sent clear by Darren Edwards on the final bend.
The Confined provided the closest finish of the day. Concert Pianist rose at the second last just ahead of his stable companion King Georges and Unusual Suspect. King Georges toppled over on landing, and as Unusual Suspect weakened it was left to Lisheen Storm (Tim Dennis) to throw down the gauntlet on the uphill run in. The brave Concert Pianist held on grimly under Richard Woollacott to win by a long looking half length.
Two young riders enjoyed their first winners. 17-year-old Charlotte Horsley won the Intermediate on her Mother Sue's consistent Coffee Morning. Charlotte works for Coffee Morning's trainer David Bloomfield, who is based near Launceston.
21 year old Stuart Payne, who is attached to the Frost yard, entered the winner's enclosure for the first time when the Nikki Frost trained Tandori took the final Maiden. Tandori was out on her own in front for much of the trip, and survived a blunder at the penultimate fence. Tandori's owner Peter Gibbins, a semi-retired farmer from Colyford, was enjoying the first winner he has owned outright and bred.
