Racing Live - Newton Abbot 12th May 2009
21:48 The finale, a 2m 6f hurdle was run in near darkness and it also saw the most convincing win of the evening, as Markington came home the easy 23 length winner, so easy the win will do his handicap mark no favours whatsoever. Tom O’Brien kept the gelding handy throughout the contest, tracking the early leader, St Mellion Freeway and later Dochas Beag. Sent into the lead approaching three out the race was soon over as a contest as Markington came home running away. Beshairt took the runners-up spot, whilst St Mellion Freeway got a second wind to run on into third, denying Vintage Fabric,
20:18 A race type of event for our fifth contest, a handicap Hunters’ Chase, which saw ten go to post. The pace was set by the only filly in the contest, Fleur De Nikos and she maintained the front position until three out when the favourite Ofarel D’Airy loomed on her outside and soon had a clear lead. The favourite had been settled towards the rear for most of the contest, before moving into fifth as they went out on their final circuit. As they progressed down the home straight the leaders lead was being eroded but Ollie Greenall seemed to be comfortable on the leader just running on enough to keep daylight (which is diminishing very quickly here) and Ofarel D’Airy came home the 2½ length winner. Doof, who ran in snatches came home third, relegating the front running Fleur De Nikos into fourth place. 19:44 In contrast to the previous race we were treated to a front running performance in our fourth contest, a 2m 6f novices’ hurdle. The favourite Dais Return set off in front and was never headed, coming home a six length winner. AP McCoy on Bolton Hall did attempt to make a race of it turning for home but was never in a position to mount a serious challenge, despite the strong urgings of Mr McCoy. Norwest came home third. 19:21 A most astonishing finish to our third race, an extend Two mile novices’ chase looked destined to see another odds-on favourite head for defeat as Shore Thing, under champion jockey AP McCoy looked to be fruitlessly chasing Conflictofinterest, who had a good four length lead coming to the last. The leader had taken up the running as they entered the back straight for the final time. McCoy who had been settled in rear ran on to chase the leader but to no avail and it looked as though another upset was on the cards. However the name of the game is jumping and Conflictofinterest seemingly jumped the last flight OK but managed to loose his footing as he landed, almost spread-eagling and landing on his haunches. Rider Harry Skelton managed to keep the partnership intact but had lost so much momentum that by the time the horse was back on his feet McCoy was alongside. Although he made a valiant attempt to regain the lead, Shore Thing held on to record a fortunate victory for favourite backers. 18:46 Another 2m 3f Hurdle, this time a seller, and for the second race running it was a disappointment for favourite backers. Cavalry Twill set off as the hare and the field were soon well spread out. Indeed as they set off on their final circuit, a casual observer may have been left with the impression they had already run three miles, with both Cleopatra’s Therapy and Feels Right in different parishes. Cavalry Twill still had the advantage turning for home bur the filly Dee Cee Elle was on his quarters, also the favourite, Hitaaf, had run on into third. Two out Dee Cee Elle took up the running and it was a case of race over. As Dee Cee Elle ran on the favourite ran backwards, only coming home fifth. Cavalry Twill held on for second spot with Shanahan running on through beaten horses to take third.
18:16 A 2m 3f Mares Novices’ Hurdle to get us underway this evening and we had an odds-on favourite in the shape of Call Me A Legend, trained by Alan King and ridden by Robert Thornton. The early pace was muddled with the lead changing hand several times until Ambrose Princess finally took up the running at the third flight. Thornton settled the favourite mid-division before mounting a challenge as they turned for home. Two out it looked as though the favourite would oblige as he came upsides the leader but Ambrose Princess, under Tom Scudamore had more in the locker and ran on to take the last in front and despite the best endeavours of Choc Thornton to close the gap held on to record a 1¾ length victory. The well backed second favourite Candle was a disappointing third, unable to make a challenge. Blush Tone took a heavy fall at the last, but was only winded. 15:45 Good afternoon from Newton Abbot where it is beginning to cloud over and there is a possibility of showers later on. The tips tonight are:-
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Non-RunnersThe time in brackets is the time the horse was officially declared a non-runner. SC - Self Certificate 7:30 8:00 8:30 Results 6:00 Novices' Hurdle 2m 3f 1st 8 Ambrose Princess 7/1 6:30 Selling Hurdle 2m 3f 1st 4 Dee Cee Elle 5/1 7:00 Novices' Chase 2m 110yds 1st 5 Shore Thing 8/11 fav 7:30 Novices' Hurdle 2m 6f 1st 1 Dais Return 5/4 fav 8:00 Hunters' Chase 2m 5f 1st 1 Ofarel D'Airy 7/2 fav 8:30 Handicap Hurdle 2m 6f 1st 8 Markington |
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