A sparse crowd made their
way to Howe Hills on a dank, drizzly and misty day, but those in
attendance were treated to some notable performers on superb
ground. The highlight was Oliver Greenall riding a double on horses
owned by his father Lord Daresbury. There was also the rare
sighting of four runners in points from Ferdy Murphy’s stable
and the man himself was on hand to oversee matters.
Proceedings began with seven
runners in the Confined, which went the way of Shackleton and
Oliver Greenall. Trained by David Easterby, Shackleton supplemented
his victory in a Brocklesby Park confined, while sandwiched between
these two efforts was a close second to the useful Mr Mahdlo in a
mens open at Dalton Park. There was much to like about his display
today and it would be no surprise to see Shackleton pick up a mens
open of his own before the end of the season. Urban Hymn
wasn’t given a particularly hard time by Tom Dreaper when the
runner-up position was guaranteed. He was saddled with a seven
pound penalty, which was a hindrance to his chances, and
he’ll pay his way if remaining in this sphere. Scotmail Lad
in third finds three miles an absolute limit to his stamina and
Clive Mulhall may look to hunter chases at shorter trips. Sweeping
Storm (Chris Dawson) in fourth will come on a bundle for the run.
Glendamah will not usually meet such high class rivals at this
level. Lee’s Rosie was reluctant to go to post and only
decided to race after the other runners had taken three fences. To
say the least, she is one to have severe reservations about.
With 14 in the Restricted, it
had a pretty competitive look at about it, but there was an easy
winner in Sams Way. A patient ride from Philip Kinsella meant Sams
Way made steady headway to lead after three out and he readily
pulled clear for a comfortable success. Having landed a maiden at
Whitwell in 2004 having been previously unlucky at Charm Park,
he’s the type to go on to better things. Queenies Girl
excelled herself in second for Paul Frank, as it didn’t
appear to be an overly strong four-runner maiden that she won at
Hutton Rudby last week. Northern raider Highland Brig, with Ran
Morgan on board, was third and put in another sound performance.
Carew (Lee Bates) in fourth often takes time to warm up and runs on
a bit too late. Magic Route wasn’t disgraced after not being
far off the pace throughout and Rising Talisker didn’t get on
too badly in her first restricted.
Eight went to post for the Mens
Open. At the age of 14, Birkdale rolled back the years under the
excellent Tom Dreaper to dig deep on the run-in and hold off Buddy
Girie and Philip Cornforth by three lengths. Birkdale had not
unexpectedly gone downhill under Rules, but recalled events of his
heyday to take glory on his first start between the flags. The
Murphy team were jubilant at the result and the popular grey might
have found his current grade. It was another steady display from
Buddy Girie. Diamond Monroe and Oliver Greenall took third after
some indifferent jumps. Max’s Micro and Lee Bates plugged on
for fourth. Mademist Sam spoiled his chance by jumping out to the
right and is better going the other way around.
Division One of the Maiden
attracted 11 runners and honours went to Zesta Fiesta and Oliver
Greenall. They had just a neck to spare though over Shirostran and
Nigel Smith. Zesta Fiesta was representing the Susan Grant yard and
did help himself by settling somewhat better than last time at
Charm Park, although he isn’t the most fluent of jumpers. A
mistake in the home straight probably cost Shirostran the race and
a maiden is well within his sights, although he too pulls very
hard. Black Rainbow (Tina Jackson) in third is another who should
soon gain reward for consistency. Rare Presence (Guy Brewer) in
fourth finds it difficult to quicken at the business end. Bally
Leader has the potential to improve, while Ballyowen looked the
part in the paddock, but was well beaten a long way from home.
Of the five in the Ladies Open,
three had won similar events last time out, but Ledgendry Line and
Serena Brotherton held all the aces to score. For a 12-year-old,
Ledgendry Line has comparatively few miles on the clock and was the
winner of a decent heat at Dalton Park earlier in the month. He
should be followed until finding his match. Ikdam Melody is a
strong performer and was second for Jo Foster, albeit that he was
swept aside without too much trouble. He’d been successful at
Hutton Rudby a week ago and will have his day again. Third-placed
Meander (Jane Hollands) set a good clip, but could only run on at
the one pace once headed. Friars Haugh was the venue for his
triumph a fortnight previously. Fayalie (Charlotte Brown) was a
well beaten fourth.
The Intermediate saw nine horses
declared and the impressive Wilfie Wild justified odds-on
favouritism, piloted by Lynne Ward. Hitting the front at the top of
the hill, the matter was soon put beyond doubt. Wilfie Wild has
improved out of all recognition this campaign and the progressive
Vics Fane is the only horse to lower his colours in 2005. Lynne
Ward had gone three years without riding a winner, but two have now
arrived in two weeks. Orleans finished second under Simon Robinson
and is in good heart, especially after taking a Hutton Rudby
restricted last week. All For Jake and Richard Clark were third and
Marjorie Fife’s string always deserve respect. Fourth went to
the game chestnut Step Lively (Wayne Burnell). John Rich would more
than likely have been fifth or sixth, but for running out at the
second last. Durham Dandy has been below par this year.
There were eight horses involved
in Division Two of the Maiden, with just three finishing. Forty
Shakes (Chris Dawson) claimed the race for trainer Maria Myco,
gaining ample compensation for slipping on landing at the second
last at Charm Park in early March. He’ll have decent hopes
for a restricted. The same trainer/rider combination had recently
won a Catterick hunter chase with Sir Alf. Kings Bloom and Trevor
Glass were a fine second. Kings Bloom went into many notebooks on
his Witton Castle point to point debut in February. He still has
something to learn in the jumping department, but even so the
fencing was much better today. A maiden is definitely in the cards.
A fierce pace was made by Noggler (Steve Charlton) and he did well
to stick on for third. Born Special paid for trying to keep up with
the strong gallop. Jimmy Blues is excitable and hard to weigh
up.