REVIEW
ZETLAND WITTON CASTLE
Monday 1st May 2006
by Ian Marshall
With several other attractions to
compete with, including a meeting at Sedgefield, a sparse crowd was
at the attractive surroundings of Witton Castle for this Bank
Holiday fixture. The going was given as Good to Firm, Firm in
Places and, even though there was an excellent grass covering in
the home straight, it was particularly firm in this area. The
remainder of the course was patchy, but did have more give, however
it was rather rough in parts and had not fully recovered from
racing here in February.
The Hunt race was a match between
Moscowtastic and Simon Robinson and Clever Fella and Helen Orton.
The former went off long odds-on, but it was the latter that came
out on top despite a monumental blunder at the final fence. Content
to sit a couple of lengths behind his rival, Clever Fella led at
the third from home and held all the aces thereafter. Moscowtastic
had looked a decent horse in a couple of hunter chases this year,
but he finished badly lame and might not be seen again on a
racecourse for quite a while.
There was a field of seven for the
Intermediate and a very tight conclusion that went to the judge,
whose verdict went to northern raider Wild Edgar under Henry
Trotter by a head from Just A Man and Ben Woodhouse. Some observers
felt it should have gone the other way, but many can remember back
to Duncombe Park in February when Just A Man gained a decision in a
restricted from Kindle A Flame, which received criticism in certain
circles. Wild Edgar showed fighting qualities to battle back having
been headed leaving the far side. Just A Man was just touched off
and now that the key to riding him has been found, he’ll be
winning once more soon. Ben Woodhouse had made a remarkable
recovery to be fit to take the ride as he had broken his collarbone
at Stainton on Easter Saturday. Sweeping Storm (Richard Smith) in
third appeared to have challenged at the perfect moment, but was
run out of it. Flat Stanley in fourth needed plenty of stoking
along by Niall Saville and did well to end up as close as he did in
the circumstances. Magic Route was handy and still traveling well
within himself when stumbling and unseating Tina Jackson on the
bend before three out.
Eight horses came under orders for the
Restricted, which saw Richard Tierney display coolness personified
to triumph on Gollinger. Holding on to the ten-year-old until the
post was virtually in touching distance, the jockey coaxed the
gelding to get up. It was an astute piece of handling and Gollinger
has now won both his points since entering the care of current
connections. Runner-up Victor One could hardly have got any nearer
to the winner under Chris Dawson and is going the right way. Third
was Brown’s Beck with Steve Charlton on top. Brown’s
Beck is a likeable type and an honest horse, who should receive
further reward for his endeavours in the future. Master Jackson
(Serena Brotherton) in fourth found little under pressure.
Kappillan was totally outpaced on the prevailing surface, while
Valley Rover has his own thoughts on the game. It was the fastest
time of the day.
The Mens Open drew in 11 runners and Astral
Prince confirmed his well being in the hands of Nigel Tutty to run
out a comfortable winner. His octogenarian owner/trainer has him in
fine fettle and Astral Prince could make a bold bid for a hat-trick
at Easingwold at the weekend, where he plundered a confined eight
days ago. Bouncing off the sound surface, he had too much speed for
Royal Snoopy and Rupert Abrahams. Royal Snoopy comes into his own
at the tail of the season and might now follow the hunter chase
route. He was attempting to win this race for the third year in
succession. Third and fourth respectively were Rigadoon (Steve
Charlton) and Unlimited Free (Jack Newitt). Neither could quicken
at the business end. Donnybrook isn’t so effective on firm
going, while Sir Alf was on the heels of the leaders and moving
with purpose, when slipping up on the flat approaching the home
straight.
Just three runners for the Ladies Open that
Wilfie Wild landed for Lynne Ward on a course where he has few
equals. He hung right on the flat, which hopefully isn’t the
sign of a problem. If coming out of the race in fine shape, Wilfie
Wild will be heading to Hexham for the Heart of All England hunter
chase. Mister Bromley went down by two lengths in second under
Serena Brotherton and returned to somewhere near his true form.
Samantha Drake did herself justice straightaway on her first ever
ride in public aboard third-placed Ridgeway, who was another four
lengths behind. He likes fast ground and a sharp track, and has
been fitted with blinkers the last twice, which have brought about
a revival, so he could be of interest if he turns out at Easingwold
on Saturday.
Nine horses set out for Division One of the
Open Maiden and Brightwell was an impressive winner, with Ben
Woodhouse in the plate. It was the five-year-old that had put Ben
on the sidelines, but he repaid him today. Brightwell is
undoubtedly a promising sort and can go on to better things. He
always had the leader in his sights and just had to be kept up to
his work to score. Toms Party under Guy Brewer made most and was
passed by Brightwell at the last fence. He wasn’t given a
hard time when his task became hopeless and this strapping gelding
shouldn’t have too much trouble in picking up a maiden.
Octavio (Joanne Brown) was the third and final horse to finish. He
does seem to have a bit of potential. Hanson would have been third
or fourth if he hadn’t gone lame before the second last. The
favourite Croghan Lord was pulled up and dismounted before the
13th.
Division Two of the Open Maiden had seven
runners and a chance spare mount for Guy Brewer on Whisky In The
Jar came up trumps as he kept his lead in the Yorkshire Area
Gentleman Riders Title. Whisky In The Jar pulled himself to the
head of proceedings with two circuits to cover, after which
enterprising tactics meant he never saw a rival. Once he has
matured and isn’t so inclined to take such a fierce grip,
Whisky In The Jar could turn out to be a fair performer. Second was
Midnight Prince, with Jacqueline Coward in the saddle, who could
never reel in the victor, but is a youngster that is beginning to
get the hang of things and could bag a maiden. Mr Bee Gee had Ben
Woodhouse for assistance, however he was readily left behind by the
front two. He doesn’t seem to be of the same standard as the
stable’s other two novices seen in 2006 and there is much
work to do on his jumping. Silver Sovereign (Ian Smith) was a
distant fourth. The Viking was fourth, but looking held, when he
came down three out. One or two mistakes are costing him dear.
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