REPORT – DEVON AND SOMERSET STAGHOUNDS (SUNDAY 3RD MAY)

A short sharp shower sent spectators scurrying for cover during one race at South Hill on Sunday but otherwise the racing went off with no mishaps and the added moisture in the ground ensured there were enough runners in all bar the Mixed Open which was declared void due to none sadly declared at the time of closure. Highlights included a first riding victory for Will Higgs on his grandfather’s Histrionic, a double for jockey Ed Doggrell, a second course win for Inchidaly Robin and a victorious return to the saddle for jockey Emma Freeman.

Jockey Will Higgs was full of gratitude to his grandfather, David Martin after the Novice Riders race when partnering his Histrionic to a first riding success beating the favourite Holiday Fund who for a second year running didn’t look to hugely enjoy the course. Always sitting in a handy position, Will bided his time before sending Histrionic into a 3 length lead four fences out and despite Holiday Fund trying to bridge the gap, he held on to his advantage to win nicely at the finish. A beaming Will said “the horse did everything for me really, I just sat there! I am indebted to my grandfather though for buying him for me to ride.” Purchased recently from Paul Nicholls by David (his previous horses owned included the prolific Asktheweatherman) and kept with the same trainer in Sam Loxton, Histrionic had ironically won on his pointing debut for Lucas Murphy who was on the runner-up.

A second rider who was all smiles when returning to the winner’s enclosure was Emma Freeman on her own All Rise Malone after they held off a late challenge in the Restricted race from Buy it Direct under Walter Barnett with favourite Rhythm of Life close up in third. Making all the running, this was Emma’s first ride in two years and her second winner having won previously on Perpignan at Fakenham whilst based with Suffolk trainer, James Owen. Now based further south, Emma rides out for Will Biddick combining that with her day job of customer service for an EV Charging company. Emma asked Will to find her a horse to ride in races and he bought the good-looking son of Kingston Hill at the Goff’s Horses in Training Sale in December. The winner of a novice race in Ireland, he took a while to recover from the journey over and so it was decided to give him plenty of time. With Emma choked by emotion, it was left for Will to explain, “He was fit, stays and can really jump so I thought he could run well here and Emma’s given him a perfect ride.”

The first race, the Staghounds Challenge Conditions race went to Just Loose Change under a confident ride from Ed Doggrell who sent the grey gelding into an early lead and never really allowed his two opponents any slack. Last year’s winner, Skilful Lord was hard ridden to get near him but Ed had Just Loose Change bouncing off the quicker ground and he ran home an easy 20 length winner. Trainer Darren McAlinden said afterwards, “He’s much happier today than on the slow ground at Cothelstone where I probably shouldn’t have run him. I would think he will have a busy end of season now the ground has come right for him” Ed too said, “He was just a different horse today from the moment I got on him in the paddock. He loved being out in front dictating.” Owned by the Pointing and Port syndicate who are made up of local friends and family, the large bronze stag trophy would most likely end up on display at their local watering hole, the Royal Oak at Withypool which is run by landlady, Gail Loxton, one of the syndicate members.

Ed’s second winner came in the Maiden when Chris Barber’s Stick Season outpointed his 7 opponents to stroll home an easy 8 length winner. Ballinoulart again had to settle for second following a similar place a week ago at Axe Vale and he should hopefully find a race before the season is finished. Stick Season is jointly owned by Ben Comer and Harry Hollowell (who was absent) and a delighted Ben, who farms at Wedmore said, “I met Chris and said I was interested in buying a horse and he suggested Stick Season.” Chris added, “He disappointed for us at Chilfrome last time but I’m delighted for the guys as I hoped he could be a bit of fun for them. We might sell him on now but hopefully this is the first of many winners for them.”

Luke Price has done well at this course since it opened and his Inchidaly Robin defied a 10 lb penalty in the Conditions race under James King to repel a staying on Conor’s Gift to record a 6 length victory. Looking a picture in the paddock, Inchidaly Robin clearly thrives in the Spring and James said, “he’s had a few disappointing runs this season for us, but feels like he’s just turned a corner today. He really enjoyed himself out there and it was a good performance with the penalty too.”