Report: Avon Vale at Larkhill – Sunday 19 December

Christmas is a time for families, and it was therefore appropriate that the last meeting before the festivities at Larkhill on Sunday turned into something of a family affair, with Igor taking the Mixed Open for Sam Waley-Cohen and father Robert; Ben Bromley winning on the family-owned Dragon d’Estruval, and a memorable first winner for jockey Arron Butterfield, who was wearing his grandfather’s colours.

The fog tried its hardest to threaten the fixture, but after continued discussions between the stewards and jockeys the meeting was deemed fit to go on and the public were treated to some excellent finishes, despite the overall visibility being a somewhat of a challenge!

The meeting commenced with two divisions of the bumper and some quality horses were on show. With over half the horses entered being owner/trainer, it shows that pointing is still well-supported at the very heart of the sport. Almost zero visibility proved problematic for the commentator and spectators alike, and it wasn’t until the last furlong that the beautifully-bred Presenting Miranda emerged from the gloom to edge ahead of co-favourite Whitsand Bay in the opener. A half-sister to Presenting Percy, Sir Johnny Weatherby’s lovely homebred mare certainly took the eye in the paddock under the care of trainer Kelly Morgan. Alice Stevens, who partnered the winner, said that she had led the whole way and was clearly impressed by her. Kelly, who had foaled the mare for her owner, explained that the Isjamala partnership was named after his children; Issy, Jack, Max and Lara.

The second division was won by The Tablet for owner/trainer Maurice Linehan, and this half-brother to Easy Bucks won nicely under jockey Zac Baker. Zac described how the horse had gone 10 lengths clear at one stage and was possibly idling by the line. Trainer Maurice, who had bought the gelding privately as a three-year-old, felt he was a very nice horse and would now be offered for sale. A classy-looking sort, he would be a nice addition to any yard.

Another who was put on the market after his win was Yeoman Warder, who was well-backed to take the short maiden for jockey Luke Scott and trainer Tom Weston. A big, scopey grey son of Shirocco, the gelding improved on his first run at Hexham where he had become unbalanced, and Luke said he was well-suited by this galloping track. This form may turn out to be fair as the second, Don’t Ask Fitz (owned by Matt – not Mick – Fitzgerald), looked to be an above-average debutant and, as a full brother to Ask Ben, would certainly be one to keep an eye on moving forward.

Sam Waley-Cohen could be described as one of the last “true amateurs” of the game, combining riding with running his dental businesses. But as he shows regularly around Aintree, that is certainly no barrier to him. His mount Igor had formerly been trained by Nicky Henderson for father Robert, but the Presenting gelding didn’t build on his novice hurdle win when sent chasing. A smiling Sam explained how Igor had really enjoyed his jaunt around Larkhill, jumping well and winning a competitive Mixed Open cosily by three lengths from Ballymoy, himself a former classy horse under Rules who should open his pointing account soon enough. The victory was made even more special as it was Sam’s 100th point-to-point winner, some 21 years after his first. Close up in fifth was Olive Nicholls, daughter of National Hunt trainer Paul, who was making her riding debut aboard Monsieur Gibraltar. Judged on this ride, it won’t be long before she is celebrating her first winner also.

The most imposing winner of the day was The Big Sting, who kicked off a double for trainer Chris Barber, with his horses in great form of late. The big Scorpion gelding was dropped back to two and a half miles and this looks the minimum trip for him. Jockey Will Biddick was enthusiastic in his praise and said he was cantering all over the opposition. Delighted owner Phil Fry explained his daughter Lorraine had bought the horse at Doncaster Sales and that he should easily progress through the ranks this season, with his next target being an intermediate contest.

Chris’ second winner was possibly lucky to survive an objection after Envoye Special had crossed the line in front in the second division of the Conditions race having leant on the runner-up Sixteen Letters along the run-in, but the result stood following a stewards’ enquiry. Winning jockey James King was confident he would keep the race as he explained his horse had won going away by two lengths at the finish. A relieved Chris said the horse would improve for the run and the aim would be to run him in opens and hunter chases for the rest of the season.

The earlier division of the race was won by Ben Bromley aboard Dragon d’Estruval, who was running for both his father and grandmother. A thrilled Ben said, “He literally took off when I gave him a tap and flew past the others,” running out an easy 12-length winner at the line. Bought by father Anthony from the ‘Double Green Partnership’ of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the horse had been with both Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins previously. This was Ben’s third winner of the season and this horse looks an exciting addition to their team.

The finale, a three-mile maiden for six-year-olds and over, was a fitting end to an enjoyable day with Footloose giving Arron Butterfield his first ever winner. Seventeen-year-old Arron, who works for Colin Tizzard, owned, trained and rode the winner. Arron’s father Alex, who himself worked for Jennie Pitman and Nicky Henderson, explained that Arron keeps his horses at nearby Toomer Farm and trains his own horses after his work at the Tizzards is done. Footloose, who looked a picture in the paddock, was the standout on form, especially after the horse he had finished a good second to last time, The Big Sting, landed the Restricted on the card a little earlier.