REPORT – ROYAL ARTILLERY (SUNDAY 18TH JANUARY)

Despite it remaining overcast and generally grey throughout the day the racing at Larkhill on Sunday when the Royal Artillery held their meeting more than made up for the weather and it did stay dry. On the course there were a number of notable performances with two riders of very different experience riding their first ever winners at Larkhill, another dominant performance from a real course specialist being the first of a riding double for James King which was completed by an impressive performance in the concluding Bumper.

The feature race, the Seamus Mullins and We do Vans sponsored Mixed Open, was a high class race with two of the winners from last seasons Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening namely Crawter and Douglas Longbottom taking on the prolific Grace A Vous Enki who was seeking his ninth consecutive victory at Larkhill. As usual James King took Grace A Vous Enki into a prominent position and despite the valiant effort of Douglas Longbottom he was not for being beaten. Watched by his enthusiastic owners Clive and Joan Hitchings he relishes every time he arrives at Larkhill. Chris Barber described him as ‘ one of the easiest horses to train and to do anything with and he loves his work and regularly squeals with pleasure at home’ James was quick to praise the excellent job that Chris has done with him since his transfer. Chris indicated that ‘ his next likely outing is to be in the Coronation Gold Cup a race I have yet to win’

The meeting began with a competitive Maiden sponsored by Cordings of Piccadilly. Follow My Order was sent to the front by Charlie Marshall and maintained the advantage to the line when he had ten lengths in hand over Diamond Tiki ridden by Lily Bradstock. Trained by Mike Felton for the Wishful Thinkers who consist of The Honourable Charlotte and James Townshend and John and Lavinia Rawlins from Bishops Caundle near Sherborne. Mike acquired the gelding from Tom Malone after his runs in Ireland and put together the partnership who all live close to his base. Charlie revealed that ‘this is my first ever Larkhill winner after numerous rides’ and ‘ he was very clever in front knowing when to go long and shorten’ He looks one to follow as the season develops.

The Conditions race for Novice Riders, sponsored by the Ladies of the Royal Artillery Hunt, had a dramatic finish with Highstakesplayer ridden by Ivor Herbert and Histrionic ridden by Lucas Murphy duelling as they approached the final fence with the race between them. Highstakesplayer had taken a narrow advantage but blundered and unseated Ivor leaving Histrionic and his young rider to coast to an easy victory. On only his second ever ride at Larkhill he was thrilled to ride the winner watched by his proud father former National Hunt jockey Timmy. He added that ‘ I had a great ride round and he jumped well for me’ Formerly owned by Andrew and Kate Brooks he is now in the ownership of his former trainer Paul Nicholls and his new trainer Sam Loxton. Sam explained that ‘ the change of scenery and routine as well as the drop in class has made a difference to him’ . A tilt at the Coronation Gold Cup is potentially on his radar.

The loudest cheer of the day followed the success of Corporal JackJones in the Conditions race sponsored by the Gentlemen of the Royal Artillery Hunt. Trained as her only horse by Poppy Skipper for the Hive Partnership a group of local friends he continues on the upward curve following his win at Chaddesley Corbett over two a half miles. Taking it up at the second last Darren Andrews had to keep his willing mount up to his work to hold off the very late challenge of Farnoge ridden by Freddie Fletcher. Sporting a very fetching pair of blue cheekpieces the gelding did stay the full three miles which had been in question but Darren thought that ‘ this trip is more suitable for him’. Registering his fourth success of the season, Darren has already beaten his score from last term and added that ‘ I am enjoying my riding much more this season and hope to keep it going’ Poppy did indicate that she hopes to win the South Dorset Hunt race with him.

Another rider back in spotlight after a long absence was Martin ‘Fly’McIntyre who recorded his first winner of the season when steering the Bea Coward trained Ultimate Survivor to victory in the Southern Counties sponsored Restricted race. Taking it up after the second last he held off the challenge of Dawn Supreme depriving Darren Andrews of a double. Sourced and bought by Mel Smith for the Moonrakers Partnership which has ten shares, he is lightly raced and had come on for his debut this season in December. Fly joked afterwards that ‘ I have finally come out of the freezer and hope that this win will lead to many others’

The concluding Bumper featured a number of well-bred sorts but it was the son of Frontiersman One For Snowy who produced an emphatic performance to defeat his five rivals with ease. Taken by James King to the front with four furlongs to go he soon drew clear. Bred by his owner Adrian Parker who lives in Dundee having paid £1000 for the covering of his mare and then born in the stable where he still lives of Paul Morgan near Cardiff. Paul, who used to hold a full license, now runs a livery yard next door to Dai Walters training facilities and where he trains the gelding. Paul explained that ‘ when he ran at the last meeting this was the first time he had galloped on grass so this time he knew what to expect’ James added that ‘ I was not available to ride when he made his debut but I knew he had ability and he showed it well today and I had difficulty pulling him up’ Paul did say that he has also a four year old full sister at home also owned by Adrian.