REPORT – SPOONERS & WEST DARTMOOR (SATURDAY 4TH APRIL)

The Devon and Cornwall area stage two race days over the
Easter weekend. The first of which was Cherrybrook on
Saturday. The racecourse that lies on the edge of Dartmoor
hosted six races.

The first of which was the Spooners and West Dartmoor
Supporters Maiden. Monderra led them along under Jo Supple,
but it was Slide Rule who came through to take the lead at the
third last, to run out decisive winner for trainer Dani Kenealy.
This was a memorable winner for the Shaw family, with James
partnering the 7-year-old for his mum and dad, who were
having their first winner. Speaking after the race, James said;
“He can be a bit keen; he’s still quite inexperienced, so it worked
out a treat to get a lead until three out, when I made a move
and got a good jump. He wasn’t overly great at the last two
fences, but he was always going. He’s a nice horse. He was
rated 105 under rules, and he should do well, pointing.”

James Shaw was seeking a quick-fire double. Partnering the
11-4 shot, Lightning Legs in the GSP Solutions Owners &
Trainers Restricted Race. This was the biggest field of the day
with seven going to post; however, only two horses finished as
one by one the field depleted with Dollanstown (1-3F)
producing a mighty performance to win by a distance, from Do
Whatever. Josh Newman was doing the steering for his old rival,
Will Biddick is enjoying a fruitful time as a trainer. The
former eight-time Champion jockey hung up his boots at
Christmas after a glittering career. He has now succeeded in the
training ranks and recently sent out five winners at Badbury
Rings. After jokingly saying that his horses have improved a lot
with a change of rider, he went on to say; “He’s been a
consistent horse all year. He’s had three seconds and two wins.
It was a big win in a competitive race at Badbury Rings; he was
headed and had to fight back. We thought he would suit

Maisemore and he just ran into a good one of Chris Barber’s.”
Reflecting on his recent success as a trainer and the transition
from being a jockey, Biddick said; “I love being competitive. I
was very competitive in the saddle, and now we are fortunate to
have some very nice and loyal owners, with lovely horses in the
yard, and their performances are competitive. To me, I want to
be fighting out a finish, whether I’m riding them or training them.
Josh has been a friend for a long time, so the fact that I can
reward him is a bonus.”

The third race of the day was the Totnes & Bridgetown Races
Company Conditions Race. Jeu Gagnant was well supported to
make it three wins in a row, but found Talimar Pearl the better.
Josh Newman was this time doing the training and gave
Hannah Morgan the leg up. Talimar Pearl took it up at the fourth
last, and Hannah kicked on to go clear. The favourite rallied and
chased the leader from the last to the line, but couldn’t close the
gap. Hannah, who was having her 9 th career win, said; “We were
going plenty steady enough to start with. Once I was in front,
kicking for home, he was lapping it up. I’m really grateful for
Josh and David Churches for giving me the opportunity and
believing in me.”

Next up was the Simple Solar Ltd Mixed Open Race. It was a
shame that the feature race of the day only drew three runners.
Histrionic and prolific winner, Jet Smart were the even money
joint favourites. Teescomponentsfly was the 9-1 outsider and,
like his odds suggested, never threatened. Jo Supple bounced
out on Jet Smart and dictated from the front. Histrionic made
his challenge, going to two out, and only a length separated the
pair. A good jump from Jet Smart at the last fence secured the
8-year-olds 9 th Point To Point win. Talking after the race, Jo said;
“He was able to do what he was comfortable doing and dictate
up until the far fence. I gave him a little squeeze, and I thought there’s plenty there, we’re just going to have to kick and go. He
jumps like a bunny and is very game. We came back in, and he
wanted to go again.” Jo was off home for her usual celebratory
meal, of champagne and Pizza with Husband Gerry.

Four lined up for the TRW Engineering Conditions race, once
again, it developed into a duel. Hidden Heroics and young Harry
Neale, have enjoyed a great partnership this season, racking
up three wins together. The pair, as usual, jumped off in front
and stayed there until, Holiday Fund took over at two out. Both
horses looked tired jumping the last, but Harry got another rally
out of his mount and challenged up the running, but Holiday
Fund found more to win by two and a half lengths. Winning
trainer and jockey, Josh Newman said; “Harry was always
travelling better up the hill than me and with a circuit to go, I
wasn’t travelling. But then, heading to the ditch, I was travelling
better than him. I thought if I could hold onto his coattails and
come with one run, I’d get him.”

Unfortunately, the final race of the day, The Greatrex Racing
Spooners & West Dartmoor Hunt Members, Subscribers &
Farmers’ race was a walkover. Get Off Your Phone had run well
the weekend prior and claimed the prize money despite having
to break a sweat.