Cartmel, Saturday 28th August 2021 – Racing Round Up

Kelly gains Gladiatorial redemption

Gladiatorial started off a fantastic afternoon’s racing with a bang as he routed a field of opposition in the Fitzdares Club Loves Cartmel Novices Hurdle under William Marshall.

Gladiatorial and William Marshall fly the last on their way to victory

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Sent off the 4/7F after just being collared last time he visited the course over 2m 6f, he dropped down to the minimum trip for the course of 2m 1f for the contest, and it paid dividends with a 9 lengths triumph over Gripper and top of the market rival Ibbenburen.

Gripper took the field along from Gladiatorial and Ibbenburen, who were 5 lengths behind at the first flight. Gladiatorial had closed right up as the field went over the second, the first down the wood side.

There was no change in the order or any serious mistakes through the majority of the race. Entering the wood side the field were tightly bunched, the whole field no more than 3 lengths from first to last. However, approaching 3 out the pace quickly increased, the tempo raising that fast that Toutatis was first off the bridle, Craig Nichol shoving along on him to maintain tabs on the quartet of rivals in front.

Gladiatorial took up the running at 2 out, William Marshall taking a look over his shoulder to see where Gripper was as he made his way on towards the bend at the caravan site. Ibbenburen was being coerced by Brian Hughes to get after the leading duo, with Hillview and Toutatis also trying hard to keep onto the leading duo’s coat tails.

Gladiatorial quickly opened up to 7 lengths ahead of his rivals and put in an excellent leap at the last, which sealed his victory. Even the commentator Gareth Topham made a comment of how well he was going, noting that “he would need to hit a brick wall” to be denied of victory. His only blemish was that rounding the bend into the home straight he clipped the rail as he turned in, but it did absolutely nothing to halt his momentum as he simply kept up a remorseless gallop to win by 9 lengths from Gripper. Ibbenburen was third, with Hillview in fourth and Toutatis last to finish.

Gladiatorial and William Marshall fly the last on their way to victory

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

It was the eighth winner at the track for trainer Noel Kelly, which made the course his most successful track in the UK for winners.

Champion Condition the key to Calliope

Reigning Champion Conditional Jockey Danny McMenamin was back at his finest when galvanising Calliope to victory in the Fitzdares Club is the best club in London Mares’ Handicap Hurdle for trainer Dianne Sayer.

Calliope and Danny McMenamin jump a hurdle on their way to victory

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

An 8/1 chance at the off, it was another victory for the partnership of jockey and trainer, who have scored with 19 winners together including the victory of the mare in a bunched finish, where less than half a length covered the first 3 home, in a pulsating finish at the end of 2m 6f.

Starting off France De Reve took the field along with Liffeydale Dreamer, with Timetoroe in third with Calliope, Catchmeifyoucan and Thimbleweed bringing up the rear. Thimbleweed was the only one to make a significant error on the first circuit, just blundering slightly when leaving their legs behind at the last on the Priory Side.

The order never changed much in the majority of the race, until the third last when Liffeydale Dreamer went on, France De Reve blundering slightly. That capped their momentum and they began to slowly lose momentum, slipping to the rear of the field and dropping out of contention.

Thimbleweed moved onto the outside of the field at 2 out and looked to be mounting a challenge, but was ridden before the last and found nothing more on the run in. Compare that to Catchmeifyoucan, who had made progress between the last two hurdles and began a serious challenge to Liffeydale Dreamer and Calliope, who had taken the lead from the long time pace setter and was sent for home by her enterprising jockey.

Liffeydale Dreamer kept the rail in behind, before switching under Jonathan England and rallying close home. Calliope and Catchmeifyoucan tussled all the way up the undulating run in, and whilst Liffeydale Dreamer was closing with every stride, the line came just in time for Calliope and she held on by a neck to Catchmeifyoucan, with Liffeydale Dreamer a further neck behind in third.

Calliope and Danny McMenaminin full cry down the Cartmel home straight

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Speaking to the Racing Post afterwards, she stated that it was all down to the jockey’s agent Richard Hale for the success that was coming in with the partnership, saying that Danny was referred to as “a good young lad” by his agent.

“We are very lucky to have Danny”.

Adding to her comments by reflecting on the winner, she said she was very proud of her “consistent” mare, who is “hardy” and “gives you everything”.

She was delighted for the owner, Mr Geoff Tunstall, who was recording his first victory at the course.

“There’s no better place to have one. Everyone is singing and dancing around the town”.

“Cartmel is back!”

Front keeps his foothold in anxious moment for Hughes

Brian Hughes and Onthefrontfoot survived a serious blunder at the water jump to make a commanding victory in the Fitzdares Club celebrates it’s First Birthday EBF Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase for trainer Donald McCain.

Onthefrontfoot and Brian Hughes fly the open ditch on the first circuit

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

The Evens favourite had jumped well at that moment, the only blemish being his dive at the water, a moment of indecisiveness between horse and jockey that thankfully for his backers was their only moment of panic.

Rooster Cogburn, a faller at the first recently at Newton Abbot, took the field along and jumped well, going well for Sean Bowen and flying his fences on the first circuit, most notably the water and last down the wood side. Onthefrontfoot was similarly jumping well, whilst the last of the trio Check My Pulse was not as fluent as his two rivals, making a few small blemishes along the way.

Going along the Priory side for the final time Rooster Cogburn was travelling well, but just before he got to the next obstacle he was taken out of the race by Sean Bowen, pulling out to the left by his jockey onto the hurdles track and quickly dismounted. It left Onthefrontfoot in the lead, with Check My Pulse still in touch a few lengths behind.

At the first down the Wood side, the water jump, the leader took a chance and dived at it, both doing well to maintain the partnership. He wasn’t fluent at two out but produced a better leap at the last. Brian shook him up to go and win the race with the lengthy 4 furlong run in ahead of them. Henry Brooke rousted along on Check My Pulse to try and get him to close the gap, but it was never going to happen as the leader was going further and further away with every stride. Onthefrontfoot eventually won by 18 lengths from a weary Check My Pulse, who will surely be getting his head in front in a chase very soon.

Onthefrontfoot and Brian Hughes on their way to victory

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

Following the race, the vets reported that Rooster Cogburn was lame on his left fore. Thankfully, he was walking around after being dismounted, so fingers crossed to him for a speedy recovery!

Speaking after the race, the trainer Donald McCain was full of praise for his winner.

“He isn’t the biggest of horses, but he really will try for you”.

More success for Jardine and O’Farrell in Harry’s race

Trainer Iain Jardine and jockey Conor O’Farrell teamed up to take the “In Memory Of Harry The Hat” Handicap Chase with Tokaramore.

Tokaramore and Conor O'Farrell jump the water on their way to victory

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

The nine year old daughter of the late Sulamani was sent off at 7/2 for the contest run in memory of a man who was popular at Cartmel for selling hats, and one who became a firm friend to the staff and racegoers at the course.

The race was won by Iain Jardine’s charge, who had been lowered in trip following an effort last time out at the course where her stamina had been stretched over 3 miles and a furlong, her victory this day being over a more suitable 2 mile 5 furlong.

Setting off it was More Buck’s and Lovely Schtuff who took the field along, with Nyoufsea and So Satisfied jumping somewhat into each other as they went over the first.

Over the ditch a few of the runners were not totally convincing, Tokaramore and Nyoufsea both slow at it and had to be rousted along afterwards. Whilst Tokaramore picked up and went straight back onto the bridle, and even more so when heading over the water jump on the wood side into third place, Nyoufsea seemed to have lost all interest in the contest and steadily dropped back.

Tokaramore and Conor O'Farrell jump the water on their way to victory

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

At two out Ardera Cross went a couple of lengths ahead of More Buck’s, but the eye was drawn to Tokaramore who was travelling powerfully in third under Conor O’Farrell. At 2 out she has caught up and passed More Buck’s, and was joining Ardera Cross at the last.

A better leap and more fluent getaway saw Tokaramore quickly assert going around the wood side bend at the caravan park. She readily put distance between herself and her rivals, storming away by 12 lengths at the opening to the home straight and affording time for Conor to stop riding and coast her over the line for a fine victory of 7 lengths, eased down.

Tokaramore and Conor O'Farrell cross the line

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

Iain Jardine noted on social media afterwards that it was a very memorable day for the owner Ailie Tullie. Indeed, it was the second winner that week for owners who bred their horses that are present with the team.

Chez makes it 3 on the run

A spell earlier this year in point to points has done Go On Chez’s confidence a world of good as he made it three victories on the bounce when taking the Cengiz Sadik Memorial Handicap Chase under Henry Brooke for trainer Oliver Greenall.

Go On Chez and Henry Brooke jump the ditch on their way to victory

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

Immaculately turned out by stable hand Emily Yates, the 2/1f had won a Point-To-Point at Tabley in May before doubling up at Uttoxeter last month, but it was his sheer guts and determination that won him the honours this day as he bravely fended off the persistent challenge of Dee Star all the way up the Cartmel run in.

Young Turk and Breaking The Ice took the field along at flagfall, setting a decent gallop. Tyrrell’s Succes was pushed forward by William Marshall, seeking a double on the day, at the far turn to try and run the sting out of every one of his rivals. Going Mobile’s jumping was seemingly going to pot before the halfway point, before he put in some good leaps down the wood side at just after halfway.

Heading onto their final circuit Cesar et Rosalie was starting to weaken out of contention, whilst despite a slight blunder at the first down the side Go On Chez was moving up steadily. Young Turk was rousted along after the final ditch and was passed by Go On Chez, with Tyrrell’s Succes and Dee Star preceeding him.

Go On Chez and Henry Brooke on their way to victory

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Dee Star blundered over the water and immediately came under pressure, with Go On Chez moving up the inside under Henry Brooke with menacing fashion. Both them and Tyrrell’s Succes jumped the last as one and began the long, half a mile, run in at Cartmel.

Leaving the wood side and rounding the bend Tyrrell’s Succes dropped off his two rivals at the head of the field, with Go On Chez travelling the better as they rounded the bend. However Dee Star would not give in and got his head back in front as they came into the home straight. Henry had to shake the reins at Go On Chez and ask for one more concerted effort from him to fend off his persistent challenger. He duly did so in a pulsating finish to the contest, defeating his rival Dee Star by a head at the line.

Breaking The Ice could only muster third in his bid to make it a hat trick of wins, whilst Going Mobile was fourth.

Go On Chez and connections in the Winner's Enclosure

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Go On Chez and stable hand Emily Yates post race

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Speaking afterwards, trainer Oliver Greenall stated that before his next run is decided, Go On Chez will have a break to be freshened up.

Feature success for power combination of Moffatt and Jones

Charlotte Jones recorded the biggest win of her career and Alqamar made it four wins on the bounce when winning the Fitzdares Club Cartmel Cup for trainer James Moffatt and Owners Varlien, Vyner-Brooks, Dave & Yvonne Simpson.

Alqamar and Charlotte Jones sail over the last in the Cartmel Cup

PHOTO: Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

Starting off at 11/8, he has made sterling strides since moving to James Moffatt’s yard from Charlie Appleby’s and having 2 years off the course before it, recording his fourth straight win since a pleasing second on return in February at Carlisle.

Beeno, a former winner of the contest in 2017 and looking for a record 7th success at the course, took the field along from Pateen, with Finisk River following him. Alqamar was settled in fourth on the outside, Iolani chasing him on the rail, with Oakmont and Ingleby Hollow bringing up the rear, Sean Quinlan happy to sit and view proceedings from the rear.

On the first circuit there was no real semblance of a mistake from the field, all travelling within themselves. Pateen was nudged along by Aaron Anderson rounding the bend to the Wood Side to challenge the leaders as the pace increased and the race began to develop.

Beeno was quick and efficient over 2 out, with Finisk River struggling to close the gap and Alqamar being nudged into contention by Charlotte Jones as the field rounded the bend by the caravan park.

Alqamar got to the lead at the last and jumped the final obstacle better than Beeno, landing half a length ahead and going on, with Ingleby Hollow mounting his challenge from the back as the race entered it’s final stages.

Alqamar and Charlotte Jones sail over the last in the Cartmel Cup

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Rounding the final bend and into the home straight Alqamar was sent to the rail, with Ingleby Hollow putting down a challenge and fighting all the way up the line. In a pulsating finish to the feature of the day, Alqamar kept his rival at bay and prevailed by a neck from Ingleby Hollow at the line.

It was another step forward in form for the Darley bred son of Dubawi, who raced in the blue colours of Godolphin until November 2018, and at one point was entered for the Epsom Derby. James Moffatt went to only £17,000 to purchase him at the Goffs September HIT Sale last year, but since he joined the yard he has amassed £17,336 in total prize money.

His rating has been raised a further 3lbs to 132 on overall rating for winning the Cartmel Cup, but if he was to be entered for the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, and Charlotte was to be able to take some weight off his back, he is altogether only 1lb lower than the winning rating for The Shunter, who stormed up the hill at Cheltenham to take the prize last year.

He is one very much to keep an eye on.

Nugent back in the winners enclosure

It has been a tough 6 months for Hugh Nugent after he broke his leg in a fall at Fontwell in February, but as the old saying goes, “ You can’t keep a good man down”. That was the case for him as on only his fifth ride back from serious injury, he took the Molson Corrs Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle aboard First Quest for trainer Neil Mulholland and owners The Affordable (2) Partnership.

First Quest and Hugh Nugent fend off Universal Folly and Theo Gillard

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

A 15/2 shout at the off, he made steady progress on the final circuit to chase down the leaders and keep at bay all challengers to score by a neck to Universal Folly and Theo Gillard.

Frightened Rabbit went straight to the lead like the Hare in a greyhound race, with Hungry Tiger and Miraculous Getaway a length and a half behind. Ellaat, a pre-race gamble to the extent they were made 18/5 favourite, was content to sit at the rear and watch proceedings from afar.

One circuit down and one to go saw the field very closely bunched passing the Priory, but Ellaat was slow at the hurdle before the turn to the wood side. Going down that side Hungry Tiger was ridden along by Jonathon Bewley to improve his placing, at the same time as Ross Turner moved Fort De L’Ocean, a previous winner at Cartmel over fences, into a more forward position, coming off the rail to follow First Quest.

Frightened Rabbit jumped well up ahead to get a fair few of his rivals off the bridle, with Leanne’s Lady the first to crack and beginning to lose touch as the field left the wood side. Ellaaat was also under strong pressure and not finding much. Universal Folly was scrubbed along by Theo Gillard, while Fort De L’Ocean was not finding much for Ross Turner after having looked like a challenge was coming down the wood side, albeit he was staying on better than other rivals who were dropping back through the field.

First Quest came up powerfully alongside Frightened Rabbit as the field went around the caravan park bend, and at the last he put in a better leap, with Frightened Rabbit landing a little more awkwardly. Hugh sensed victory and went for the rail and sent on his mount, who switched to the rail and looked to have this one in the bag.

First Quest and Hugh Nugent on their way to victory

PHOTO: Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

Theo Gillard however, had other plans, and was determined to make it a fight to the line with his mount Universal Folly, who was responding to pressure up the straight and was gaining with every stride on the leader. Unfortunately for him, the line came too soon and First Quest and Hugh Nugent prevailed by a neck to their fast finishing rival, with Frightened Rabbit four lengths behind in third, and the heroic Fort De L’Ocean in fourth, who stayed on best of the rest but could not land a telling blow this time.

Flickr album for meeting located here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157719812478205