Biddick powers towards title

Leaderboards are hotting up as the end of the season approaches, while some smart youngsters impress

- STEPHANIE BATEMAN

Exmoor Foxhounds, Bratton Down, Devon

WILL BIDDICK reinforced his lead in the mens’ championship by another two wins when landing the conditions (level two) 8yo&up aboard Peter Musgrave’s Ninth Wave and the maiden riding Mr M W Pendarves’ My Keepsake, both for trainer Teresa Clark.

He also scored a victory as a trainer when eight-year-old Califet mare Miss Benjo, owned by the Hot Toddie Partnership, won the hunt members’ under Chad Bament.

“We were lucky in the hunt members’ – there were only two of us in it and we were going to be second, but the horse in front ran out at the last,” said Will.

“She was bought for the guys and girls at the yard to learn from. She’s a true schoolmaster – she won’t go and win every time, but she’ll teach the young jockeys how to ride.

“Chad has ridden her out through the winter and is on five winners now and only two behind in the novice championship,” Will continued.

Nine-year-old Ninth Wave, by September Storm, won his second race on the bounce having won a week previously also at Bratton Down.

“He was impressive and very straightforward today, winning quite easily,” added Will. “He felt well and wasn’t fatigued from running a week ago.”

Of My Keepsake, Will admits he hasn’t been the easiest for trainer Teresa Clark.

“His form isn’t very good – it’s got more letters than numbers including a refuse and an unseat – but he pulled off a gutsy effort today. We were probably three or four lengths down at the last but he stuck his neck out and fought to the line.”

The Chris Barber-trained Monsieur Gibraltar, who is owned by Mr and Mrs Orttewell, won the ladies’ open under Gabriella Orttewell.