Biddick's bumper Badbury run

A yard dominates, a former national hunt superstar relishes a change of pace and a young jockey from racing stock claims a first win

- By ALEX ROBINSON

Countryside Alliance Club, Badbury Rings, Dorset

TRAINER Will Biddick enjoyed a spectacular day, saddling five winners from eight runners on the card: both the men’s and ladies’ opens and the 4&5yo maiden, as well as two of the three- mile maidens.

It was a first for Will, who recently retired from jockeying after a history-making career that yielded 623 point-to- point winners.

"I've never gone racing with eight on the lorry before," he said. "The best we've had is a treble, so this day feels quite special."

Ed Doggrell was in the saddle for three of the victories. Tom Malone's Passing Glance four-year-old Six Two Three struck in the young horse maiden on his pointing debut.

"We really like him," said Will. "He's got it all - size, scope and the brain. For a four-year- old bought at the store sales to be running in February says enough about him. He was very impressive today."

Strong entries meant the three-mile maiden was divided into three. Chris Williams' Amroth Boy, a notably scopey six-year-old son of Doyen making his debut, took division one under Ed.

"He's a monster of a horse - well over 17hh," said Will of the sales prospect. "He jumped and galloped; his ears pricked the whole way."

With a quick turnaround, Ed then partnered Jeremy Hill's Dollanstown, a six-year-old by Jet Away, to land division two.

Will's Wessex National men’s open winner was John Studd’s Macklin, a 10-year-old by Masked Marvel, ridden by Josh Newman. Josh completed a double when taking the final maiden aboard The Oaks Partnership's Docket Man, a five-year-old by Walzertakt.

Macklin holds a special place for Will.

"He's a flagbearer for the yard," he said. "While he's not a Foxhunter horse, the plan is to go hunter chasing. He always gets stuck in, dipping and diving. Josh is a good friend of mine and it's nice to reward him with another winner."