A winning verdict

A trainer secures a convincing double, while another makes a flying start

- GEMMA REDRUP

Wheatland, Chaddesley Corbett Racecourse, Worcs

HUNG JURY provided Sian Brooke with not only her first point-to-point runner, but also her first winner, when taking the mixed open under James King for owners The GB Club.

“I didn’t expect to win – we’d have been happy with third or fourth as there were very good horses in the race,” said James. “When the rain kept coming, it improved our chances as he’s a strong stayer. A huge well done to Sian as she has improved his form. He was pricking his ears on the run-in, being a bit of a monkey, but every time a horse got to his tail, he ran on again.”

Jo Priest was another trainer with a smile on her face when scoring a double on the day. The first victory came in the conditions (level two) with Hidor De Bersy winning by 12 lengths under owner/rider Victoria Sollitt. The six-year-old Hidor De Bersy ran 11 times under Rules when trained by Tom Symonds, winning two.