'One of the best I've ever had

A seven-year-old impresses for Thomas Whitaker while a barefoot five-year-old makes a near clean sweep

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THOMAS WHITAKER snatched a tough Natural Flake Wood Shavings seven-year-old final from penultimate draw, riding Colliers Carlotta, who he describes as “one of the best horses I’ve ever had”.

The Crimbourne Stud’s mare (Codex One Z x Cornet Obolensky), who has been with Thomas since Christmas, delivered the quickest of six double clears by 1.34sec, despite having lost both her front shoes.

“She lost one out here [in the collecting ring] and one in there,” Thomas said. “Maybe she’s better like that!”