Vernon enjoys all the Glory

A strong field enjoy getting competitive while two working riders crack n’ to makea welcome return to the winner’s enclosure

- SARAH RADFORD

Aintree International EC, Merseyside

BETH VERNON made her first proper bid against the clock with Tinka’s Glory Boy a successful one when they edged ahead in a closely-matched 1.25m winter championship qualifier by 0.18sec.

Less than one second split the top four finishers, with Beth pipping Holly Truelove (Iriginea II), while Keith Shore picked up third 0.25sec behind on Fabuleux De Riverland.

“It was really nice to have a jump-off class, so you could have some fun and be competitive. We don’t get that many of them,” Beth said. “All of the clears had already qualified, so it was nice to go in and be able to go for it.”