Last weekend we witnessed a plethora of West Country talent, with memorable performances at both Exeter and Wincanton, writes Martin Higgs.
Exeter hosted its Haldon Gold Cup card, and there was plenty for local supporters to cheer.
Joe Tizzard struck in the opening race with the John Romans owned Lisbane Park, before Nicky Martin continued her extraordinary start to the season when Apples Moon made it four winners from just four runners.
Later on in the card, Chester Williams teamed up with Harry Cobden to score with Haas Boy.
That win means first-season trainer Williams has now sent out three winners from his first seven runners, a 43 per cent strike rate.
Ignore that combination at your peril.
The final race went the way of the Kayley Woollacott trained Stratton Oakmont at 16/1, a particularly enjoyable success for H on H, who runs the syndicate that owns him.
A notable mention must also go to the Dan Skelton team, who secured a treble on the day, including the Haldon Gold Cup with Thistle Ask.
Purchased for just £11,000 in the summer, he has now won all three of his starts for the yard and has risen sharply in the handicap from a rating of 115 to 144, an outstanding training effort.
The following day attention turned to Wincanton, where West Country stables continued to dominate.
Paul Nicholls recorded a treble that featured Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle, while Joe Tizzard notched a double, including an emotional victory with Sweet Caryline.
The 64th running of the Badger Beer Chase also stayed local, with the Anthony Honeyball trained Gustavian making it third time lucky in the race.
Given a fine, committed front-running ride by Rex Dingle, it was a performance that encapsulated the heart and soul of National Hunt racing.
Earlier in the week at Chepstow, David Pipe was successful with the promising mare Kingston Queen, while the Philip Hobbs & Johnson White team unveiled Sober Glory for Brocade Racing.
He looked a smart prospect who could well be seen on some of the sport’s biggest stages in time.
All in all, life is bright in this corner of the racing world, and attention now turns to Cheltenham this weekend.
Three days at the home of National Hunt racing will surely set pulses racing and offer valuable clues for the months ahead.
I can feel the start of a 'Horses to Follow' list coming on!
However, not all the news is positive.
Taunton has unfortunately lost its first scheduled meeting of the season, due to take place on Thursday, November 13, after rain arrived just too late to improve ground conditions sufficiently.
The water table is now rising, though, and no problems are anticipated for the next fixture on Thursday, 27 November.
Further details will follow in next week’s column, but those wishing to secure early-bird discount tickets can visit the Taunton Racecourse website.
Enjoy your racing!
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