Taunton were delighted to get their season underway last Thursday and it was very much business as usual for the Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden team from Ditcheat.
They took the opening contest with a front-running display from Miss Altea Blue and completed a double on the day when Wicked Thoughts secured victory in the third race on chase debut.
The trainer and jockey have a 38 per cent strike rate at the track, so bear that in mind for the rest of the season.
Anthony Honeyball continued the local success with Oakley's Way.
Sam Twiston-Davies did the steering job on the five-year-old, who was well supported from 7/1 down to 100/30 favourite.
He benefited from going up in distance and it looks highly likely he will continue to improve.
It is always a good day when the Trickey and White families get together and their sponsored chase is always well supported.
Eight runners went to post and Chief O'Hara improved on his last run at Warwick to take the honours under Richard Patrick.
His trainer Matt Sheppard is starting to hit form and should be followed.
Other winners on the day included Avada Kedavra, who looked useful under a fine front-running ride from Brendan Powell.
Evan Williams travelled over from South Wales to win with Melton Mossy and Jamie Snowden trained the last winner of the day, Canty's Cove, with Gavin Sheehan on board.
It was an impressive win from the horse, who was available at 8/1 overnight and returned the 7/4 favourite, not a great end for the bookies.
The racing roadshow then went to Newbury and Newcastle for the Friday and Saturday, what a feast we were treated to!
The Paul Nicholls-trained Twin Jets took the Class 2 Chase with a fine front-running ride by Harry Cobden on the Friday.
He has been a real thrill for owner Mr Rodgers and his family and you will note he runs in the maroon and black colours of Somerset Cricket Club, of which they are avid supporters.
Later in the card, the Hobbs and White team entered the winners' enclosure with Keable.
It was a fine team effort and an excellent ride by Callum Pritchard, who is very good value for his claim and very much a jockey to watch.
Saturday raised the game to another level and first-up was Constitution Hill returning in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
All eyes were on the horse and the crowd gasped as he stepped at the second hurdle and fell.
Both he and jockey were fine, but this incredibly talented horse is struggling at the moment.
Golden Ace once again took advantage of her opposition's flaws and produced a dominant display to secure victory for Lorcan Williams and trainer Jeremy Scott.
She is some mare, her owners Ian and Claire Gosden must be pinching themselves, who would have predicted the journey they have been on since her two hurdle wins at Taunton in early 2024.
Bring on Cheltenham in March!
Down at Newbury, Panic Attack took the Coral Cup for Dan Skelton.
The horse had only won the Class 1 Paddy Power Cup 14 days earlier over two and a half miles, then turned up on Saturday and romped home over three and a quarter miles..extraordinary!
Skelton really wants the trainer's title this season and you would be a brave man to bet against him, even with that man Willie Mullins in the background.
What a few days and I have only touched the surface!
Back locally, Taunton do it all over again on Thursday, December 11.
It is their Christmas Jumper meeting and tickets are available at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.
Rumour has it that if you wear your jumper you will get a free mince pie.
No layering up please for those of you with a sweet tooth!
Share