Last Thursday Taunton held their well attended Pre Christmas raceday in fair weather and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, who also enjoyed some festive carols performed excellently, as usual, by the Kings College Choir.
Racing commenced with the Kings College Taunton Junior Hurdle and a victory for Apollon Forlonge (pictured) under James Bowen.
An imposing grey owned by Jim and Claire Limited and trained by Warren Greatrex, he went clear two out and won comfortably. He is a really nice type and definitely one for the H on H notebook.
Next on the card was the Jim Woodborne and Colin Dyer Memorial and an impressive win from Knock Off Soxs (pictured), who made nearly all under Harry Cobden.
He had finished second at the track two weeks earlier and went one better this time for trainer Kayley Woollacott and owners Stables Business Park, who are loyal supporters of the track.
It was the horse’s second run after a wind operation, an angle I really like and also for future reference take note when the trainer books the jockey. They are now five winners from eight runners over the past four seasons.
The third race of the afternoon welcomed new sponsors Boyle Sports and it resulted in a double on the day for the Greatrex and Bowen team, with Premier landing the odds again for owners Jim and Claire Limited.
He has not been the easiest and their hard work and patience were rewarded here. Connections were taking advantage of a very healthy 15lb three year old weight for age allowance against older horses and over the past four seasons the duo are now five wins from 11 runners at Taunton with a very healthy level stake profit and definitely worth consideration when combining at the track.
The first chase of the afternoon followed and was supported by Prestige Holidays. The race was won by chase debutant Kap Vert under Sean Houlihan for trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. The enthusiastic owners race under the name If The Kap Fits and it certainly did on Thursday, as the horse won easily by over seven lengths.
On to the Summerfield Hurdle and another success for the Jeremy Scott and Lorcan Williams partnership, who combined with Celtic Art. He improved to score over this longer trip and may well not have finished winning yet.
Time for the Sandals Resorts Handicap Chase and Chief O'Hara repeated his win from 14 days earlier at the track, this time under Robbie Dunne. It was a delight to welcome owners Andrew and Sally Mutch back to Taunton and this horse shows no sign of stopping winning for them. Well done to all concerned.
Finally, it was the Jetset and Dave Criddle Travel Handicap Hurdle and a win for Alright Dai, who prevailed in a real tussle with Colonial Empire. The horse was well supported throughout the day and clearly appreciated the extra distance. He is another from the card who may well be worth following.
Merry Christmas one & all!
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