There has been plenty of racing in the West Country since my last column, and first up was Taunton’s Valentine’s Raceday, where Paul Nicholls continued his fine record at the track with a treble, writes Martin Higgs.
Proceedings got underway at 1.05pm with the Happy Birthday David Griffin Hurdle, and it was A King Of Magic who swooped late to land the spoils.
Ridden with confidence by Freddie Keighley, the gelding was produced with a perfectly timed challenge to secure victory in the closing stages.
You’ve heard it here multiple times, Paul Nicholls excels in maiden and novice hurdles at Taunton and those who listened were rewarded at generous odds of 9/2.
In the second race, a maiden hurdle, Innamorato won comfortably under Harry Cobden.
Representing the Owners Group, the horse showed clear improvement to score.
While not the most imposing physically, Innamorato demonstrated a willing attitude and certainly has an engine, suggesting there is more to come.
Oh yes - he is also trained by Nicholls.
Race three, the Ross Stacey Still Cannot Cook Hurdle, saw Cooler Than Me bolt up in style.
Partnered by Fern O'Brien and trained by her father, Fergal O'Brien, the progressive hurdler followed up a recent Market Rasen success with another authoritative display.
Owners Barbery, Mason, Banks, and Pellowe are enjoying the ride, and a hat-trick now looks firmly within reach.
The feature Paul Barber Memorial Chase provided a maiden rules win for Ted The Thief who turned the tables on rival Bataillon, who did his best to dislodge Jack Stenhouse at the last fence (pictured).
The winner was avenging a previous defeat by the aforementioned with a determined success under Harry Kimber.
The performance hinted at further improvement to come, particularly on a more demanding track.
The race itself was a fitting tribute, with connections and racegoers alike sharing memories of Paul Barber’s lasting contribution to Taunton and to racing more broadly.
Race five, the Royal Bath & West Hurdle was won by Aurigny Mill who is also trained by Rob Walford and again ridden by Harry Kimber.
He stormed home at 14/1 to secure a double for a trainer and jockey.
The victory further enhanced the gelding’s impressive course record: six runs at Taunton have now yielded three wins and three placed efforts.
“Horses for courses” proved more than just a cliché on this occasion, handsomely rewarding loyal followers of this theory.
The finale was a competitive Hunter Chase and capped an enjoyable afternoon for Nicholls.
Golden Son, partnered by Gina Andrews, secured the trainer’s third success of the day and in doing so booked his ticket to the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.
The performance suggested he could be a serious contender when the tapes rise on the Friday of the Festival.
The success also provided Gina with her 100th win under Rules.
Attention then turned to Wincanton on Saturday for the Kingwell Hurdle, where Alexei justified favouritism with a commanding display in the Grade 2 event.
Trained by Joe Tiard and ridden by Brendan Powell, he travelled strongly on heavy ground before quickening clear after the last to secure a decisive victory.
The next stop will hopefully be the Champion Hurdle and why should he not take his chance?
He is currently 20/1, no runner no bet, and has to be great each-way value.
At Ascot, Jonbon fought out a pulsating finish with the Paul Nicholls-trained Pic D’Orhy.
The latter had won the previous two renewals of the race and left nothing behind when going down by a length and a half.
This was Jonbon’s twelfth Grade 1 success, matching Galopin Des Champs, with only Kauto Star ahead of them.
The 10-year-old is enjoying a stellar season and now heads to Cheltenham looking for his first career win at the Festival.
There is no racing at Taunton this week; they next race on Thursday, 26th February for the St Austell Brewery Landlords Raceday, with the first race scheduled for 1.41pm.
Early-bird discounted tickets are available at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.
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