A Little Luck And Lots Of Guts.

All the qualities that you would wish to see in a racehorse were shown yesterday when Itoldyou won the long distance handicap chase at Fontwell, a race he won last year.  This year he was carrying top weight of 11 stone 12 pounds, 10 pounds more than last year.  Ridden by Tom Cannon, he set off in 5th place of the seven runners on ground described as good.  He remained around this position for the first two circuits until Tom asked him to move closer round the bend going out for the final time.  He was hampered in this move but was not put off.  He put in some good jumps going down the hill and heading for the bottom bend he moved into third, almost second, behind the favourite.  Once again Itoldyou was hampered, this time more badly, and he dropped back to fifth again turning for home.  He continued to jump well and began to close again but the favourite was now several lengths clear and going well.  Two out the favourite overjumped and knuckled on landing hampering the then second placed horse and Itoldyou, but leaving them and one other to fight out the finish.  Another great jump at the last saw Itoldyou take the lead and he battled to the line and victory by a neck and the same.

Itoldyou is welcomed back after his win.

 

Linda's day continued to go well when Maccabees finished second in the next race, a 3 mile 3 furlong handicap hurdle for his new owners Keith Johnson and Kim Jessop.  Ridden by Thomas Cheesman, he was held up at the back as he was attempting this marathon trip for the first time.  He moved into a closer position turning for home and ran on up the straight passing horses, but just failed to catch the leader.

A delighted Kim and Maccabees.

Linda was not able to greet this success as she set off for Gatwick airport to go to Ireland to look at horses while the race was being run!