Lingfield's Just The Place.

Two horses went to Lingfield today, each with something to prove.  Fifi L'Amour tried just under 3 miles for the first time.  She ran in a handicap hurdle and Tom Garner settled her in the middle of the six runner field that travelled at a sensible pace in the testing ground.  She wasn't totally foot perfect over a couple of the hurdles but jumped adequately.  She moved into second place at the top of the hill on the final circuit and chased the leader. Entering the straight the leader found more and pulled away, leaving Fifi battling to hold her second place.  The tiring ground took its toll on all but the leader and Fifi was just caught at the line and finished third. This was still a pleasing result and it added £411 to her prize fund.

Fifi gets a well earned drink after her race.

 



Red Anchor was the next to race, in the three mile handicap chase.  After being pulled up in his previous three races retirement beckoned but he was given a chance to show what he could do with new tactics.  No blinkers, cheek pieces or noseband were fitted and Tom Garner was instructed to let him enjoy himself at his own pace and not pressure him to stay with or close on the other five runners.  He generally jumped well but looked booked for fifth place of the five remaining runners going up the hill on the far side for the final time.  Then, as some in front of him tired, his one paced galloping allowed him to move into fourth.  This perked him up and he was able to pass the horse in third jumping the last.  He could not get in a blow on the two leaders who had pulled well clear, but his third place was a well pleasing season's best.  Retirement now may well be put on hold.
   

Red Anchor says, "I enjoyed that."