Racing League is finely poised at the halfway stage after Wales & The West whittled away The East’s lead on a rainy night at Chepstow.
The East started the evening with a three-figure advantage over the chasing teams, but Chris Hughes’ side now sit just 7.5 points clear of Wales & The West after mustering only six runners across the seven races.
Hughes said: “Damage limitation – that is the term we have been using on the WhatsApp group all week. And in fairness, I think we have. We have kept ourselves in it and that was the plan tonight. Windsor, Newcastle and Southwell, we will be strong. They are accessible tracks for us and we have a few horses lined up already. It will be all systems go again.”
Saffie Osborne was once again the star of the show for Wales & The West as she delivered a three-timer on Brian Meehan’s Von Baer, the Ed Walker-trained Fantasy Believer, and Michael Bell’s Carrytheone.
These results move Osborne to the top of the Racing League jockey standings as she bids to claim the title for the third successive year.
Of her winners, Osborne said: “Von Baer wandered around quite a lot. I was more forward than I wanted to be through the race and that left me in front a long way from home. He got very lonely from the three pole onwards and I was trying to keep his mind in the right direction, but he was always pulling out enough. He is a pretty smart horse and there should be plenty more to come.
“Fantasy Believer is such a legend. I love riding quirky horses like him because you can find the key to them. You just have to leave him alone and let him do his thing. He is the sweetest character and so enthusiastic about everything he does. He always has his ears pricked, unless he is in the last two furlongs. He is really fun to ride.
“Carrytheone travelled really well. Three strides before the line, I did not think I was going to get up, and then on the line I thought I had. He deserves a nice prize like that because he has been knocking on the door in those big handicaps.”
Oisin Murphy played a leading role for London & The South on his first Racing League appearance of the year, helping Matt Chapman’s team into third place on 374 points.
The three-time champion jockey was successful on the Richard Hannon-trained Gisburn in the six-furlong handicap and Andrew Balding’s Lieber Power in the 12-furlong handicap.
London & The South enjoyed three winners in total, with Charlie Bishop guiding Great Acclaim to victory in the opening contest for Eve Johnson Houghton.
Murphy said: “Gisburn loved it. He has a high level of ability. He pinged the gates and was able to travel with some zest back down in class. He has been thoroughly consistent for the last couple of years and it is great to see him win a nice pot. I am delighted for his owner Martin Hughes and thanks to him for letting me have a spin on the horse.
“Lieber Power is by Cracksman out of a Makfi mare. We had a high opinion of him at one time and he just took a little while to get his act together. Andrew has placed him really well. He was always comfortable and enjoyed that.”
Yorkshire was the only other team to register a winner as Tim Easterby’s Manila Scouse delivered a repeat win in the five-furlong handicap, following up last year’s success in decisive fashion under David Allan.
Allan said: “Manila Scouse seems to enjoy the trip down here! He likes the uphill finish because he stays six furlongs, so he gets through the line strongly. I barely had to do anything on him. We felt he was good form beforehand and, once it rained, we knew he had a big chance.”
Ireland endured a difficult evening after David O’Meara’s five runners failed to make it to the track due to a broken down horsebox.
Team manager Kevin Blake said: “It has been a grim evening. It is just one of those black swan events. For it to happen when you are really relying on one trainer, with five out of our 13 declarations, is pretty disastrous. I spoke to David earlier and he said we’ll get it back at Newcastle and Southwell.”
For full race results, league tables and lots more see the brilliant Racing League microsite from our partners AtTheRaces
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