25 March 2008 Hurworth - Hutton Rudby
Sea Scout: most impressive winner
Despite early morning snow lying on the surrounding hills, the Hurworth meeting passed an early morning inspection after the snow on the course had melted.
Nathan Moscrop stormed clear in the Men's Novice Championship with his first ever double. The first win was on Scenic Storm, who outstayed Shanteen Lass from the second last to win by 10 lengths, whilst his second winner Messager in the Confined won on the bridle, with the jockey easing down on the run in and looking round for non existent dangers to win their third race of the season.
The most impressive winner of the day was the 5-year-old Sea Scout, who had won his only two starts and was taking a big step up in class when contesting the Ladies' Open. Ridden as usual by Claire Metcalfe the pair came through with flying colours, taking over from the long time leader Fiori at the second last and producing a good turn of foot to scoot clear by 6 lengths.
My Wee Woman, who is locally owned and ridden by Lucy Bell, made much of the running to win the Maiden by 13 lengths and give the rider her first win from only her fifth ride.
Pip Tutty riding her father's Mandalay Bay stayed on the best to win the Members race from Queenies Girl, but the other Tutty runner Reflex Blue, ridden by Nigel Tutty, was never going and was pulled up with two to jump.
Paul Frank who had finished second in the Members went one better when Ginger Biscuit, who runs best when fresh and relished the soft going, stayed on best from the last to beat the even money favourite Elusive Swallow by 10 lengths.
