25 January 2010 Report: Royal Artillery - Larkhill
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
SPIDERS NEPHEW: the second of three wins for Godfrey Maundrell
photo: Phil Britt
Godfrey Maundrell rode his first-ever treble of his 40-year career at Larkhill on Saturday. "It's all thanks to Paul [Thompson] who puts in so much time training the horses", said Godfrey afterwards, now on the 148-career winner mark. He added: "You dream about this sort of thing. Mind you, I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait to ride a four-timer!"
Maglinn River (Hunt Members), Spiders Nephew (Maiden Division 2) and Lisadell King (Intermediate) provided Godfrey's three wins. Maglinn River looked to have the upper hand when challenger Gowna's Hope (Ed Barrett) fell at the last. Spiders Nephew, homebred by owner Hilary McCall, was untroubled after favourite Allerford Jack (James Tudor) fell at the fourth last when holding every chance. Lisadell King, who missed 2009, maintained his 100% Larkhill record - four from four - in facile fashion. Paul Thompson explained: "Lisadell King had an allergy last year, but we keep him in a dust free environment and he's absolutely fine now". A Novice Hunter Chase looks on the cards.
Seaborough trainer Richard Barber landed both Divisions of the 3-mile Maiden for owners Margaret Findlay and Paul Barber. Cappoquin led two out and held Jackie du Plessis' St Georgina despite idling before and after the last fence. "I bought him privately as a 3yo from the late Tom Costello and named him after an Irish town", explained Paul Barber. That'll Do - "he's named after one of Ruby Walsh's favourite expressions", said Paul - rewarded odds-on punters in Division 2, although the 4/7 favourite had to be pushed along by Nick Williams and finished tired.
Theatre Diva put up an impressive performance in the Ladies' Open to reward Cornish owner-trainer Jackie du Plessis, who had made the long journey from Saltash. 2/5 favourite Turthen took over from pacemakers Mandingo Chief and Gold Medallist at the third last, but had no answer when Jo Buck produced Theatre Diva entering the straight. "I bought her at Ascot for £3,700 in July as a broodmare but we'll look for a Hunter Chase now", smiled Jackie. "It will take us 3¼ hours to get home, but it will be drinks all round when we eventually get there".
Robert Waley-Cohen's Roulez Cool achieved the Christies' Foxhunter qualification in the Mens Open. Drybrook Bedouin and Nathan Wilmington led at the last, but met the obstacle on the wrong stride, allowing James Tudor to seize the advantage. Roulez Cool will contest a February Hunter Chase before going to Cheltenham with a very live chance.
Claire Hart drove her uncle Simon Hart's Melteme ahead after the last in the 2m4f Maiden Division 2. "I bought him from Aidan Murphy during a drunken lunch at Stratford", smiled Simon, who recalled riding 49 Point-to-Point winners "and breaking my collarbone 13 times" during his riding career.
Capt Max Chenery rode his first-ever winner when Blackadder benefited from clear leader Rockfort's last fence fall in the King's Troop race.
