07 January 2008 Staff College & R.M.A. Sandhurst Draghounds - Tweseldown
Richard Burton: scored on Celestial Dragon
Course specialist, Irilut, returned to his winning ways, reversing last month's defeat here by Whereareyounow in the Men's Open at Tweseldown.
Ridden close to the pace set by Whereareyounow, Irilut also took his revenge on Reflected Glory, who had beaten him at Dunthrop three weeks ago, and who finished second this time.
"On better ground and with two races under his belt, Irilut was back to his best," said owner-trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, whose son Sam rode the 12 year old.
This was the best quality Open race seen so far this season, the three placed horses finishing within eight lengths of each other and the rest out of touch soon after halfway.
Rilly Goschen's return to the saddle on the 99 winner mark after eight months successful treatment for cancer resulted in a satisfactory third on Victor Victorious won by the Richard Burton winner, Celestial Dragon.
"Horse and rider will both be so much better for that race," said the smiling trainer Victoria Collins. "I run three horses at Barbury Castle next weekend - perhaps Rilly will score her century on one of those!"
