07 April 2009 Report: Tedworth - Barbury Racecourse
Dave Mansell reached the 26-winner mark for the season on Bowdens Lane in the coveted Tedworth Gold Cup at Barbury Racecourse.
Bowdens Lane made all and held off last year's runner-up Knighton Combe (Michael Miller), who kept tabs on the winner throughout but couldn't quite get on terms after challenging off the final bend. Bowdens Lane acts on all surfaces - he won the prestigious Lord Ashton of Hyde's Cup on soft ground at Dunthrop in January - and could provide more wins in Dave's quest for a first National title.
Euro Bleu overcame a 22-month absence to make a winning debut for trainer-rider Phillip York in the Countryside Alliance Club Members Conditions race. "We used to train him ourselves, but only had the one horse, so sent him to Phillip two months ago", explained Bicester owners Craig Callaghan and Emma Lucas. "He's a classy animal", added Phillip, clearly impressed by his charge. Dave Mansell's hopes of extending his championship lead evaporated when Cottage River, the 2008 Tedworth Gold Cup winner, could never get close enough to challenge.
Trainer Peter Mason landed both Maiden races. Jacko's Boy led off in the 2m4f contest, although jockey James Horton did well to retain his seat after the saddle slipped when the winner blundered at the second last. Peter took the reins himself on debutant Big Country, who comfortably held sole rival Jolly Dancer (James Horton) in the 3-mile event.
Dan Collins, who works for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, rode his first-ever winner on Chaucers Miller - "my 47th ride", said Dan - in the Confined. Owned and trained by Richard and Gill Bryan, Chaucers Miller was formerly owned by the late Eric Smith, whose familiar colours were carried by grand campaigner Granville Grill. "Eric passed away in November, aged 93, and I inherited his colours and two pointers, but I like to think he was watching today", said Gill.
Nick Phillips, denied a first win of the season when caught close home on Left To Himself in the Confined, gained immediate compensation on Killnascully King in the Restricted. The pair led on the far side and forged steadily clear to record a nine-length success.
