Double Delight at Newton Abbot
Wed 23 Aug 2023
WINNER 76 OF 2023: STEPNEY CAUSEWAY, trained by Milton Harris and ridden by Harry Reed: The 'Newtonabbotracing.Com Novices' Limited Handicap Chase' over 2m 1/2f at Newton Abbot.
The first thing you don't want to hear is the commentator, saying "Stepney Causeway has given them 100 yards at the start!" He whipped round and the starter let them go, which was very annoying, so he was soon detached and as the others were jumping the first, he had just got into race speed!
The pace was a slow one though and although he raced in last, he was making steady headway without having to expend too much energy. By the 4th fence, he was in touch with the leaders and moved into second before 3 out. As the pace quickend, he was 3 lengths down and ridden approaching the last fence, but he kept on really well to run down the favourite and take the race in the final strides, winning by a neck - to loud cheers from the crowd!.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newton-Abbot/22-August-2023/1430
Timeform rated it as a 123 performance, saying: "Somehow recorded a second win of the summer, as virtually refused to race, took closer order before halfway with help of steady gallop, in touch when untidy 3 out, driven between last 2, stayed on to lead dying strides.”
Harry said in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "He was a monkey as we started to walk in. They went no pace so that was a relief and he springs to life on this ground with a really good turn of foot from his flat form and this time of year, he thrives.”
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Probably our most unexpected winner of the year after being left at the start! He is a horse who has quirks but he also has ability and to have won for us on the flat, over hurdles and fences as well as on the snow in St Moritz, is remarkable. Well done to his owners on another win from him and I thought Harry gave him a super ride, to not panic when being left. Gina Bryce was in the Sky Sports Racing studio and she bred him - remarking that she remembers him having a bit of character as a yearling and she will always be his fan, as will we. ”
Read the Racing Post story, here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/reports/fancied-runner-gives-rivals-mammoth-head-start-before-rallying-to-snatch-incredible-victory-aREiB5E5sin1/
WINNER 77 OF 2023: LELANTOS, trained by Nicky Henderson OBE and ridden by Nico de Boinville: The 'William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle' over 3m 2.5f at Newton Abbot.
Carrying top weight of 12 stone, he was hoping to emulate his former stable mate Jen's Boy, who won this race last year, off the same weight.
Nico rousted him along to get a prominent position in the chasing group. Moving into second, after the 4th hurdle, he was pushed along at the home turn. Making his first mistake 2 out, he was ridden approaching the last and gave a good jump and although strongly pressed, he pricked his ears and stayed on gamely in the run-in, to win by a neck.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newton-Abbot/22-August-2023/1700
Timeform rated it as a career best 102, saying: "Back up in trip and with headgear refitted, got off the mark for the season dropped in grade, probably seen to good effect the way things unfolded; prominent main group, led before 4 out, ridden before 2 out, not fluent there, ran on.”
See the official photo gallery from the meeting, here: https://www.ppauk.com/event/Newton-Abbot-Races-Newton-Abbot-UK-22-Aug-2023/
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Nico and I had a chat in the morning about the race and he did a fantastic job of getting him to the fore at the start and the plan worked really well; he gave him a perfect ride. He loves the 3m+ trips and showed a fantasic attitude towards the finish. He jumped well except for the 2nd last when he gave us a fright. He has been runnning well all year and he and his owners deserved that win - well done everyone! ”