A magical Double
Thu 30 Apr 2026
Winners 57 of 2026: MAGICIAN OF RIGA, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Sean Levey. The ‘Come Racing For Free 18th June Handicap’ over 1m3f at Southwell.
It’s back-to-back wins for MAGICIAN OF RIGA, defying a 5-pound raise by doing so.
Our stunning son of Time Test put up another fine performance, probably winning easier than the winning margin suggested. After a good start, Sean settled him into midfield. The strong early pace faded on the back straight, and suddenly, it looked like the front two horses were most advantaged. Sean didn’t panic but followed the leading pair into the final furlong before making good headway and running down the eventual second-placed horse. A strong finish from our very likeable 3-year-old who really progressed since stepping up in trip.
Please follow the link to watch the full race replay: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Southwell/29-April-2026/1530
Timeform rated his back-to-back victory with a t78: "Confirmed the improvement shown when winning at Wolverhampton on previous outing, form boosted by the third since, able to overcome a steady pace dropped back 1f in trip; chased leader, effort towards near side over 1f out, stayed on to lead close home; could still have more to offer at around this trip and is one to keep on right side."
For official photos, please contact [email protected] , and he will send you proofs for you to choose from.
Winner 58 of 2026: LIGHTENING COMPANY, trained by Ben Haslam and ridden by Harry Vigors (7). The 'Chadwick Lawrence Supports National Horseracing College Handicap' over 1m2f at Pontefract.
Another back-to-back victory on the day, this time for our ever-so-popular stalwart LIGHTENING COMPANY, who loves it around Pontefract, finishing in the first two on five from 9 appearances. Credit also must go to the young Harry Vigors, who got a great tune out of him from a midfield position, a couple of lengths behind the leading pairs. He really picked up when turning for home, and kept finding, seeing off a strong challenge from the eventual second.
Please follow the link to watch the full race replay: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2026-04-29/pontefract/1633
Timeform rated his 7th victory with a 78: "Was sent off joint-favourite and defied a token rise to follow up from last time back down in trip, responding well to his talented claimer's urgings and enhancing a fine course record in the process; in touch, pushed along over 2f out, led over 1f out, tackled close home, kept on gamely; can't go up much for this and should remain competitive."
To view and purchase the official winning pictures, please follow the link: https://www.onlinepictureproof.com/officialphotographersonline/albums/Pontefract/950516/browse/