In Good Company

Thu 09 Apr 2026

Winner 43 of 2026: LIGHTENING COMPANY, trained by Ben Haslam, and ridden by Andrew Mullen. The ‘Tommy Hepple Memorial Handicap’ over 1m4f at Pontefract.

Our now 8-year-old Lightening Company, who truly loves it around Pontefract, added another victory to his resume, with a battling victory under Andrew Mullen. Settled just in behind the leading pairs in the 12-furlong contest, our gelding was travelling enthusiastically in the hands of his regular rider before he was sent for his challenge two furlongs from home.

Stamina came to the fore in the final hundred yards, with Lightening Company rallying down the eventual second and seeing off a late challenge from the third-placed horse.

A fine victory from our dual-purpose star, who is also yet another winning graduate from our 2026 April Fools promotion.  

Huge well done to his owners.

Watch the full race replay via the link: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2026-04-07/pontefract/1627

Timeform rated his victory with a 76: "Hadn't fired at all in a trio of all-weather runs since finishing second here in a much higher grade in the autumn, but those had served a purpose with regards getting his mark into the 60s for the first time and, with his yard having been in stonking form, took advantage returned to a track where his record now reads 2 wins and 2 places from 8 visits; chased leaders, effort over 2f out, edged ahead final 50 yds."

To view and purchase the official winning pictures: https://www.onlinepictureproof.com/officialphotographersonline/albums/pontefract/ (Will show here when uploaded)