Racking Up The Wins!
Fri 15 Dec 2023
WINNER 110 OF 2023: IKARAK, trained by Anthony Charlton and ridden by Bradley Harris (-5) : The 'Living North Christmas Fair Novices' Hurdle' over 2m 6f at Newcastle.
A winner at Worcester in October, he had a 7lb penalty here, in heavy ground, but that didn't deter the market, as he was favourite. Setting off, he was immediately in front, taking a keen hold. Jumping well on the whole, he made a bad mistake 3 out, which opened the door and he faced a challenge. Jumping the final two flights much better, he was then 4 lengths ahead at the last and kept on well, to win by 2 and 3/4 lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/14-December-2023/1305
Timeform rated it as a joint career best 123 performance, saying: "Didn't need to improve to defy a penalty with a claimer back on board, a more fluent jump than his challengers 2 out sealing matters; dictated, took keen hold, pressed on entering straight, mistake 3 out, tackled next, left clear there, driven out; he has a somewhat ungainly head carriage, but is yet to really do anything wrong under pressure.”
Bradley said in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "That was very enjoyable! He was looking for a bit of company a couple of times but as soon as one came to him I gave him a squeeze and he quickened again.”
Read the Racing Post story, here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/reports/tony-charlton-trains-first-winner-since-taking-over-the-licence-at-milton-harriss-yard-aLGnM8L049AU/
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385721173/x3-ikarak
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Well, what a super run of form from Ikarak since we purchased him from France: 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st and 1st. He travelled strongly out in front and each time a horse came to him, he rallied again. Well done to his syndicate of owners and we must thank Heather for her very kind words on Sky Sports Racing after the race.
We love this video of him returning to the winners enclosure!"