Stepping Up!
Thu 29 Jun 2023
WINNER 55 OF 2023: STEPNEY CAUSEWAY, trained by Milton Harris and ridden by Harry Reed: 'The Rory Daly Handicap Chase' over 2m 1/2f, at Worcester.
He was slowly away and held up in last, although he took a keen hold for the first couple of furlongs. Making headway 3 out, they were almost in a line after jumping the ditch. Harry asked him for more and he increased the tempo to take the lead 2 from home. 2 lengths ahead jumping the last, he was ridden out to win by a length from the favourite back in 2nd.
Watch the full race replay, here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Worcester/28-June-2023/1428
Just the one ride for Harry and he made it a winning one! He said in his post race interview with Matt Chapman, on Sky Sports Racing: "He can be a character, but Milton has changed a few things with him at home and he is in good order. He gave me a straight forward ride all round. He jumped well and he had so much momentum 3 out, I thought he should take a bit of beating!"
Timeform give him a race rating of 118, saying: "Had been given a chance by the handicapper (8 lb lower than when runner-up just 3 starts ago) and finally got off the mark in this sphere tried in a change of headgear (first-time hood); patiently ridden, travelled smoothly, produced to lead 2 out, quickened clear briefly between last 2, driven out."
See the official photo gallery, here: https://www.nigelkirbyphotography.com/Horse-Racing/Worcester-Racecourse/Worcester-2023/Worcester-Wed-28-Jun-23/Race-2/
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Well done to his owners and to Milton on what he has done with Stepney. To win on the ice in St Moritz in April and then to come here and win over fences is tremendous. What a fantastic purchase for just under £25,000 he has been, giving his owners some fun. I thought Harry gave him a great ride, sitting quietly at the back and then sending him when he felt the time was right."
We have released some shares in Stepney Causeway, who will continue to run though the summer and autumn: https://www.middlehamparkracing.net/horses/view,stepney-causeway_1489.htm