Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club, Sheriff Hutton, N Yorks
PREMIER MAGIC made a spellbinding seasonal debut to land victory in the men's open as connections eye a return to Cheltenham for the defence of his Foxhunter title.
The 11-year-old, trained and ridden by Bradley Gibbs, was sent off 1/4 favourite and came home 10 lengths clear of his nearest challenger, Torygraph (ridden by James King), to extend his unbeaten streak to six.
The original plan had been for Julian Sherriff's Court Cave gelding to start his campaign at Chaddesley Corbert just after Christmas, but with that meeting a casualty of the wet winter, connections rerouted to Yorkshire.
"I took the cheekpieces back off him today," said Bradley. "I probably hit the front too soon on him and he had a good look at the last, which he always does if he's in front going to the last. But he quickened away, put it to bed and really galloped to the line."
The pair were 66/1 when they tasted Cheltenham Festival glory in 2023, holding on up the hill to add their names to the roll of honour in the St James's Place Festival Hunters' Chase (formerly known as the Foxhunter Chase).
Bradley confirmed that all being well, a return to the Festival is the aim.
"You'd never think he was 11- if you rode him at home, you'd think he was a three-year-old," he said. "He really enjoys his work and loves going racing. I took him out of his stable today, he dragged me to the lorry and loaded himself. I couldn't be happier with him, age is only a number."
PATIENCE PAYS OFF
WILLIAM EASTERBY celebrated in front of a home crowd when taking the second division of the no-weight-forage maiden. William and the six-year-old Champs Elysees son Rue Galilee crossed the line two-and-a-half lengths ahead of favourite Gabrielle De Balon. It was also the first point-topoint winner for the yard's racing club.
Denne historien er fra January 18, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra January 18, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
