There was drama at the final fence in the 188Bet Cambridgeshire National at Huntingdon Racecourse yesterday.
The outcome of the long-distance race, staged over a gruelling three-and-three-quarter miles, was still in the balance approaching the last obstacle.
But Wood Yer, ridden by Jamie Bargary for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, hit the deck to leave Court Frontier, for jockey Tom O’Brien and trainer Paul Morgan, clear to land the £25,000 contest at odds of 11/4.
The victor is now likely to be aimed at another such race with the Midlands National at Uttoxeter the target later this month.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls also sampled big-race glory yesterday by scooping the re-scheduled 188Bet Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase.
Nicholls sent out 9/2 shot Antartica De Thaix to take the Listed contest over two-and-a-half miles.
Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies ensured his only ride of the afternoon was a triumphant one by easing past long-time leader Desert Queen over the final fence.
Harry Skelton was the leading rider as he won three of the eight races on a bumper family fun day card.
He had to survive a stewards’ enquiry before Azzuri’s 4/11 success was confirmed in the opening maiden hurdle.
That horse was trained by his brother, Dan, and the duo struck again with another odds-on shot, Listen To The Man, in the Play Casino At 188Bet Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.
Caroline Bailey was the other trainer to provide Skelton with a winning ride as Dig Deeper took the Free Bet At 188Bet Novices’ Chase at 15/8.
All three of Skelton’s successes came on favourites and two other market leaders also obliged – both trained by Jonjo O’Neill.
Aidan Coleman steered home Lithic at a price of 7/4 in the Download The App At 188Bet Handicap Hurdle at a price of 7/4, while the trainer’s son, also Jonjo, was on board I Know U Too Well (5/4) in the closing Champions League Betting At 188Bet Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
The biggest-priced winner was 10/1 chance Braw Angus (for trainer Kim Bailey and jockey Tom Bellamy) in the 188Bet.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.
The next fixture at Huntingdon is the latest #GoRacing Day on Wednesday (March 15). Adult tickets are just £10 in advance, and £15 on the day. They can be booked online at http://huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3007.
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