Combined Services 2023 Review
A high-quality field took part in the Stable sponsored Coronation Gold Cup Mixed Open at the Combined Services point to point. A good crowd was able to enjoy sunshine and some very competitive racing which included a dead heat with a unique twist, a dramatic conclusion to the Restricted race, a riding double for Chloe Emsley and a training double for Edward Walker and a first winner after 50 years of owning horses.
The feature race, one of the Classic point to point races of the season, did not disappoint and produced an impressive winner in the youngest member of the ten strong field namely Viroflay owned by Paul Nicholls and John Bolton and trained by Georgina Nicholls and ridden by Olive Nicholls. Only a 6 year old and having his third point to point race he took up the running after the eighth fence and although hard pressed by Sixteen Letters ridden by Josh Newman from the second last he asserted on the run in and had three lengths in hand at the winning post. The apple of his trainer’s eye he jumped for fun for Olive which she described as a ‘real thrill’. There are no immediate plans for him, but Paul did say that he may well be going Novice Chasing under Rules next season but will need the ground to be no faster than the good going he encountered at Larkhill.
The meeting began with the Caterpillar Combined Services Conditions Race for Novice Riders for which Another Stowaway made most the running under Lawrence Jordan and looked like he was going to hold on until he was joined on the line by Doldido ridden by Ollie Ayton. The judge could not split them and declared a dead heat. Whilst that was unusual the fact that both of the riders were recording their first ever career victory made the result more remarkable. Another Stowaway a former inmate of Tom George’s stable was giving his trainer Saraana Jordan from Ledbury her first ever winner and her husband Will a starter under rules was present to lead up to make a real family triumph. Lawrence, 22, who was riding in his eighth race explained that he had joined Will Biddick’s stable a couple of months ago and wanted to thank Will for his help and advice but wanted to give full credit to his parents for the work on training the horse. Ollie, 27, was riding in his tenth race on his father John’s Doldido on whom he had been placed second at the first Larkhill meeting behind Envious Editor. Sadly his father John missed the victory as he was flying at exactly the same time as the race. Ollie who is a Product Manager explained that part of the credit should be given to John Lovejoy who is assistant to licensed trainer Lydia Richards.
The Qinetiq Restricted race looked to be heading for a close finish between Happy Day Emery ridden by Martin ‘Fly’ McIntyre, Regatta de Blanc ridden by Will Biddick and Rock the Hill ridden by Daniel Ellis. The first named was still leading at the last but made a mistake and despite a valiant attempt Fly was unseated leaving the other two to fight out the finish with Regatta de Blanc just prevailing by a head. A very impressive winner on her debut she showed some strong battling characteristics to defy her rival. Described by Will as showing ‘ real tenacity and a will to win’ she looked in trouble after the third last but kept finding more when Will asked for her effort. Her delighted owner Rupert Swallow was thrilled with the success and his enthusiasm for the sport as a newcomer continues. Asked if the name of the mare has any connection with the rock band The Police he laughed and said that ‘ I am a huge fan of the band and as the dam is called Queens Regatta it seemed the logical step to name her after one of their most famous albums’
The Soprasteria Ladies Conditions Race was the first leg of the double secured by Chloe Emsley and Ed Walker when Montanna collared long time leader Not A Role Model ridden by Fern O’Brien at the second last and had a length and a half in hand at the winning post. Owned by Reg Hopkins from Almondsbury near Bristol he explained that he had bought the gelding out of Peter Bowen’s yard at the Ascot March 2022 sale but there had been some issues that had held up his pointing debut including throwing a splint at the end of last year. He added that ‘ I have owned horses for 50 years and this is my first winner’ ‘ I rode for many years including in the Berkeley Hunt race at the age of 65’ Describing himself as a farmer he and his family have played a major part with the Berkeley for many years and one of his sons is currently the Field Master for the Hunt.
Chloe and Ed secured their respective doubles ( the first in Chloe’s career) when Great Colewood beat the favourite Ping Pong Paddy in the IBM Maiden Conditions race. Making most of the running the home bred gelding had four lengths in hand at the winning post. Having only his third race of his career at the age of eight patience has been needed by his joint owners Richard King and Polly Walker who did add that she had taken him hunting to give him some different experience and helped him to grow up. Richard has a half- brother to the winner who he advised is for sale.
The concluding BMC Maiden race provided a success for Sir Shelby ridden by Tommie O’Brien and trained by Shropshire trainer Heidi Brookshaw. Placed in a couple of points in Ireland last season he was bought by his owner Peter Clifton in May last year and thought that he would be a suitable horse for Heidi to train for him. Recording his fourth victory as an owner at Larkhill this season ( his other three all being trained by Joseph O’Shea) he is now a real fan of the course albeit a long way from his home 3 hours away. Heidi who has 12 horses in her stable has also had success at the Wiltshire course and was keen to praise Tommie’s riding as a real asset when he is available to ride for her.
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