Hobbs continues winning run
Richard Johnson partnered both winners and needed to keep his wits about him when getting the 8-11 favourite Wellbeing home in the Punch Taverns “Retailer” Handicap Hurdle.
The nine-year-old was a smart performer on the Flat, on which his efforts included a fifth to Sinndar in the 2000 Derby, and he has been sweetened up by Hobbs since going hurdling.
Wellbeing needs to be delivered as late as possible and there was a dilemma for Johnson with a two-furlong run-in and Idian Mix bowling along happily in front and showing no signs of stopping.
For a few strides Wellbeing came off the bridle but in the final furlong he had the upper hand and readily came three-lengths clear.
The immediate target for stable star Monkerhostin is uncertain after Hobbs and owner Martin St Quinton decided against sending him for a valuable race in Japan.
Mrs Sarah Hobbs, representing her husband, said: “He was invited to run in the Grand Jump at Nakayama but Martin has decided not to go. All 17 of our runners at Cheltenham have come back safe and sound.”
Cousin Nicky (11-10 favourite) comfortably initiated the double when beating Pardishar by 11 lengths in the canadatravelcentre.co.uk Novices’ Chase.
Mrs Hobbs added: “He did it well, stayed, and Richard was delighted with his jumping.”
John Ryall breathed a sigh of relief after Wild Oats (4-1 joint favourite) landed the Tozers Solicitors Novices’ Handicap Chase in the hands of Owyn Nelmes.
The Yeovil trainer thought his team were not quite right but this length-and-a-half success over Elegant Eskimo dispelled that view.
Nelmes found himself in a duel with the runner-up all the way up the straight and then found himself in front a shade too soon after jumping two out.
Wild Oats pricked his ears and dossed on the run-in but the post came in time.
Jimmy Frost ended a lean spell when Longstone Lady landed the Punch Taverns Novices’ Selling Hurdle.
Chris Honour took the bull by the horns a mile out and the combination never looked liked coming back to the field, crossing the line five lengths and six ahead of Native Commander and Pearly Star.
Frost, who retained the mare without a bid at the auction, said: “I must have been the coldest trainer in the West Country for quite a while. My horses have all had snotty noses but they’re looking healthier now.”
Mick Fitzgerald reported the ground to be riding tacky after guiding Haloo Baloo to victory in the SIS Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
The 14-1 chance made his move approaching the final flight where he wore down Midnight Gold before going on to score by eight lengths from that rival, with How Is The Lord a further nine lengths back.
The race provided no joy for Martin Pipe whose 4-1 favourite Abragante was pulled up before the second-last.
