Back to form Farmer harvests big Aintree prize
The eight-year-old was a smart novice two seasons ago, but he was mostly below form last term after having a breathing operation.
However, he was back on song here on a red-letter day for trainer Philip Hobbs, who also sent out two winners at Wincanton.
Farmer Jack (14-1) made all the running under Paul Flynn to slam Take The Stand, who ruined his chance by repeatedly diving to the left at his fences, by 11 lengths, with Vodka Bleu another two and a half away in third.
Part-owner Peter Partridge said: “I’m thrilled with that. He had a breathing operation last season and he’s a different horse this year, and we are looking forward to a good winter with him.”
That winter could include a trip to Cheltenham next month.
Hobbs, speaking from the Newmarket sales, said: “The Paddy Power Gold Cup (November 13) is the main aim now and I hope the handicapper is not too brutal with him.”
Flynn was always happy with the way the horse was travelling and said: “We were in two minds whether to make the running, but the main thing was to get him jumping. He soon got into a rhythm and he was in a hack canter all the way round. He was always in second gear.
“We were fairly sure he’d need it, so Richard (Johnson) went to Wincanton.”
The Wigan Chase was the first of 63 races between now and April 23 in the inaugural British Horseracing Board Order Of Merit championship.
In this new competition the owner, trainer and stable staff connected to the top performer will share £200,000.
