Specular ends spectacular Jonjo slump

The win by Jonjo O’Neill-trained Specular in the Braybrook Racing “We Support Sport” HBLB Novices’ Chase at Huntingdon yesterday ended a nightmare run of 73 days without a winner.

A virus had ravaged O’Neill’s stable at Jackdaws Castle forcing him to close down his yard.

After Quazar had finished third at Kempton Park on St Stephen's Day, O’Neill did not have a runner until last weekend and the six horses that represented him did not sparkle.

But he finally got the boost he needed when the 9-4 chance, ridden by stable jockey Tony McCoy, capitalised on a last-fence blunder by leader Golden Crusader to win by a neck.

McCoy was delighted with the victory

He said: “The trainer has felt that they’re coming right and he has been justified with the horse winning.

“At least it shows that they seem to be well and that horse was fit, stuck his head out and battled. That’s obviously a good sign.

“The pleasing thing is that he’s won. It will be pleasing for Jonjo.”