Feilden has magic touch
Julia Feilden sent Welsh Touch and Najaaba to Redcar today from her Newmarket base and came within a whisker of pulling off a double at massive odds.
The former rocked punters when making all the running under Brian Reilly to take the Herald And Post Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 100-1.
The shock result came only 30 minutes after 33-1 shot Najaaba had been beaten a short-head by River Of Babylon in an exciting finish to the Mary Reveley Fillies’ Handicap.
“Nearly a 33-1 and 100-1 double,” Miss Feilden said after Welsh Touch returned to the winner’s circle.
“Welsh Touch wasn’t a surprise because in her last two runs she has run really well.
“Rory Moore told me to drop her back to this six furlongs because she’s got so much speed and I couldn’t believe it when I saw 100-1 – and 33-1 Najaaba either.
“Welsh Touch is a half-sister to Essex Star and Tychy, they all improve and are better over six furlongs.”
Adrian Sparks, who owns both fillies, admitted to being a £10 each-way punter.
Najaaba challenged River Of Babylon strongly throughout the closing stages, but the 7-2 winner proved very game and held on.
Afterwards winning jockey Richard Mullen said: “It was close but there was a strong headwind.
“I didn’t want to break her stride so I took the gap when it came.
“You can sit there and wait and wait. Luckily enough she’s got a turn of foot and I was able to go through the gap.
“I probably got there a little earlier than I wanted to and she was just doing enough in front with the horses racing against her being on the stand rail.”
River Of Babylon, who was second over a mile at Hamilton Park on Friday, appreciated the shorter distance in the contest.
Mullen continued: “She would get a mile – but an easy mile. It was an extended mile at Hamilton and slowish ground as well and it really bottomed her but she’s a tough filly.”
There was a sting in the tail for the rider, however, as he picked up a one-day ban for using the his whip with excessive frequency.
It was a red-letter day for 17-year-old Greg Fairley, who rode his first winner when he booted Mamore Gap home in the Evening Gazette Handicap.
As the 20-runner field spread out across the track, Fairley’s mount drifted towards the far rail and after hitting the front a furlong out, the 20-1 shot ran on stoutly to hold off the fast-finishing Parisian Playboy by three-quarters of a length and give trainer Michael Sowersby his first winner for 162 days.
After weighing in, Fairley, who is from Hawick and is based with Mark Johnston at Middleham, said: “I’ve had nine winners in pony races but that feels great - different class.
“I’ve been with Mr Johnston for a year and two months. I’ve had a total of six rides and and I’ve had two rides for Mr Johnston.”
Christa Bee overcame a slow start to take the “Redcar Hospitality Tel:01642 482478” Novice Median Auction Stakes in convincing fashion.
Eoghan O’Neill’s filly won a class 7 race at Southwell two weeks ago and as a result escaped a penalty for the five-furlong dash.
Her prospects of following up looked unpromising when she missed the break but after being given time to find her stride, she recovered to track the leaders as Piccostar set a decent pace.
Robbie Fitzpatrick produced the 7-2 chance to lead inside the final furlong and despite showing signs of greenness, she strode clear to beat Piccostar by two and a half lengths.
“She really wants six furlongs,” O’Neill said.
“She’s a nice filly and she might go for a novice stakes at Thirsk on Saturday.”
Premier Times finished well to record a last-gasp victory in the Redcar Racecourse Conference Centre Selling Stakes.
Nicky Mackay held Micky Hammond’s charge up as Cool Tagula went a good clip from the front.
Dramatic Review went on over one out where Premier Times was switched to make his challenge and staying on well, the 9-1 shot wore down the leader close home to gain the day by a neck.
Hammond was also responsible for the well-backed 11-4 favourite Mister Buzz, who finished fourth.
There was no bid for the winner at the subsequent auction.
Gary Bartley, who rode the runner-up was found to have used his whip with excessive frequency and he was banned for four days (May 20 to 23).
