Red-letter day for Moss
Fern House’s 20-1 success in the goracing.co.uk Handicap at Catterick may not create many shockwaves outside of the Garry Moss household.
But it is a victory Moss will never forget as it was his first winner in his new role as private trainer to John and Ruth Barrett at Newland Hall, Lancaster.
Ridden by Paul Hanagan, who book-ended the card with victory aboard Mystified in the opening Best UK Racecourses On TurfTV Selling Stakes, the five-year-old got up in the final stride to deny Toy Top by a head.
The 40-year-old handler is no stranger to the racing game, having worked for Jack Berry for five years. He was also head lad to Jeremy Glover for seven years.
Moss, who has only held a licence since June, said: “At last I’m off the mark so we can relax now.
“I started out in June and I’ve had about 11 or 12 runners. We’ve got 10 horses in but after that hopefully I will get a few more.
“I was work-rider for Mind Games when I worked at Jack’s and then I was head-lad to Jeremy for about seven years.”
Tom Eaves trumped Hanagan’s double by riding a 3561/2-1 treble.
Eaves set the ball rolling aboard Sir Michael Stoute’s Classical World in the Go Racing At Pontefract Tomorrow Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs.
David Barker’s Choysia (12-1) also did the business in the Come Racing Again Next Friday Night Handicap, while Ron Barr’s Borodinsky (4-1) won the Book Now For Saturday 22nd September Handicap for the second time in three years – the only two races the six-year-old has managed to land in 40 career starts.
Barr’s wife Christine, who owns Borodinsky, said: “He deserved this as he’s been running well and is due to go up 8lb on Wednesday.
“Things panned out well and Tom could not have timed it any better.”
Of Classical World, Eaves added: “He showed a nice attitude to fight back once he had been headed.
“He was really green in the early part of the race. He’s improved massively from his debut and I would say he’ll come on another ton for that.”
Philip Makin was handed a three-day ban (18-20 August) for weighing in 3lb heavier than he weighed out when fourth to Mystified aboard Attila’s Peintre.
Alan Swinbank’s admirable Osolomio won for the third time this season in the Book Tickets On-Line At catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap.
Given a fine front-running ride by Neil Callan, earlier suspended for two days (August 18-19) for careless riding, the 4-6 favourite won by a length and a quarter.
Bill Haigh, Swinbank’s assistant, said: “He did it well and is a grand type. He runs his heart out for you every time he runs and Neil gave him a great ride today.
“We have been very pleased with him this season but I don’t think he’ll be going over hurdles.
“We will probably put him away now for next year and try to win another three races with him but he does like this fast ground.”
Ian McInnes’ Paparaazi (13-2) showed good speed on the dash to the line to win the Telephone 01748 810165 To Book Corporate Hospitality Claiming Stakes by half a length.
