Semple enjoys Defi glory
Ian Semple looks like bowing out in a blaze of glory as his training career comes to an end.
Semple has decided to hand in his licence at the end of the year but his string are certainly not slowing down, as Defi demonstrated when he became the trainer’s sixth winner in the last 14 days.
Defi (11-1), the mount of Tom Eaves, made the running to three furlongs in the TurfTV Claiming Stakes out before being passed.
However, he rallied in game style to regain the lead at the furlong marker and drew four lengths clear of Oeuf A La Neige.
Semple’s assistant Tom Bogle said: “Defi has ability but you never know when he is going to do it. I thought that was it when he was headed but he fought back.
“The boss said he thought Defi was nearly best in if he gave his running and he did.”
Irish raider Living On A Prayer (9-4) made her trip from Donegal pay when she won the opening Scottish Racing Gentleman Amateur Riders’ Handicap.
Living On A Prayer was sent to the front inside the final quarter of a mile by Scott Dobson and she forged clear to pass the post with three and a half lengths to spare over Rigat.
Trainer Tom McLaughlin said: “This is my first winner.
“I had a licence for 12 months and then relinquished it in February because I was due to have an operation and I only got it back last week.
“I have got four horses in training at the moment and Living On A Prayer was second here while I was recovering from the operation.”
Tim Easterby’s Hamish McGonagall gained a deserved first success in convincing fashion under David Allan in the European Breeders’ Fund Maiden Stakes.
The 8-15 favourite is owned by the Reality Racing Syndicate No.1 and spokesman Edward Nodding said: “The horse had a pebble in his foot early in the season and Tim gave him all the time he needed to make sure everything had cleared up. He is a very good trainer.
“We just told David to go out and enjoy himself – I never backed the horse, I did not want to stiffen him”!
Odds-on supporters were not so lucky half an hour later when John Quinn’s Monashee Brave (4-1) routed 8-11 chance Pieter Brueghel in the Rectangle Group Selling Stakes.
Although Jamie Spencer had been out of luck earlier on the card, he got a valuable winner on the board in the Daily Record First For Racing Handicap.
Kevin Ryan’s Cha Cha Cha (9-2) obliged for his title-chasing rider in the seven-furlong heat, just holding Charlie Tipple by a head.
Spencer, who had made the journey north following a 7am inquiry at the British Horseracing Authority offices in London, is involved in a thrilling battle with Seb Sanders for the championship and was notching his 186th winner of the campaign.
“I suppose the decision could be important (in the title race) and it was great to get the race,” he said.
Estate (8-1), trained by Eoghan O’Neill for fellow handler Roger Brookhouse, won the concluding TurfTV Handicap in the hands of Chris Catlin.
