Davidson proves the Real McCoy
Rayshan is set for a crack at the Borders National at Kelso on December 9 after giving Rose Davidson a famous scalp at Carlisle.
Carrying the colours of her father Duncan Davidson, the seven-year-old was given a great ride in the WBX.COM Handicap Chase to collar none other than Tony McCoy on Ice Melted and collect by three quarters of a length at odds of 11-2.
Winning trainer Nicky Richards said: “He may go for the Borders National. Duncan sponsors the race now. He is the only (suitable) horse we have to run for him in that.
“It is over four miles and I don’t know if he will get the trip, but you don’t know until you try.”
There was a slight sting in the tail for the winning rider as she was suspended for one day (November 23) for using her whip with excessive frequency and down the shoulder with her whip in the forearm position.
Ferdy Murphy has his sights set on a second Hennessy Gold Cup triumph after New Alco made a successful return to action in the WBX.COM 0% Commission On This Race Graduation Chase.
The 11-4 second-favourite made all the running – jumping well although slightly left – and kept on up the hill to go 11 lengths clear of Idle Talk.
Murphy, who landed the big Newbury prize in 1992 with Sibton Abbey, said: “He is a nice horse and has been unlucky not to win one of the better races.
“He is in the Hennessy, that has always been the plan and that is where he will go now. He is in a race at Cheltenham on Friday, but it comes a bit quick and Graham (Lee) says why risk it.
“He is a similar horse to Sibton Abbey and we won the Hennessy with him.”
Keith Goldsworthy made the 550-mile round trip from his Pembrokeshire stable to saddle his first runner at the Cumbrian course and will be back after watching Hills Of Aran landed the WBX.COM For New Accounts Novices’ Hurdle in the hands of McCoy.
A winner at Wincanton last time, he was a bit keen early on but came through smoothly to lead at the final flight and pass the post with six lengths to spare over Mr Preacher Man.
Goldsworthy said: “We have schooled him over fences and he has schooled well, but he will stay over hurdles for now and there are targets at Ascot and Kempton around Christmas, perhaps a Pertemps qualifier.”
Cedrus Libani, winner of two novice hurdles last season, made a successful switch to fences with a decisive success under Denis O’Regan in the WBX.COM Beginners’ Chase.
The Howard Johnson-trained six-year-old jumped to the front at the third-last and galloped right to the line to score by a length and three-quarters from Modicum, with the McCoy-ridden favourite Benetwood, who was not always fluent at his fences, in third.
Johnson’s assistant Ray Hawkey said: “He was a good hurdler and this was a nice race to win – Denis liked him.”
Cashmans were quick to give Cedrus Libani a 33-1 quote for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Benetwood’s trainer Victor Dartnall gained some compensation as he saddled his first winner on the course when Go Johnny (9-1), ridden by conditional James White, just got the better of Murphy’s Caipiroska by a neck in the Join WBX.COM For Free Football Shirt Novices’ Hurdle.
Dartnall said: “I will see what the handicapper does with Go Johnny now, he has not been schooled over fences yet.
“He has been a bit irksome to train, he gets loose and goes down the village! He has jumped like a buck today.”
White was suspended for two days (November 23 and 25) for careless riding.
Christian Williams rode another winner for the Sue Smith stable when getting Super Road Train home in front in the WBX.COM World Bet Exchange Lucius Handicap Chase, while local trainer Ian McMath sent out Remainder to win the WBXTRIPLECROWN.COM Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle under Fearghal Davis.
