Two victories for Johnson at Lingfield
Richard Johnson could not have asked for a better return from his two rides at Lingfield than two fairly easy victories.
The top rider certainly did not have to work too hard in the Book Online For Discounted Prices Handicap Chase.
Low sun saw the four fences after the winning line dolled off, although it was an error at one of the remaining ones by Vinmix De Bessy which set it up for Johnson’s mount O’Toole.
The Philip Hobbs-trained 2-5 favourite strolled in a distance clear of his remaining rival.
His owner Linda Lovell reported: “Richard said he felt a lot more professional today. He has taken a while to get going, which is why he stayed over hurdles for so long.
“I think he will have a holiday now, as he has only been out recently because the rain hasn’t come.”
Johnson’s other mount Domenico is not known as tremendously straightforward but was on his best behaviour in the Lingfield Park Golf Club Handicap Hurdle, coming in as the 11-8 favourite by four lengths.
Henrietta Knight’s partnerships with both owner David Johnson and rider Denis O’Regan were cemented with a first winner through Openditch.
Johnson first sent Knight a few horses last season, while O’Regan’s association with the Wantage trainer had begun a lot later, precisely two races before the EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier).
The Irishman, who had ridden work at Knight’s yard, sat motionless in the saddle to bring the 11-10 favourite through for an emphatic three-length success.
“He did it nicely – his form tapered off last season after he won a bumper, but he has a light action and I think he wants this better ground,” said Knight.
“He’s a dear of a horse and I think he’ll stay hurdling this season and go chasing next year.”
The Jumping Here Again On The 28th Mares Only Novices’ Hurdle went to Just Beware (7-1), without a win in her previous 41 starts.
The 15-8 favourite She’s Humble hit the front approaching the last flight but Gemelle Gracey-Davison, riding her mother Zoe’s Just Beware, picked up gamely to lead just short of the line, winning by a neck.
Another to lose her maiden tag in modest company was Ilongue (7-1), all the better for an uncompromising Rodi Greene in the lingfieldpark.co.uk Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Robin Dickin’s mare ended a winless spell for the trainer stretching back around six months and she just stayed on best in a grim battle with Celtic Society and Armoury House.
Tom George’s former pointer Ossmann made a successful debut over regulation fences in the Lingfield Park For Christmas Parties Handicap Chase, holding off his fellow 9-4 joint-favourite Buckland Gold.
Andrew Turnell’s Outlandish proved far too good as the 4-6 favourite in the Lingfield Park For Weddings Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race.
