Punters cheer Recession Proof at Newbury
Those who followed the market on family day at Newbury cashed in when Recession Proof bolted-up in the Bathwick Tyres Amateur Riders' Handicap today.
Having finished second in a similar contest at Newmarket on his previous start, the 7-2 favourite could be named the winner some way out under John Ennis.
The combination eased to the front approaching the distance and quickly asserted to put five lengths between themselves and runner-up Debdene Bank, who edged out Peter Grimes and Don Pietro.
However, had Ennis not eased his mount in the last 100 yards the margin would have been considerably greater.
Trainer Simon Callaghan was not present, but Ennis explained: "He was always travelling and picked up instantly when I asked him to go and win his race. He's entered again next week but I would think it would come too soon."
The 27-year-old worked as a conditional to Len Lungo and then had a spell out of the saddle before taking out an amateur licence. This was his sixth career winner.
Hannon and Hughes completed a double when Desert Auction (11-2) came out best in a rough race for the Grundon Recycle Nursery.
The trainer's Giulietta Da Vinci and Avon River were travelling at least as well as the winner when knocked out in a scrummage between five horses at the distance.
The incident also cost Jehu ground and left that one's stablemate Gold Fix to battle it out with the eventual winner.
Many thought Gold Fix had obliged, but the photo showed Desert Auction the narrowest of winners, by a nose.
Hannon reflected: "Someone knocked Ryan (Moore, on Avon River) out and also the filly (Giulietta Da Vinci). The winner has always needed a step up in trip, as you'd expect from the same sire as Paco Boy."
William Buick rode a first winner in almost a month and chose the best moment to do it when landing the Listed EBF Chalice Stakes on outsider Polly's Mark.
Buick, whose blank period of 25 days included a fortnight's ban, was at his lethal best as he wound-up the 16-1 chance down the home straight and galvanised Clive Cox's filly to a length verdict over Fallen In Love.
The pair enjoyed a six-length break over third-placed Rosaleen, with 5-4 favourite Phillipina out with the washing.
Buick was clearly relieved afterwards and said: "That was nice. A welcome winner. I wound her up down the straight and she got the trip really well."
Cox commented: "We went for the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot but from her bad draw she couldn't get competitive.
"Then we went to Ffos Las and got a very bad bump.
"We took a chance today, as she had a rating of 88 and could have gone well in a big handicap. We gave it a shot and it's worked out. She got the trip well and you couldn't knock the run."
Cox intimated that he may look at the Princess Royal Stakes, a Group Three for fillies and mares at Ascot in the autumn.
