TAUNTON 22nd JULY 2001
CHIP OFF
THE OLD BLOCK AS JAMES DAVIES RIDES AT TAUNTON FOR THE AHS.
A large, enthusiastic crowd cheered in the
winners as tight finishes made for exciting racing at Taunton.
The entire day was organised by Jill Martin from the Racing
Office, apart from the Stewards who were coordinated by Ann
Unwin. Jill said, “The day was a roaring success, with a friendly
atmosphere and everyone enjoying themselves.” Also present
on the day was TV Taunton with ‘Freddie on Somerset’, filming
and interviewing people, for a programme which will be shown
later.
The opening race had the crowd jumping in the stands as newcomer
Mitali, ridden by her owner/trainer Lynn Brooker, came
through to pip Mural-De-Feu and Yucel Mehmet at
the post in the Lauren Youell Maiden Conditions Stakes. These
two four-year-olds showed their older colleagues the way with
Mural-De-Feu looking like the winner until he hesitated at the
road crossing which allowed first time out Mitali to win by
a short head.
Jenny and Alan Peyton were thrilled with their two horses as
Hardtoback ridden by Rob Woollard won the Open Anglo
race, reversing the form over the favourite Shasta Bree
Tarkaan. Jenny bred Hardtoback and still has his dam
Harem, now 24 years old, who raced in her younger days. Island
Benedict won the third race to make it a quick double for
Jenny and Alan, who said as well as having the winners it was
a great day out with a friendly atmosphere, enhanced by everyone
applauding and cheering for everyone else. Jenny works part
time at a veterinary surgery and at Kempton Racecourse to pay
for her horses that she breaks in and trains herself, while
Alan is semi-retired, working for the Bishop of Guildford, both
are pleased to have the opportunity to race their horses in
competitive handicaps with other amateur owner/trainers. The
placings went to Island Rover finishing second under
Sam Morris, and Doriket back in third.
Hywel Davies, Grand National winning jockey on Last Suspect,
enjoyed his day at the races saddling up for his son James who
rode two winners. The first on Island Benedict, and the second
in the Maiden on Semawe for owner/trainer Jenny Brimecombe.
James, a stylish rider, was delighted with his double, his first
winners on Arabian horses. Yucel Mehmet and Hayley’s Comet
were well beaten by the impressive winner, although trainer
Jim Cooper won the Maiden Anglo race with Great Lady
by ˝ length from Claire Ward’s Tamagotchi, with John
Mosely third on his Spring Psalm. Jockey Yucel had the
mare switched off at the back of the field and then came up
between the placed horses to make it another exciting finish
for the crowd.
Jockey Rob Woollard completed a double by winning the 2-mile
race on the tough little mare Island Star, bred by Joe
Backhouse as were Island Benedict and Island Rover,
making it a good day for the ‘Island Horses’. Al Jabal,
second, looked superb in the paddock and deserved the best turned
out prize. PHA Khamoun, a winner last season, ran well
in third and should come on for the run.
