Long shots prosper at Market Rasen Races

A healthy crowd basked in summer sunshine as they enjoyed a day out at Market Rasen Races on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2016, 09:33 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:35 BST
Front running Trillerin Minella (11/1) on his way to winning the fourth race under jockey Archie Bellamy EMN-160108-092818002Front running Trillerin Minella (11/1) on his way to winning the fourth race under jockey Archie Bellamy EMN-160108-092818002
Front running Trillerin Minella (11/1) on his way to winning the fourth race under jockey Archie Bellamy EMN-160108-092818002

The racecourse had initiated ‘Big Family Funday’ with lots of free entertainment laid on for children alongside racing.

With no North Lincolnshire trainers saddling runners it was left to Grantham trainer Chris Bealby to keep the county in the picture, turning out one of the most impressive winners.

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In the Susan Skinner Birthday Memorial Handicap Hurdle, Ruaraidh Hugh (11/1) went to the front at the last flight under amateur rider Tommie O’Brien and held on impressively to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

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Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002
Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002

The feature race of the afternoon was the Beachcomer Holiday Park and Entertainment Centre Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old Trillerin Minella (11/1) made all the running for Stow-on-the-Wold trainer Graeme McPherson and jockey Archie Bellamy who claimed 7lb.

Pulled up last time out, the horse had only registered one previous success at Ffos Las from 27 runs under rules and that was back in 2014.

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McPherson was delighted: “Archie gave him a fantastic front-running ride. The horse jumps for fun and loves bowling along in front.

Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002
Placed horses in the Susan Skinner Handicap Hurdle return to the winners enclosure, with winner Ruariadh Hugh at the back, ridden by Tommy OBrien EMN-160108-092805002

“I did not think he would stay on after the last and I expected him to be caught in truth. I have to be honest and say he has not done much in recent races.”

There was an even bigger priced outside in the opening juvenile hurdle when Heaven Scent rewarded punters at 50/1.

Colin McCormick was on board for Leyburn trainer Ann Duffield. Modest on the flat, the winner had no form at all in any sphere in recent outings.

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Course and distance winner at the last meeting here and hot favourite Milrow, trained by Richard Newland, disappointed this time and finished fourth.

The Merlin Inflatables UK Handicap Steeplechase saw 10/1 chance, Our Cat, get up by 12 lengths with another favourite, Play the Ac, in third. Alain Cawley was on board for Cheltenham trainer Fergal O’Brien. The winner was a course winner here in May.

* The next meeting at Market Rasen is Music Night, featuring Jess Glynne, on Saturday, August 13.

Related topics:North LincolnshireGrantham