Thunder storms to victory at Chepstow
I Hear Thunder put in a really gutsy performance to land the betfair.com Handicap Chase at Chepstow.
Sent off a 9-1 shot, Bob Buckler’s charge had to be at his best to see off the late charge of Colourful Life following a thrilling battle to the line.
Outsider Torche set the early gallop and when Tigers Lair came through to take it up seven fences from home, Jonjo O’Neill’s runner looked all over the winner.
However, the testing ground took its toll and he dropped back after the second last, leaving I Hear Thunder and Colourful Life to fight it out to the finish.
Ben Hitchcott just got up by a length and a quarter on the former, while Colourful Life was seven lengths clear of Torche.
Buckler told BBC Sport: “This is a lovely horse and Nick (Elliott, owner) has had him since he was a four-year-old.
“We have given him plenty of time and he’s a lot stronger this year.
“He did a brilliant bit of work with me on top 10 days ago and I thought he was obviously very well so we’ll go take a chance and have a go.”
Grand National winner Amberleigh House was pulled up by Graham Lee on the second circuit with the 13-year-old reported to have broken a blood vessel.
Admiral made all to take the £35,000 (€50,797) Betfair Handicap Hurdle for trainer Richard Guest.
The four-year-old, a winner at Royal Ascot last year when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, set off at a good clip with Noble Request settled in just behind.
Fire Dragon, a well-fancied runner for O’Neill, threw away his chance with a bad blunder at the second flight.
Admiral had to survive a lacklustre leap at the third-last but the 16-1 shot plugged on well as Zalda tried to make up some ground.
Guest’s charge went away again to win by four lengths, with 5-2 favourite Nanga Parbat a further 10 lengths back in third.
