Montot off the mark at Wincanton
Made In Montot finally lived up to his hot French form when getting fans of local trainer Paul Nicholls off to a winning start in the Rollin Clones On 12 May Novices’ Chase at Wincanton.
The 4-1 chance has proved a bitter disappointment on his two previous British starts, breaking a blood vessel on his most recent appearance when odds-on at this track in December.
But under a typically patient ride from Ruby Walsh, the six-year-old crept forwards from off the pace to dispute the lead over the last with 8-13 favourite Without A Doubt.
Strongly ridden on the run-in to throw down his challenge, Walsh just succeeded in getting his mount up for a head verdict to deny Without A Doubt’s handler Carl Llewellyn his first success as a trainer.
“It’s good to get his head in front,” said Nicholls. “In the summer he will have an operation to try and sort out his breathing because I think that’s where his problems are stemming from.
“We tried him with a tongue-strap and a crossed noseband today and, along with the better ground, I’d have been disappointed if he hadn’t gone close.
“He probably wants to be bowling along in front but as he had been keen last time I told Ruby to get him settled today and switch him off.”
