Easy for Wellbeing
08/04/2006 - 14:32:05Wellbeing ran out an impressive winner of the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle, the opening race on 2006 Grand National Day, for trainer Philip Hobbs.
Formerly very useful on the level when with Henry Cecil, the 7-1 chance powered away from stablemate Noble Request (9-1) under Paddy Brennan on the run-in for an effortless nine-length success.
The result was never in doubt as the classy individual, who finished fifth in the 2000 Derby behind Sinndar, had every moved covered when the field turned into the straight.
Long-time leader Lord Henry had set the pace, also trained by Hobbs, but he had no answer to the acceleration of the front two.
Northern raider Double Vodka ran on for third at 66-1 for Chris Grant and Monte Cinto (6-1) took fourth.
Brennan told BBC Sport: "I enjoyed that and I think that is the easiest winner I have ever ridden.
“They didn’t go much of a gallop, which was a worry, but I kept in mind that I was riding a horse who was fifth in a Derby, so I was on the class horse in the race. The ground is good to soft but t is not tacky – it is loose enough.”
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