Richards takes Newcastle opener
Etched In Stone galloped his rivals into the ground to take the opening race at Newcastle in good style.
Nicky Richards’ charge had won his bumper after making all the running, but was beaten on his hurdles debut next time when he was ridden with more restraint.
But the front-running tactics were applied again in the nitex.co.uk “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle and they paid off as the even-money favourite strode clear under Tony Dobbin to beat Boulders Beach by two and a half lengths.
“Mine weren’t probably firing on all cylinders when he was beaten last time and we maybe didn’t ride him the best way either,” Richards said.
“He’s slightly headstrong and there’s no doubt he’s better off in front because he relaxes.
“We’ll get him educated and step him up in trip – all he was doing was staying – as the further he was going the easier he was going to win.
“Better ground will probably suit him as well and hopefully he’ll run in something nice in the spring.”
