Lanigan makes winning start at Pontefract
Henry Cecil’s former assistant David Lanigan enjoyed a dream start to his training career when Ben Chorley hit the target at Pontefract.
The 7-1 chance was the first runner Lanigan has saddled since earning his licence and he flew home under Ted Durcan to score by four lengths in the Catterick Races on 23rd April Handicap.
“I spent five years with Henry and five years before that in America, so I’ve had a pretty good grounding,” said Lanigan.
“I have 32 in at the moment and most of them are two-year-olds. A lot will probably want six or seven furlongs to start with.
“This horse had been working well at home and it’s just great to have an older one like him to run and get us moving.
“Working with Henry was great and he’s been fantastic for advice whenever I’ve needed to ring him up about something.”
Richard Guest’s Clumber Place showed a good deal more toe than her trainer when making a promising winning debut.
Guest, sporting a plaster cast after getting a nasty kick at home around three weeks ago, was all smiles after his 16-1 chance burned off the opposition in the Dem Window Solutions Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
“I broke one bone in 22 years riding, but I’ve managed to break two legs since the turn of the year!” said the winning trainer.
“The filly has a bit of class, she broke well and she’s done it easily with plenty more to come.
“She comes from an excellent dam line and although she’s big and tall, she has plenty of strength to go with it.
“I have a dreadful record in bumpers and with first-time two-year-olds so to win first time shows she has oodles of ability.
“We’ll have a look at the Lily Agnes and Hilary Needler and I think it’ll take a good one to beat her in the next few weeks.”
Adele Rothery produced a textbook ride to win a thrilling RIU Palace Meloneras Handicap aboard the David Nicholls-trained Turnkey (8-1), whom she delivered with a last-gasp drive.
Nicholls’ representative Ernie Greaves said: “Adele was a long way off them at halfway but she did that before when they won here.”
The race was sadly marred by a fatal injury sustained by Group One winner Fayr Jag, who charged into the stalls when blindfolded before the start.
Like Lanigan, Christopher Allan enjoyed a notable day as Solar Spirit, his first horse as an owner, came home a ready winner of the Subscribe Online racinguk.tv Maiden Stakes.
“He had lots of niggly problems last year and even managed to put his foot through the stable door,” said Allan.
Roger Fisher also had cause for celebration as Grizebeck made all the running to secure a hat-trick in the Pontefract Marathon Handicap.
After cheering home his 7-1 winner, Fisher said: “He was impressive and it’s great to have a good one.”
