Turner's lands a Touch

Turner’s Touch proved the undoubted class act at Lingfield as he beat 13 rivals and his own demons to take the Bet Direct Freephone 0800 211 222 Banded Stakes.

Turner’s Touch proved the undoubted class act at Lingfield as he beat 13 rivals and his own demons to take the Bet Direct Freephone 0800 211 222 Banded Stakes.

A gamble on the wayward gelding went astray last time out and the Gary Moore-trained performer showed his usual attitude problems in the final stages as he lugged left while pointing his head to the right.

But George Baker was not to be beaten by his mount and drove him out to land the spoils in a good time.

A capable – if reluctant – performer on the turf for Amanda Perrett, the gelding was bought at the sales by Moore and sold to a partnership headed by Brighton punter Danny Bloor.

Plenty of money was left in the bookies’ satchels after his last start. However, Bloor admitted to having “a few quid on each-way” this time.

“It is all in his head but George gave him a great ride,” Bloor continued. “He might not have the profile of someone like Eddie Ahern but he is a great rider round here and a very nice fella too.

“He was stone last for most of the way but he made up a lot of ground on the home turn and there is no doubt that he has loads of ability. It’s just a shame he didn’t do it last time!

“We bought the horse to have a bit of fun and it might just end at Southwell on New Year’s Day where he is entered up.

“I think that after that Gary wants to try him hurdling but that’s not so much my thing, although the other lads in the syndicate might want to keep going.”

Another fine riding performance saw Tanning home in the following Press Red to Bet on ITVi Maiden Claiming Stakes.

Placed in seven of her 26 starts before today, success was starting to appear elusive for the Tony Carroll-trained 15-2 chance.

But the first-time application of a visor and a change of tactics allowed Paul Hanagan to ride a canny stop-start race from the front and the filly held off a series of challengers to beat Mujimac by a head.

“She’s no champion – that’s why she’s only in to be claimed for two grand - but I haven’t had a winner for six months so I’m still well pleased,” said owner Dennis Deacon.

“Tony has been in the process of moving stables and he has needed a bit of time to settle down but he had a winner at Wetherby the other day so maybe things are taking a turn for the better.”

The winner will return to Carroll’s yard having failed to attract a claim.

Third-placed Shaheer was claimed by Paul Howling for £5,000 and runner-up Mujimac by Michael Oxton for £3,000.

Robert Winston made the trip south pay when scoring aboard 33-1 chance Riviera Red in the Text Betdirect To 88600 Banded Stakes over a mile.

Les Montague Hall had been disappointed with the gelding, who was bred by Neil Jones “to win a Derby” according to his trainer as a son of Rainbow Quest from the family of Ardross.

But the penny dropped for the outsider as he swept home to beat Beneking by a length and a quarter.

Ernst Oertel provided an advertisement for his growing racing club as Tharua took the opening contest.

Apprentice Adam Kirby hit the front a furlong out aboard the 6-1 chance and the successful filly stuck her head out bravely to hold the half-hearted challenge of Prince Valentine in the More Offers At betdirect.co.uk Banded Stakes.

“I am looking for more people to join the club and we have got six horses who will give their owners a lot of fun on the all-weather over the coming months,” said Newmarket-based Oertel.

Kirby revealed after the race that he is to move to Lambourn for the start of the next turf season and join the yard of Clive Cox as he prepares for a tilt at the apprentice jockeys’ title.

Oertel had hopes of a double with Gaudalpin in the six-furlong Play Instant Win Games at betdirect.co.uk Banded Stakes.

But the filly had to give best to the tough and consistent Segoria, who scored with something in hand under Chris Catlin and is set to bid for a quick follow-up at the track next Tuesday.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Fox clear to ride Grand National favourite Corach Rambler Fox clear to ride Grand National favourite Corach Rambler
Age Walsh's biggest fear for Any Second Now ahead of Irish Grand National  Age Walsh's biggest fear for Any Second Now ahead of Irish Grand National 
Cobden 'can't wait' to ride Noble Yeats in Grand National Cobden 'can't wait' to ride Noble Yeats in Grand National
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited