Newbury Double!

The stable enjoyed another fantastic weekend courtesy of a double at Newbury on Saturday with Umbrigado in the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup and Iron Heart in the 2m handicap hurdle.  Umbrigado prevailed in a thrilling finish to the big race, although it didn't look terribly likely at the last.  With a stride not there, David Noonan had to sit and suffer before galvanising his mount on the run-in.  With the leader veering to the left and Umbrigado staying straight and true, he hit the front in the final hundred yards to win going away.  It is a great result for owners John White and Anne Underhill who have been such tremendous supporters of the stable and of course for rider David Noonan, who gave him a lovely ride.

Iron Heart completed the double when scoring on his handicap debut under Fergus Gillard.  Travelling strongly throughout on this better ground, he skipped clear in the straight and did enough to win despite idling in front.  He was probably in front plenty soon enough but was always holding on and the narrow margin of victory means the handicapper should not be too harsh.  Only a four year old, this was a good effort and he can continue to progress.  There are still a couple of 10% shares available in this promising dual-purpose horse, so give the office a call if you would like to get involved in the fun.

Night Edition ran a cracker to finish runner-up in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, staying on strongly after the last to run The Shunter to 1¼ lengths.  This was certainly a big step-forward from his two previous runs this season.  Buster Edwards also ran better on Sunday at Sedgefield, staying on again in the closing stages to finish third in the 3m3f handicap hurdle.

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Southwell and Wetherby and an all-weather flat fixture from Wolverhampton.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today, although we will be back with runners at Exeter tomorrow.

*****

What did I tell you?  If anyone can stop Manchester City, I can!  Their 22 game unbeaten streak came to an end yesterday afternoon as local rivals United beat them 2-0 away from home.  If you are a United fan, you are welcome.  If there are any other teams you want beating, drop me an email and I would be happy to tip them for you!  Fortunately, I am much better with the racing and hope you were on following the positive mention for our pair of winners.

Normal service was resumed in the snooker on Sunday with Judd Trump emerging victorious in the Gibraltar Open, beating Jack Lisowski 4-0 in the final.  In an unusual tournament, the final three rounds were completed on finals day with Trump whitewashing Mark Allen 4-0, beating Matthew Selt 4-1 and then shutting out Jack Lisowski.  Trump has won five titles this season and is now one short of his own record with three more tournaments to play.

*****

To be or not to be a horse rider, that is equestrian.