Cheltenham-winning trainer enjoys Huntingdon success

Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Ben Pauling continued a good week when landing the Lady Riders’ Handicap Hurdle at Huntingdon on Wednesday.

The 13-8 favourite Shanroe Tic Tec, ridden by Lilly Pinchin, won the two-mile contest, sponsored by The Star Sports App.

The seven-year-old, who had won at Sandown Park just five days previously, was a first winner at the Cambridgeshire racecourse for the jockey, who was also enjoying a first ride for Pauling.

Bridget Andrews could not get a ride in the ladies’ race this year, which she normally does, but made up for it when partnering the 4-1 favourite Mabela to victory in the First For Cheltenham Specials starsports.bet Mares’ Handicap Hurdle for trainer Dan Skelton. The horse had won her first ever race, on the Flat in a bumper, at the track 16 months ago.

Leicestershire trainer John Cornwall’s 33-1 shot The Jugopolist gave him his first winner for well over a year when taking the Download The Star Sports App Handicap Chase under rider Patrick Cowley. It was the horse’s third victory at Huntingdon Racecourse.

The 2-5 odds-on market leader Finawn Bawn could be bound for the Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree next month after landing the opening Davy Russell Festival Blog At starsportsbet.co.uk Novices’ Hurdle for trainer Olly Murphy.

Another strongly backed favourite to win was trainer Venetia Williams’ 10-11 fancy Vivaccio in the Download The Stars Sports App Now! Handicap Chase, while Seamus Mullins’ 33-1 chance Playa Blanca triumphed in the Call Star Sports On 08000 521 321 Maiden Hurdle.

The concluding bumper race went to Sadlermor, trained by Kim Bailey and ridden by David Bass, at 7-2.

*The next meeting at Huntingdon Racecourse is next Tuesday. Advance purchase of adult tickets is just £10. More at http://huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3007.

 About Huntingdon Racecourse

Huntingdon Racecourse, part of The Jockey Club, was voted ‘Best Small Racecourse’ in the Midlands by the Racegoers Club in 2012, 2014 and 2017. More information is available at http://huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny we make goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. We were founded in 1750 and today we are the largest commercial group in Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and our charity, Racing Welfare. For more information visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:

Liam Johnson, General Manager, at Huntingdon Racecourse, on 01480 453373 or liam.johnson@thejockeyclub.co.uk