Racign Week: Johnson back in the swing as Jumps return to the North (From Durham Times)

Racign Week: Johnson back in the swing as Jumps return to the North

12:47pm Friday 22nd January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share

IT WAS only a run of the mill midweek meeting at Newcastle on Wednesday, but owners, trainers, jockeys and punters were thrilled to have Jump racing back in the north.

Not since Fairynuff won the bumper at Catterick on December 15 have we seen local action, but it didn't take Howard Johnson long to get back into full swing. Along with owner Graham Wylie and stable jockey Denis O'Regan, Johnson landed the first two races at Newcastle with a couple of above average recruits.

The seven year-old grey Diamond Frontier got the ball rolling in the opening beginners' chase. Making most of the running, he had little trouble landing the odds of 4-7 and should have little trouble following up in the couple of weeks.

The second race of the day was a staying novice hurdle, which featured the very useful Wymott, from the Donald McCain yard. He was also sent off at the prohibited odds of 4-7, and in the end, had to play second fiddle to Johnson's The Knoxs. The winner, who was successful in a point-to-point in his native Ireland, is now two from two since joining Johnson and has clearly got a big future ahead of him on the evidence of this and could even be seen at the Cheltenham Festival.

Later in the day, Johnson and O'Regan landed a 58-1 treble when Toy Gun put in a gutsy display when coming home in front in the staying handicap chase at 11-1.

Another trainer who has been able to keep his horses going better than most during the cold snap is Keith Reveley. That theory is backed up by his recent results with four winners. Stable star Tazbar was very impressive last Saturday at Huntingdon when winning on the bridle under the trainer's son James.

Afterwards, the winning rider said: "At the minute, we will keep him to novice chases and gain a bit more valuable experience, but long-term we think he should be up to winning a real nice handicap, possibly something like the Scottish National."

Later in the day at Huntingdon, the father and son combination were back in the winner's enclosure when Kings Grey made a very good start to his career in the bumper.

It was a case of deja vu for the Reveleys at Southwell on Tuesday, this time it was the well-bred Silvers Spirit to make a winning debut in the concluding bumper.

Going back to one of their local tracks on Wednesday brought more success for team Reveley. Its Teescomponents followed up her course win in November with another polished display in the staying handicap chase. The fine run of the stable continued in the last race, when Dicklers Oscar gained her first win over hurdles in very easy style.

Afterwards, the in-form handler said: "I've doubled up my score since jumping started up again. Its Teescomponents is a smashing jumper now; she had a season pointing which did her the world of good as she didn't jump hurdles that well.

"I may look for some black type with Dicklers Oscar as she's very well bred and will make a valuable broodmare."

Today, Catterick stages a seven-race card, due to get under way at 12.50pm. In the opening contest, a 2mi seller, Kate Walton, who has a good record at her local track, has a chance of another winner with Royal Flynn. All of his best form is on flat tracks and with a wet forecast the ground should be right up his street, and he's down in grade.

In the following race at 1.50pm, the beginners' chase, the good run of Howard Johnson and Denis O'Regan should continue with Fortysecond Street. The six-year-old was a dual hurdle winner last term and made a very pleasing start to his chasing career at this track, a similar performance should see him in the winners enclosure this afternoon.

Tomorrow's meeting at Haydock is also set to beat the weather and it's quality all the way. The six-race card is due to get under way at 1.20pm and racegoers will get a chance to get up close with a couple of potential stars as well as a couple of established ones.

Last year's Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi is due to line up in the Champion Hurdle Trial at 2.55pm for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty. Just over half an hour later, last year's 100-1 Grand National winner Mon Mome will strut his stuff in the Peter Marsh Chase due off at 3.30pm.

It will be a big ask to win of top weight in such a competitive event, especially as his trainer Venetia Williams has a race at Aintree in April in mind for the ten-year-old.

• Print
• Email
• Share