After the Grade Two Persian War Novices Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday, there were two words scribbled into many a well regarded notebook, they were: Fingal Bay! The Philip Hobbs trained five year old was extremely impressive in his six length victory over Baile Anrai. Apparently suited by a little cut in the ground, we get to see this exciting prospect in just over two weeks time at Cheltenham’s Paddy Power meeting.
Of all of the winners in the UK and Ireland this weekend, there were none as poignant or emotive as the victory of Rumble of Thunder at Aintree. Trainer Kate Walton had sadly lost her husband only the day before. My sincere condolences go out to the Walton family.
Rumble of Thunder is both game and progressive. He was already a course and distance winner at Aintree before Saturday, with a listed win at Market Rasen under his belt too. He is one to keep in mind for Aintree in April. May he continue to be a tonic to the Walton family at this difficult time.
Over at Galway, Letter of Credit booked himself a ticket to Cheltenham’s Open Meeeting in November with his win in the maiden hurdle. Locally trained in Craughwell, he took the race easily from Ted Dolly. Given he took the 2 mile contest in such fashion in the heavy ground conditions, the 2m5f he will encounter at Cheltenham should not phase him at all. Trainer Ger Lynch describes his charge as a “fair tool” – you have been told!
@cathrynfry on Twitter
