3 minute read
Team talkSPORT's Second Slip got his backers – and Jack Mitchell – off to a flying start on the final night of the William Hill Racing League at Newcastle.
It is six weeks since the inaugural running of the competition got under way at Gosforth Park, with a total of 12 teams taking part across further Thursday evening fixtures at Doncaster, Windsor and two at Lingfield before returning to the north east for the finale.
The James Fanshawe-trained Second Slip was the 6-4 favourite for the opening William Hill Pick Your Places Racing League R31, having already won at Newcastle, as well as being placed on a couple of occasions.
Given a cool ride, the four-year-old charged home from Team Racehorse Lotto's Khatm by a length and three-quarters, with Vindolanda third for Team Swish.
The win saw Mitchell take over at the top of the jockeys' standings and gave his team a crucial success in their effort to overhaul Team ThoroughBid.
Mitchell said: "It's a track that really suits him – I think it plays to his strengths.
"He managed to get into rhythm, which was key early on. The rest is history.
"We were hopeful coming here. It's competitive racing and it's great to get the first winner of the night."
The table after the first saw ThoroughBid – who led by four at the start of play – on 331 points, with Goat Racing on 318 and talkSPORT on 305.
Team Swish kept their hopes alive as Saffie Osborne – who is still in the jockeys' hunt – got Tregony (14-1) home in front in the second race for Clive Cox.
The winning rider has been prominent in the standings throughout the competition – but missed the opener on the final night due to traffic problems, having had a flat tyre on the motorway.
She was relieved to make it at all, and admitted: "I'd have been gutted if I hadn't made it for this one."
The table after race two left ThoroughBid on 343, Goat Racing on 321, talkSPORT on 315 and Team Swish in the mix on 313.
Osborne's father, Jamie, said: "We had a nightmare – we were stuck on the motorway, I'm afraid.
"Obviously, we're back in the game now!
"It was a great shout by Clive to run this filly. He supplemented her in the belief that her previous run wasn't her true running and he was absolutely right, so fantastic.
"We're going to go and have a few Swish cocktails now!"
An incredible finish to race three saw the Fanshawe-trained Bonneval for Mitchell and talkSPORT dead-heating with Delgrey Boy for eToro Racing.
With 25 points for a race win and 18 for second, the two teams shared the honours with 21.5
