3 minute read
Shantou Sunset and Arian both prevail.
Jockey Tom O'Brien and trainer Philip Hobbs enjoyed a double dose of luck with Shantou Sunset and Arian at Newton Abbot.
Both horses benefited from final-obstacle falls to claim their respective prizes and send the Minehead team home smiling.
Arian was able to win the newtonabbotracing.com Handicap Chase for the second year running after Orrisdale came down when holding a handy lead.
Chinwag, who was in second place, was badly hampered by Orrisdale leaving Arian (9-2) to claim the spoils by four lengths.
There was a dramatic start to proceedings when Do Ya Feel Lucky fell at the final flight when neck and neck with Shantou Sunset (5-2).
Her demise left the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Mares' Handicap Hurdle at the mercy of the seven-year-old, who went on to score by nine and a half lengths from Doyen Queen.
O'Brien told Sky Sports Racing: "For her size she's quite tough. She stuck her neck out. It was a head-bobber. It came down to the last jump and luckily we got the jump we wanted."
Harry Fry has an exciting recruit in Might I judged on his impressive debut over jumps in the St Austell Brewery Novices' Hurdle.
Fry took this race 12 months ago with Metier, who went on to win the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown and Might I (10-11 favourite) could be destined for bigger things.
The five-year-old, a bumper winner at Warwick in December, travelled easily throughout before jumping into the lead at the second last and coasting home by 11 lengths from Thunder Rock.
"He did well in bumpers last year and obviously they have to come and jump hurdles for the first time, but he's done everything right at home so you just want to see them do that on the track and jump well first time," said Fry.
"To win in the manner he did was very exciting. The dream is alive. He's a lovely horse for Brian (Lambert, owner) and we've got some nice horses to look forward to."
Investment Manager (6-1) looked a promising type when opening his account over jumps in the newtonabbotracing.com Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old, trained by Colin Tizzard, took it up at the second last and was too strong for Oscars Moonshine, who was four and a quarter lengths adrift in second place.
Winning rider Brendan Powell said: "He's a lovely big horse. He's still quite weak and babyish. I got him rolling turning in and was soon in front without any company two out, but he stuck at it well."
