It was a day to remember for jockey Sam Waley-Cohen and his father, Robert, as they landed a four-timer at the Warwickshire Hunt meeting at Mollington, near Banbury, writes ANDREW NORMAN.
Storm Lantern, 2011 Grand National runner-up Oscar Time, Rumbavu and Mr Simpkins made up Monday’s cracking quadruple.
“We’ve never even run four on the same day before, let alone had four winners,” said owner-trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, who runs the Upton Viva Stud at nearby Edgehill.
And Sam reflected: “To ride the whole yard (four horses in training) to victory on one afternoon, especially here in front of the Warwickshire Hunt supporters, is very special.
“I’ve never ridden a treble before and certainly not a quadruple, so it’s the perfect day.
“Oscar Time has been a great old friend and it was a pleasure to get back on him. Mr Simpkins could make into something very smart.
“He showed a great attitude and I can’t help, but get excited.”
Storm Lantern lit up the open maiden over two miles and five furlongs with a comfortable six-length success.
Oscar Time, having his first outing since finishing fourth in last year’s Grand National, showed all his old enthusiasm in the confined.
The trainer indicated this was not a retirement party: “It’s actually the first race he’s ever won for us, although he’s collected over £250,000 in place money. Today he won £175.”
Rumbavu signed off another fine campaign by taking the mixed open for the second successive season.
Waley-Cohen snr added: “He’s had another great season, winning a classic (Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup) and being placed in two others.”
The four-timer was completed by debutant Mr Simpkins, a full brother to Grade 2 Chase winner Rajdhani Express, in the open maiden.
The gelding is named after Waley-Cohen’s groundsman, Phil Simpkins, as he was born on his 60th birthday.
Grand Exit heads the Area Mares’ Championship for owner-trainer Sylvia Edmunds after a ten-length victory in the restricted under Sam Davies-Thomas.
Darby’s Turn posted the fastest time of the afternoon’s six three-mile races when landing the novice riders’ contest for Towcester owner-trainer-rider Emily Brooks.
And Tom Ellis rode Rash Move to a facile triumph in the members’ race for trainer Fred Hutsby.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here