Windance gained his first success with a fluent victory in a novice handicap hurdle at Taunton on Monday in the colours of Decimus Racing III, and under jockey Rex Dingle. I’m thrilled for the syndicate, who are putting together a nice team of horses – we’re looking forward to welcoming the owners back to the yard very soon.
A scopey, attractive type by Shirocco out of a mare who won a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle, he made a solid start when finishing fourth in a bumper at Wincanton a year ago.
His schooling was very good ahead of a satisfactory debut over hurdles at Fontwell in November and he again ran with some promise at Taunton a month later before struggling in deep ground at the same track at the end of the year.
Windance was always likely to step forward once handicapping on drying ground and the tongue tie he wore on Monday might have helped, too.
He led approaching the last flight where he survived a clumsy mistake before keeping on nicely to beat Shutupshirley by four lengths.
There should be more to come over hurdles from Windance who could be out again shortly under a penalty.
I’ve always felt he will come into his own when he goes over fences and the plan is for him to be chasing next season.
