DOCTOR FOLEY provided our first winner of the season as he continued his progression over fences with a cosy victory at Fontwell on Wednesday in a Class 5 handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles.
Given that he was keener than ideal when winning on his Chase debut at Bangor last month I was pleased to see him settle better this time under a patient ride from Rex Dingle.
He jumped soundly, moved steadily into contention turning for home, jumped the last with a narrow lead and kept on to beat Unblinking by a length despite pricking his ears and idling in the closing stages.
Doctor Foley has done well since he was transferred to us when Jack Barber handed in his licence and I’d like to think that there is more to come as he is lightly raced.
I’m pleased with the way he is shaping as a chaser because he is still gaining experience and travels as a better horse than his current grade.
The evening at Fontwell was marred by the devastating loss of two of our nice mares.
Ucanaver struck into herself so badly that she could not be saved while I Giorni fell and broke her back just as she was moving into contention in her first Chase.
Both mares had done well for us and had more to offer both on the racecourse and at stud. Our sincere commiserations to all connections.
