Moore experiences extremes at Fontwell Park

The Fontwell specialist had an 11/2 winner and an first-fence faller as the track hosted seven races on a surface that changed to soft from good to soft during racing.

A grey, drizzly afternoon began with a predictable result if not a predictable race in the Fastener Network Ltd Novices’ Steeple Chase.

Helium, ridden by Liam Treadwell, led for much of the way but ended in a two-horse race with 4/6 favourite Doeslessthanme, with Daryl Jacob on board for champion trainer Paul Nicholls - and it was the favourite who strode out in front after the last to take the honours by just over three lengths.

There was nothing close about the finish in the next, the Bob McMasters Birthday Juvenile Hurdle Race, which was won by Fontwell favourite Moore, riding 11/2 shot Colebrooke for trainer Renee Robeson - coming in 41 lengths clear of Marc Goldstein on Hi Note for Sussex handler Sheena West.

There was another 11/2 winner in the third, the 888 Sport Handicap Chase as Tom O’Brien guided Paul Henderson-trained Tenzing home ahead of in-form Charlie Longsdon’s Crystal Palace, with Felix de Giles on board.

Moore, on Well Refreshed, was an early faller in the BBT Financial Services Handicap Hurdle, which was taken by Andrew Tinkler on Not So Sure Dick, who went off at 11/1 and held off a strong challenge from Colin Bolger on Promised Wings to win by two-and-a-half lengths.

The three-miles plus Sussex Equine Dentistry Handicap Steeple Chase was superbly led and won by Andrew Thornton on Wherrimon (5/2), trained by Caroline Bailey, comfortably ahead of Captain Becket (Tom O’Connor), who had been the only serious challenger earlier in the race.

Veteran Kappelhoff - still going strong aged 14 - got a big cheer for finishing, even though he was at walking pace by the time he crossed the line with Mattie Batchelor in the saddle.

Another long contest, the Wellesley Wealth Advisory Novices’ Hurdle Race brought local success - it was taken in impressive style by Timmy Murphy on American Spin (3/1 joint second favourite) for Billingshurst trainer Luke Dace. Getmeoutofthedoldrums (de Giles) was second, Royal Kicks (Joshua Moore) was third.

The last, the digibet.com Junior Standard Open National Hunt Flat race went to Noel Fehily on 14/1 shot Stock Hill Fair, holding off Richard Johnson on Eligible by a length and a quarter.

The seven-race card was followed by a charity race which raised £10,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The jockeys were mostly people who ride for a hobby but have never had a chance to take part in a competitive contest on a racecourse.

They race again at Fontwell next Friday, November 4 - tips at www.bognor.co.uk on the morning of the meeting.

STEVE BONE