Peter Moore at Plumpton 23rd October 2023
A large Monday crowd enjoyed a wonderful days racing on Bob Champion Cancer Trust Charity Raceday.
The great man was in full attendance with lots of people stopping talking to the man and wanting pictures of the former jockey who won the Grand National on Aldaniti back in 1981, two years after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Before the opening race on the card, there was a very special race in aid of the trust. The Shetland Pony Derby was a highly contested event which was won by Myla Coppins riding Bob’s Big Bentley.
A very contested card saw seven races with the highlight of the afternoon the Nick Embiricos Memorial Handicap Chase.
Seven runners went to post with the highly fancied Sacre Coeur made favourite at 15-8. A bold front running ride from Fergus Gillard saw off all challengers to score by a length for trainer Dan Skelton.
Despite being unsuccessful in the feature race with third place Lord Baddesley, Chris Gordon had a huge smile after Small Bad Bob won the 2m handicap hurdle under the trainer’s son Freddie.
Speaking after the race the Winchester trainer said “It’s brilliant. The horse had so much pace and this is a £20,000 race, which is fantastic at Plumpton.
“We took 7lb off with Freddie and I said just unleash hell. Fred’s done a great job and I think he’s only got one more win with his 7lb claim.”
Son Freddie will be looking to celebrate his 18th birthday in style by riding a winner at Cheltenham on Friday.
Western Soldier made it second time lucky over hurdles after capturing the opening 2m novice hurdle for Milton Harris. Jonathan Burke on board the five-year-old had little scary moments with the horse making all to cruise home by seven lengths.