Aspell bags a double as Stratford Racecourse opens new season in front of strong crowd - The Stratford Observer

Aspell bags a double as Stratford Racecourse opens new season in front of strong crowd

Stratford Editorial 21st Mar, 2017 Updated: 21st Mar, 2017   0

JOCKEY Leighton Aspell was in a winning mood at Stratford Racecourse’s opening fixture of the 2017 season, scooping two impressive wins.

The former Grand National winning rider first steered Tara Bridge to success in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase before pushing out HowLongIsAFoot to a 28 length win in the David Cowgill Memorial Handicap Chase.

With more than £7,000 on offer, Tara Bridge was one of just two finishers in the afternoon’s second race as Brother Bennett and Mr Cardle unseated at the first and second fences respectively.

It was left for Tara Bridge and Lucky Jim to contest the remainder of the race – and patience proved to be the key to success for Aspell as Tara Bridge ran out a six length winner.




Aspell later partnered HowLongIsAFoot to win be an impressive 28 lengths ahead of Azert De Coeur.

The Chris Gordon trained runner stretched his rivals from the start – as three of his five competitors were forced to pull up on ground which rode soft.


It was a return to form for the impressive eight-year-old – who hadn’t won on course since November 2015 prior to his Stratford success.

Also in the winners’ enclosure was Warren Greatrex and Harry Bannister – who teamed up with outside Attest in the opening race.

It was the four-year-old’s first win following several disappointing performances at Ffos Las, Doncaster and Newbury.

Favourite backers were in luck during the third race as Wayne Hutchinson guided Midnight Maestro to a four length win.

Arthur’s Secret bagged the Novices’ Hunters’ Chase while Clondaw Castle rounded off the opening day by winning the National Hunt Flat race for Tom George.

Stratford next race this Saturday, March 25, visit www.stratfordracecourse.net for more information and tickets.

Picture: Shaun Reynolds.

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