Soft ground no worry for Quinta
Recent rain would have dampened many a trainer’s hopes for Ludlow yesterday – but that didn’t bother Quinta Do Mar who looked the winner some way out in the opener on soft ground.
Nico De Boinville sent him to the lead turning for home and there was certainly no catching him. He looks like a smart novice for Ben Pauling. The Novice chase next on the card went the way of Broken Quest who jumped soundly around his favourite track to record a success for Ledbury trainer Matt Sheppard.
Alan King’s Didonato drifted in the market after she opened up favourite for the three-mile Mares Handicap Hurdle. However, she didn’t know what price she was and duly obliged under Tom Bellamy, allaying any fears her connections had about the ground.
The Forbra Gold Cup was the feature race of the day and despite recent form figures of PPP, last year’s winner Head To The Stars, retained his crown to provide yet another Ludlow success for Henry Daly. The horse clearly sparked up by familiar surroundings came off best in a ding dong battle with Rocco.
Philip Hobbs took the 2.40 with One For You who stayed on strongly to beat a decent field whilst Charlie Longsdon also toasted success in the Conditionals Jockey Handicap hurdle with Thinque Tank, who proved to be a lot better than her opening mark.
Trio For Rio took the Hunters Chase which was the last race on the card. His form under rules looked smart and he certainly showed he retains a lot of his ability as he hosed up by 11 lengths. Racing returns at Ludlow on March 25 where we will hopefully see some good ground at last.
