Higgs on Horses at Taunton Racecourse

Taunton held their second fixture of February on Tuesday and an above average crowd for February witnessed some excellent racing.

South West Rail Solutions Ltd supported the whole card and it kicked off with a Novices’ Handicap Hurdle and a win for Holeshot under Alan Johns.  A change of tactics saw the horse always prominent in the race, he jumped for fun, won with plenty to spare and will surely be very competitive again next time out.

It seemed a day for front runners as Cornish Storm (pictured) took the second race for trainer Stuart Kittow under David Noonan. It was a dominant display and after having finished second in this event last year, he comfortably went one position better.

Duffry Trix won the third race for Richard Bandey and jockey Harry Bannister. It was a real tussle with Devon Dude and he prevailed by a neck in distance. This was an improved effort on his Plumpton second place last time and the trainer is now 3 winners from his last 5 runners - always follow a stable in form, I was once told by a respected peer!

Time for the first Chase and Camulus took the honours under Charlie Deutsch for trainer Venetia Williams. He looks an interesting conveyance as he was only fifth when jumping the second-last, but then suddenly took off to win with plenty in hand. That’s two wins on the trot now and he hasn’t finished yet, have a good look at him next time out !

The feature Class 3 hurdle was next up, with a win for Luttrell Lad and Cameron Iles. The Tom Lacey trained horse is a thoroughly likeable nine year old who has now won 5 times for his owners, amassing over £75,000 in prize money. Tom is another trainer who has his horses in good form and is worth following in the short term.

So, to the last race and the second Hunter Chase of the Taunton season. Shearer (pictured) took the honours under Olive Nicholls. He backed up his Ffos Las win last time here and the win now qualifies him for the Hunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He is an unbeaten 4 from 4 over fences and will surely give his rivals plenty to think about at Cheltenham.

A great day’s racing and you don’t have to wait long for another ‘helping’ as Taunton race again next Thursday 27th February, with the first of 6 races scheduled for 1:50pm. Declarations will be out before we go to print, so watch this space for some life-changing ‘H on H’ selections next week - that holiday in the sun may not be as far away as you think.