The sun shone on a bitterly cold day at Chaddesley Corbett racecourse for the fourth instalment of the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Members Club Novice Rider Series qualifier hosted by the Albrighton & Woodland (North) on Sunday 11 February 2018. The race saw 12 go to post with a familiar face crossing the line first.
The testing conditions saw many of the afternoon’s runners fail to get home however Connor Brace once again rode an astute and measured race to win his second Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders Qualifier in this series. Keeping William Money (IRE) handy throughout, he joined the leaders across the back on the last circuit before asserting as they climbed the hill for the final time. Turning for home they were firmly in command as they crossed the line, a comfortable three lengths clear of Sacre Toi (FR) who ran a sound race giving his rider George Daly his best result to date.
This was Connor and William Money’s second victory in a Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Rider’s Qualifier after winning at Barbury in November 2017, giving him another crack at the £1000 Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Rider Series Final at Garthorpe in April.
“He was on pins last night thinking the meeting might be off, but he’s cool as a cucumber in a race,” said delighted owner-trainer David Brace following his grandson Connor’s fourth win of the season.
“Many congratulations to Connor and William Money. It’s a great result to win one race but to win two in the series is commendable. We look forward to seeing him at final at Garthorpe.” Commented Amie Hicks, Dodson & Horrell Performance Horse Specialist.
The first four past the post all qualify to go forward to the final on 29 April at Garthorpe, Nr Melton Mowbray:
1st William Money (IRE) – ridden by Connor Brace and owned and trained by Mr David Brace
2nd Sacre Toi (FR) – ridden by George Daly, owned by Mrs Louise Daly and trained by Julie Mansell
3rd Senor Alco (FR) – ridden by Miss N Bower, owned by Mr Geoff Bower and trained by Natalie Bower
4th Mazuri Cowboy (IRE) – ridden by Miss J Harbison, owned by Miss J. E. A Harbison and trained by Joan Johnston
