Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
CEDAR HILL, a spare ride for Conor O’Farrell, stormed to victory in the bet365 Scottish Champion Chase on day two of the Scottish Festival Trials meeting at Musselburgh on Sunday.
Trained by Sandy Thomson, the 11/2 chance led after the second last before slamming Nero Rock by three-lengths in the £25,000 three miler.
Ryan Mania, who was due to have ridden the winner, suffered a heavy fall earlier on and Thomson said: “He’s fine and was just a little bit shaken up and is hoping to ride at Carlisle on Monday.
“I’m delighted with Cedar Hill as he has started to settle down. He’s done all his winning since coming to us at Kelso but there aren’t any more races for him there this season so it’s good to know he can operate elsewhere.”
Douglas Talking, by the same sire as Ahoy Senor, was an impressive winner on his debut over fences in the bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase for Lucinda. Russell.
Winning jockey Derek Fox said: “He was a little keen over hurdles but he’s settled better today and jumped pretty well overall. We’re pretty pleased with that and the fact he is by Dylan Thomas was obviously an attraction.”