Mr Thriller trounces rivals in Silver Trophy

Report: Chepstow, Saturday

Totetentofollow.co.uk Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m4f 4-y-o+

MR THRILLER, trained by David Pipe and ridden by Johnny Farrelly, ran out a 15-length winner of the Totetentofollow.co.uk Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday.

The winner, sent off a 7-2 shot, was followed home by 12-1 shot and early pacesetter Golan Way.

The result was a second blow for favourite backers and trainer Paul Nicholls. The well-supported Alfie Sherrin (11-8f) could only finish third under Ruby Walsh, and the champion trainer was also foiled with another jolly, the well-regarded Aiteen Thirtythree, in the opener.

The Sheena West-trained Golan Way was allowed a length lead in the early stages by the 14-strong field. Mr Thriller moved to join the leader and by the midway point the pair had a four-length advantage over the pack, which was by then headed by Mr Thriller.

Turning for the straight the field had become well strung out and Farrelly made his move on Mr Thriller. 

At three out he had the race in the bag and the runner-up spot looked set to go to the favourite. But Alfie Sherrin looked weary and a couple of tired jumps saw the six-year-old fade into third spot.

Pipe told Racingpost.com: "The rain came at just the right time for him as we were in two minds whether we would run in the middle of the week.

"He's always wanted further and I had been looking to run him for a while.

"After that we might have to think about graded company as he's only a four-year-old and has won this off a mark of 144."