Sanctuaire third as Salontyre causes shock
Report: Exeter, Sunday
Exeter Hurdle (Limited Handicap) 2m1f
SALONTYRE put his more fancied rivals firmly in the shade as the outsider of four posted a shock win in a messy race, in which 8-11 favourite Sanctuaire finished third.
The Bernard Llewellyn-trained winner, sent off a 22-1 chance, was racing from 21lb out of the handicap, but managed to capitalise on a mistake by Causeway King at the last, which ruined Robert Thornton's chances of a dream comeback on his first ride since July.
The field crawled through much of the race, a tactic which looked to have been the undoing of Sanctuaire as last season's Fred Winter Hurdle winner failed to settle under Daryl Jacob and used up far too much energy fighting for his head
With mixed form at best, Salontyre looked set for another bit part here as he was at the rear of the field two from home, but he plugged on past his rivals under Isabel Tompsett and when Causeway King blundered at the last, he was left in front.
Causeway King, who finished second, had already given Thornton a scare when he looked like running out at one of the flights down the back.
Winning owner Alex James admitted he was shocked by the result. "It is a surprise really," he said. "Ihave not had a penny on him. We came here today to get a bit of place money but I have got to say I am delighted he's won."
Robert Thornton on his way out to ride Causeway King at Exeter
PICTURE: Phil MingoThornton was delighted to get back race-riding, with his return delayed by the recent spate of abandonments. "It is great to be back," he said. "I will just chip away but I obviously want to get on with it."
Sanctuaire was left unchanged for the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot later this month at a top price of 14-1.
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