Another Cloth Cap? Hemmings and O'Neill team up with future 'strong stayer'
Jonjo O'Neill and Jonjo O'Neill Jr continued their excellent run of form when landing the 2m3½f novice hurdle with Theme Tune.
The trainer-jockey partnership enjoyed a memorable Sunday with Soaring Glory in the Betfair Hurdle and showcased another exciting novice hurdler as their six-year-old won for the second time.
Under a penalty for last month's Ludlow success, Trevor Hemmings' runner did not jump particularly well but his class prevailed as he defeated the 124-rated Ulverston by a neck.
O'Neill Jr said: "His jumping was worse than it was at Ludlow but he's not the most natural. He's still got a bit to learn but he's a strong stayer so I fancied his chances over the last.
"It was very much one step forward, two steps back all the way – he was making up ground and then losing it over his hurdles. Once his jumping improves he could be quite a nice horse, he's a strong stayer in the making."
Theme Tune is likely to be sent novice chasing next season, and the jockey added: "He's been schooling over fences at home and he's got a lot of respect for them. He's a lovely horse."
Meanwhile, Nicky Richards ended his 23-day wait for a winner as Chapel Stile captured the feature 3m½f handicap chase and trainer Danny Brooke enjoyed his first success over jumps with Emma Beag.
Read more:
Plan comes together for Jonjo O'Neill as Soaring Glory lands Betfair Hurdle
Andy Irvine 'keeps the show on the road' with a 28-1 winner
'He's back' – Goshen reignites Champion Hurdle dream after dazzling Kingwell win
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Published on 22 February 2021inReports
Last updated 17:43, 22 February 2021
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