Race replays: revisiting some of the best races from the last week

Racing Post betting editor Keith Melrose and reporter Jack Haynes run through the races you need to watch from the last week, from feature-race glory to stirring finishes. Relive all of the action using our extensive replays feature.

Race of the week

There were Grade 2s galore at Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday but it was the Sky Bet Chase on Town Moor that produced a thriller as Ok Corral denied Fingerontheswitch in a ding-dong battle to the line.

To add to the drama, leading amateur jockey Derek O'Connor dropped his whip after the final fence and used the palm of his hand on the pad beneath the saddle to encourage his willing partner.

The winning margin was half a length and credit must also go to promising amateur Millie Wonnacott, who gave the runner-up a fine ride.

Why you should watch A cracking renewal of a historic handicap chase, including some adaptation in the saddle from Derek O'Connor. Click here to watch
Jack Haynes

Festival watch

The novice handicap chase on Cheltenham's Festival Trials card has fitted its brief as well as any race bar the Cleeve Hurdle in recent years. The way that Simply The Betts and Imperial Aura finished, in a time that compared well with the Grade 3 that followed, suggests both will be contenders come March.

They are not the only interesting runners. On The Slopes was a bit too late in upping the pace and needs further, Sully D'Oc Aa and even Gowiththeflow made enough headway from off the pace to suggest they remain in form.

Why you should watch Clues aplenty not just for Cheltenham, but loads of good spring handicaps. Click here to watch
Keith Melrose

Finish of the week

It was a dream start to his race-riding career for international showjumper Joe Whitaker at Newcastle on Tuesday as he struck on his first ride.

Last-gasp is the perfect way to describe Whitaker's winning ride on Ladronne, producing his mount with a withering run near the stands' side rail to prevail by a neck.

Ladronne: a first winner for amateur Joe Whitaker and trainer Tjade CollierCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ladronne was also a first winner for trainer Tjade Collier, so it was a memorable race all round.

Why you should watch There's nothing like leaving it late but Joe Whitaker timed it to perfection to ride his first winner. A dramatic conclusion. Click here to watch
Jack Haynes

Notebook race

The 2m½f novice handicap chase at Sedgefield on Sunday had just six runners, one unseated and another did not go a yard. The others could all be termed interesting, albeit it may take a wind op or similar in Rose Sea Has's case.

Winner The King Of May and third-placed Dame Du Soir were building on solid starts to their chasing career. They were split by Theatre Legend, who is bred to stay further and could be the best long-term prospect of the lot.

Why you should watch This race featured three middleweight novice chasers who demand your attention. Keith Melrose

Skills in the saddle

Lorcan Williams wowed the Uttoxeter crowd on Saturday with a remarkable recovery aboard Financial Outcome in the 3m novice handicap chase.

Williams' mount clouted the fourth-last fence, pitching the rider up the horse's neck. He then lost his left iron and looked destined for the turf, before showing remarkable balance and strength to eventually regain his position in the saddle.

Lorcan Williams (left): in the process of defying gravity on Financial Outcome

The pair finished third and earned plenty of applause from the stands.

Why you should watch You have to see it to believe it as Lorcan Williams clambers back aboard Financial Outcome. Jack Haynes

Future star

Third Time Lucki proved himself an exceptionally smart prospect with a notably easy second bumper success at Huntingdon on Friday.

The Dan Skelton-trained five-year-old is a graduate of the British point-to-point scene, having previously been trained by Francesca Nimmo, and breezed his way through the 15-runner field to win decisively by almost four lengths.

Bigger targets may well await for this extremely nice type.

Why you should watch Third Time Lucki is a really smart youngster who could prove to be a top-level performer in the future. Jack Haynes

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