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Another Cloth Cap? Hemmings and O'Neill team up with future 'strong stayer'

Theme Tune (right) stayed on well to defeat Ulverston at Carlisle on Monday
Theme Tune (right) stayed on well to defeat Ulverston at Carlisle on MondayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

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."

Chapel Stile: smart winner at Carlisle on Monday
Chapel Stile: smart winner at Carlisle on MondayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

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.

Results, replays and analysis


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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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 22 February 2021inReports

Last updated 17:43, 22 February 2021

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