'I can go back to chemistry later' - science whizz Thomasina Eyston strikes

Thursday: Chepstow

Thomasina Eyston landed only her second victory under rules when partnering Jaunty Freyja to victory in the handicap hurdle for mares, and her beaming smile lit up the foulest of January afternoons.

Jockey coach Rodi Greene joked that the amateur, who is in the final year of a chemistry degree, was "too clever" to become a fully fledged rider, but it's something she is keen to try.

Eyston said: "I'm at Bristol uni and want to finish, but I want to try riding as I can go back to chemistry later.

"I've always been interested in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical route, but there'd be plenty of time to do that – more than riding."

From Devon, the 21-year-old added: "I'd think about turning conditional if there was the right opportunity. I got into the sport through pony racing and ride out for Ben Lund and Colin Tizzard. I used to ride out for David Pipe too and Sam Holdsworth, another trainer, has always been very good to me."

Jaunty Freyja's hands-on 68-year-old trainer Brian Eckley, who bred, owns and rode the winner in the morning, is a member of the Eyston fan club.

"She rang me up two years ago to ride Jaunty Viking in a race at Ludlow," he said. "She gave that horse a beautiful ride at Ludlow before Christmas and has come on so much.

"It's nice to give youngsters a chance – someone has got to – and what I saw was good."

Git Maker catches the eye under Gavin SheehanCredit: Edward Whitaker

Git in!

Commentator Martin Harris was debating the pronunciation of Git Maker, who impressed in division one of the maiden hurdle and could be a name worth noting.

"We better call him Jeet Maker as it probably sounds better than Git Maker, but I don't mind what people call him as long as he wins like that," said trainer Jamie Snowden. "He's a nice horse and we've always thought that."

Paddy Brennan on 1-9 favourite Ask A Honey BeeCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien flying once more

Paddy Brennan does not often miss the chance to hail the training talents of Fergal O'Brien, who had a double thanks to Ask A Honey Bee (novice chase) and Mahon Point (novice hurdle).

Connections of Ask A Honey Bee, who was a 1-9 chance, admitted to being "very nervous" and Brennan said: "It felt more like a 9-1 shot, than a 1-9 chance, but that's just him."

O'Brien has now saddled 95 winners this season against 104 in the whole of last term, and the jockey added: "The double is still something of note because we had a quiet time before Christmas, but Fergal is brilliant at turning things around and they feel in top form again."

It was a filthy day at ChepstowCredit: Edward Whitaker

Rain pain

It was Chepstow, it rained non-stop and the going was heavy, and not even some winners were in love with conditions, including Straight Swap in the 2m3½f handicap hurdle.

"It's not pleasant and I think it was too deep for us," said trainer Chris Gordon, "but he might not have had as hard a race as he could have. He's quite bright in his eye and has walked back in well."

Results, replays and analysis

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