'It's been a tough week' - Westend Theatre win welcomed by trainer Jane Walton

Horses can provide comfort in testing times and Westend Theatre offered trainer Jane Walton and her family a welcome boost when winning the 2m7½f handicap chase.

Walton's mother Margaret Charlton - wife of former trainer Alistair Charlton, who turns 88 on Thursday - has suffered two strokes recently and is in hospital, so victory for the 12-year-old meant a lot.

It was a second success for the lightly raced and consistent veteran, who has finished in the first four on his last seven starts since November 2019.

Walton, who has six horses in training, said: "It's been a tough week for the family but seeing Westend Theatre win will help keep up morale for everyone.

"Westend Theatre is a doddle to train and my daughter Trish Robson rides him most days. He's a gentleman and a cracking hunter – he would jump anything – and Danny [McMenamin] gave him a cracking ride."

Westend Theatre was not the only winner to return to the Northumberland village of Otterburn as Susan Corbett, who has allowed Walton to use her gallops during the testing winter weather, saddled 40-1 winner Princess Avery in the 2m4½f novice handicap hurdle.

Dollar cashes in

Sandy Thomson's team were dealt a blow on Monday when the talented Bellshill suffered a fatal injury on the gallops and the Scottish Borders-based trainer was in the winner's enclosure thanks to Dingo Dollar.

The nine-year-old scored by ten lengths on his yard debut under Ryan Mania in the 2m7½f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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