'It's extraordinary' says Chris Gordon as Mount Windsor lands four-timer

Chris Gordon was left shocked by Mount Windsor's 22-length victory, a win that marks an upturn in fortune for the trainer's Hampshire yard, which had been hit by a bug earlier this year.

Mount Windsor, in particular, was very sick and was forced to have a break a few weeks on from completing a hat-trick at Taunton in December.

Gordon had sent out one winner and 11 placed horses before having five runners on this card and anticipated Mount Windsor would improve for the run, but instead the six-year-old put in a career-best performance, charging away to land the 2m3f handicap hurdle in comfortable style to complete a four-timer.

The victory gives the trainer a big boost before he goes to Sandown on Saturday with a couple of high-profile chances.

Gordon said of Mount Windsor: "He struggled with his jumping last year and I couldn't see him progressing like he has this season.

"This one really caught me by surprise as he was pretty sick at the end of December into January, we had a little bug in the yard and he was hit quite hard by it – I can't believe it, it's extraordinary that he seems to have come on again."

Gordon planned to spend the night studying the programme book to find a suitable race to run Mount Windsor under a penalty, before looking at bigger prizes towards the end of the season.

Sensible stewarding

There was a lengthy delay following the 2m2f handicap chase won by 12-1 shot Gaia Vallis, with confusion regarding the deployment of a stop-race flag. The stewards determined it was picked up momentarily in error, with jockeys in agreement they had not seen the signal so the result stood.

The Colin Tizzard-trained Royal Crown was fatally injured when falling at the third fence and chequered flags were waved indicating the fence was to be bypassed on the following circuit, but the stop-race flag was picked up in error, while only two of the three chevrons pointing the way around the fence were erected. Both matters have been forwarded to the BHA.

Victory for Valleres

Smart prospect Valleres registered his second victory over hurdles when taking the 2m5½f novice hurdle in convincing fashion.

The Alan King-trained 4-9 shot stayed on well to give owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede their first winner at the Sussex track.

Results, replays and analysis

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