'Racing has ups and downs' - Harry Whittington bounces back after loss of stars

Harry Whittington bounced back from a difficult week with a victory when Breaking Waves ran out a tough winner of the 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

Last week it was revealed that Whittington would lose all the horses owned by Andrew Brooks from his yard, including classy chasers Saint Calvados, Simply The Betts and Rouge Vif.

Whittington said of Breaking Waves: "He's a proper horse who has given them [his owners] a lot of fun, but has also been a little frustrating. The drop in class helped and he's gone and done the business, so we're delighted."

Five of Whittington's seven Graded successes as a trainer came from Brooks-owned horses but the trainer remains positive about his yard's prospects despite their departure.

"Racing has ups and downs and these things happen," he added. "We need to keep moving forward and we have a lovely team of horses and some great owners to be excited about."

Talented Composeur

Jonjo O'Neill jnr registered a quickfire double in the first two races on the card, with The Composeur running out an especially impressive winner of the 3m½f handicap chase.

Making just his second start over fences, the six-year-old made nearly all under O'Neill, staying on strongly in the closing stages despite a couple of errant leaps for a four-and-a-half-length success.

The Composeur is a half-brother to Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve and he looks to possess similar levels of stamina to his decorated relative.

The winning rider told Sky Sports Racing: "He's a good, strong stayer, we know that from his breeding, so I just wanted to use him as much as I can. This is a great win for the owners, who are big supporters of the yard."

Nolan in hospital

Micheal Nolan was taken to hospital after a heavy fall from the Seamus Mullins-trained Ardbruce in the two-mile handicap chase.

Mullins said Nolan was complaining of pain in his chest predominantly, adding that the jockey was awaiting x-ray results on Monday evening and would be staying in hospital in Nottingham overnight.

Results, replays and analysis

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