'Absolutely mad' support drives Fakenham's own Allo Allo to another course win

Sunday: Fakenham

Allo Allo was raucously received into the winner's enclosure by local owners Fakenham Race Club after he landed the 2m7½f handicap hurdle, with trainer Stuart Edmunds describing the atmosphere as "absolutely mad".

The seven-year-old made all under Charlie Hammond, jumping well and holding off a late challenge from Fine By Her to complete a double on the card for Edmunds, who also took the opening 3m5f amateur jockeys' handicap chase with Lord Sparky.

"We’re just chuffed to bits," Edmunds said. "Allo Allo is a straightforward horse. He travelled away very strongly and I don’t think we’d worry about dropping him back in trip at all."

He added: "It’s been a great day for everybody. It’s been a great atmosphere, absolutely mad. The team have all worked very hard over Christmas and we had the frost before that, so everyone at home has put in a lot of hard work."

Edmunds ended the day with an across-the-card treble thanks to victory at Exeter for Marsh Wren, who won the 2m2½f mares' handicap hurdle.

Ditcheat double

Paul Nicholls took two runners to the Norfolk venue and struck with both, including victory in the feature £35,000 Gamble Plant Norfolk Ltd Grand Prix Handicap Hurdle with Irish Hill, who followed up his win at Taunton in November with a strong display under Bryony Frost.

That was a second win on the card for the pair, who had earlier teamed up successfully with new recruit Toothless in the 2m maiden hurdle, which he won by 35 lengths.

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