Chianti Classico provides a new twist in curious tale of historic silks

Saturday: Wincanton

A fascinating 100-year story lies behind the red and cream silks owned by Sir Francis Brooke, and a new piece of history for the colours could be on the verge of being created by Chianti Classico, as he underlined his major potential with a third victory over hurdles.

The silks originally belonged to Lady Brooke, who trained in Ireland before World War I, when restrictions meant single women were unable to train in their own name, so she adopted the name Mr Silver.

She then married and continued to have horses carry the silks until her death in the 1980s and her grandson, who is chairman at Ascot, is delighted they continue to be seen on the racecourse.

Although they were ultimately left mud-splattered on a wet day, David Bass wore them on the promising six-year-old, who always looked in control in winning the 2m5½f handicap hurdle by 24 lengths.

"These colours have been around for over a century, so it's fantastic, we're very lucky. He looks a really nice horse, so we'll enjoy this," said Brooke, who owns the horse with Richard Pilkington.

Chianti Classico looks to have a bright future after this victory followed wins at Chepstow and Market Rasen, but trainer Kim Bailey is unsure of his plans.

"He won very comfortably," said Bailey. "I'd love to run him at Cheltenham but I'm not sure he's good enough yet for the novice races.

"There's a ridiculous rule which means he'd need to run in four races before he could go in a handicap, so he won't get to Cheltenham.

"It's a shame. I'd have loved to run him in the Coral Cup. He'll take a while to get over that, so we won't be able to run him again before."

Derham lands granddad bet

Harry Derham's victory with Beyond Redemption was one which will be remembered fondly by his family, with the rookie trainer's grandfather Brian among the syndicate members who own the 3m1f handicap chase winner.

Derham's parents are also involved with Wincanton racecourse and he recalled the "many happy days" he had enjoyed at the Somerset track when assistant to Paul Nicholls.

He added: "Having a winner for my granddad is pretty mega. He had a £100 bet with me six weeks ago over Sunday lunch that I couldn't get this horse to win first time out. I was extra motivated."

The nine-year-old won easily by seven lengths. Derham's first runner was a winner on Boxing Day, while he has also had two seconds and a third in seven runners since.

"I'm really happy; we've all enjoyed it, which is what it's about," he added. "The WhatsApp group has been pinging all week and we were all laughing in the paddock before the race thinking this was proper National Hunt stuff."

Drought ended

Matt Sheppard saddled his first winner since October with Not Available in the 1m7½f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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