Coach Carter defies quick turnaround to continue Elliott and Bowen's dominance

Thursday: Perth

Sean Bowen hailed the bravery of Gordon Elliott and his travelling head lass Camilla Sharples after Coach Carter, who was beaten half a length at the track on Wednesday, landed the feature River Tay Handicap Chase just over 24 hours later.

Bowen, who rode a double for Elliott on the opening day of the three-day festival, quickly added to the pair’s haul by steering odds-on favourite Burn The Evidence to success in the 2m novice hurdle.

Bowen could not prevent Brian Hughes from reaching his landmark 200th winner when riding Coach Carter over two miles on Wednesday, but was not to be denied this time round as the six-year-old relished the extra half-mile to eventually wear down the Hughes-ridden Gaelik Coast who had led at the final fence.

"I was confident if he finished the way he did yesterday he was always going to get there." said Bowen to Racing TV. "Obviously having had a run yesterday, you never know if it’s going to be the same horse or not.

"Camilla said he was out in the paddock this morning and he was very fresh and well, so it was a brave decision from Gordon and Camilla to run him again."

Hughes and Gaelik Coast’s trainer Donald McCain later gained compensation when taking the closing 2m handicap hurdle with Durragh. It was a 154th winner of the season for McCain, sealing a career-best season.

Gardefort: a welcome winner for Venetia WilliamsCredit: John Grossick

Victorious Venetia

Venetia Williams had been without a winner since Chambard won the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival on St Patrick’s Day, but ended the losing streak when Gardefort secured her first winner for over a month in the 3m veterans’ chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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