Coleman and Epatante connections out of luck as Birchdale crashes out

Epatante and Aidan Coleman pull clear of the field in the Intermediate Hurdle at Newbury

Aidan Coleman will be hoping for better luck with Epatante (pictured) following his Catterick fall on Birchdale for Nicky Henderson and JP McManusCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The combination of Aidan Coleman, Nicky Henderson and JP McManus will be hoping for better luck in the North East with Epatante next week after odds-on favourite Birchdale crashed out in a dramatic 2m3f beginners' chase.

Coleman will get the leg up on the Champion Hurdle heroine when she makes her reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, and the team looked to have a golden chance to get on the scoreboard with Grade 2 winner Birchdale.

However, the 30-100 favourite put in a shuddering error at the 12th fence and gave Coleman little chance of staying on board. The contest was won by a wide margin by Informateur for the Grand National-winning team of Ryan Mania and Sue Smith after Snookered's final fence fall.

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Matt RennieReporter

Published on 20 November 2020inReports

Last updated 18:12, 20 November 2020

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