Fakenham: 'My son told me he was flying' - Ben Buie records fifth victory since successful back surgery

A successful back operation has seen a resurgence from Ben Buie, who produced a gallant effort to see off his rivals from the front in the 2m½f handicap chase.

It was the fifth career win for the Martin Keighley-trained nine-year-old under an all-action Sam Twiston-Davies, with Ben Buie staying on well to score by two and three-quarter lengths.

"Ever since he had that back operation he's been so consistent, he's won five since we've had that done. Freddie, my son, did his last piece of work on him and he told me he was flying," Keighley told Racing TV.

"Sam gave him a great ride today. He stays further than two [miles] so you've got to ride him quite aggressively and Sam did it perfectly. I was concerned about the track, especially with it being so sharp but he's a bit of a thinker, so maybe he enjoyed the change."

Twiston-Davies went on to secure a double aboard Sergeant Wilson for his father Nigel in the 2m maiden hurdle. It was a first win at the fifth attempt over hurdles for the five-year-old owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who have a strong squad ready for the start of the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday.

Welcome winner

Caroline Fryer ended a 273-day wait for a winner when Cloudy Wednesday scored decisively in the 2m5f novice handicap chase under Lewis Stones. 

The win completed a double for Stones, who claims 5lb, after he landed the opening conditional jockeys’ novice handicap on Dev Of Tara for trainer Olly Murphy.  

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