'He tests all the boundaries' - Guard Duty shows his talent with debut win

Tuesday: Southwell

Some horses test their trainers more than others but Guard Duty was worth the wait for Emma Lavelle and looks a name to note following his debut bumper win.

The imposing five-year-old has a big frame to fill but clearly has plenty of talent and was partnered to a two-and-a-quarter-length success by conditional Jack Wildman, who rides him every day at home.

Wildman described Guard Duty as “a bit of a boyo” and Lavelle praised the job of the rider in containing the bumper winner’s enthusiasm at home.

Lavelle said: “He’s an athlete and a nice horse but he has been a little overenthusiastic at home and had lots of niggly issues and growing pains.

“Jack rides him every day – he is a handful and tests all the boundaries – so it was lovely he could partner him today and be rewarded for all the hard work he’s put in.

“He’s a work in progress but he’s a decent horse in the making and has plenty of untapped potential.”

Guard Duty was a second winner on the card for the Owners Group, whose Ile De Jersey struck in the 2m4½f mares’ novice handicap chase for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

Dirt delivers

Guard Duty was not the only five-year-old to make a successful debut under rules with Irish point-to-point winner Red Dirt Road impressing when landing the 2m maiden hurdle for Jonjo O’Neill.

Red Dirt Road, owned by Danny Walker and family, proved a willing partner for Jonjo O’Neill Jr, repelling the threatening challenge of Mrs Grimley to score by a length and a half.

Red Dirt Road (far): showed a good attitude to beat Mrs GrimleyCredit: Getty Images

O'Neill, who was celebrating his 100th winner at Southwell, said: “He’s a nice horse. It took him a while to settle in when he came from Ireland and he has a very patient owner, which has done the horse proud today.

“I loved his attitude – he just kept galloping and put his head down. The first two came away from the others nicely. It remains to be seen how strong the race was in behind them but I couldn’t be happier with him.”

Fine form

Venetia Williams enjoyed a seventh winner from her last 16 runners when The Bellamy Partnership-owned Gemirande gained a first victory over fences in Britain under Charlie Deutsch in the 2m4½f handicap chase.

Gemirande: made all in the 2m4½f handicap chaseCredit: Ross Kinnaird (Getty Images)

Deutsch said: “Venetia’s horses are running really well and are certainly on the rise. This race was a good spot by Venetia as he was suited by the track and finished off well.”

Back with a winner

Harry Whittington toasted a winner with his first runner back from a three-week hiatus courtesy of the Gavin Sheehan-ridden Docpickedme in the 3m½f handicap hurdle.

Whittington had not saddled a runner since November 8 following an outbreak of strangles at his pre-training yard and has temporarily relocated his jumpers to Frenchmans Lodge in Lambourn, from where Harry Dunlop trained until he relinquished his licence recently.

Landmark winner

Sporting Mike ensured this will be Ben Pauling’s best season numerically when sealing a 45th winner for the stable in the 2m41/2f handicap hurdle under Kielan Woods.

Results, replays and analysis

WIN hospitality for four on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival 2023! It's simple and free to enter – all you need to do is download our brand-new app, open the home screen and wait for the pop-up to make your entry. Download here.