'He's a jockey's nightmare' - Duffield praises McSweeney as Arnold ends drought

Thursday: Pontefract

Ann Duffield’s decision to use apprentice jockey Oisin McSweeney paid off as Arnold ended a spell of almost 13 months without victory.

The rider, who secured his 21st winner of the year, steered the eight-year-old to his first success since August 2021 when finishing half a length clear of Spear Fir in the 5f apprentice handicap.

Duffield said: "Oisin rode him really well because he’s a difficult ride and hard to win with – he’s a jockey's nightmare. Oisin came highly recommended and he’s a strong rider because he uses his brain, he’s sensible and gets on with it.

"Arnold doesn't do a lot at home, but he does everything on his own and he’s not a horse you’d train in a string because he doesn’t require a lot of work.

"At the track he’s a hold-up horse and it’s sometimes difficult to time it right and ensure he’s not hitting the front too soon or leaving it too late – he’s a bloody nightmare."

High-flying Eagle

The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Eagle’s Way completed a four-timer when justifying favouritism in the 1m2f handicap.

The three-year-old son of Gleneagles comfortably catered for Outside World and has the option of the bet365 Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket next month.

Promising filly

The easiest victory on the card came in the 6f maiden, when the Charlie and Mark Johnston-trained Kitai got off the mark at the third attempt when clearing away from Banquo.

Results, replays and analysis

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