'I almost pulled him out' - Tim Vaughan takes owner's advice as Timely Gift wins

Thursday: Chepstow

Tim Vaughan’s decision to take the advice of an owner paid dividends as the trainer carried off the first prizes in the only chases on the card with Silver In Disguise and Timely Gift.

The drying conditions left Vaughan considering withdrawing Timely Gift from the 2m7½f handicap chase but after the trainer chatted to the nine-year-old’s part-owner Hugh Doubtfire, Timely Gift was allowed to take his chance and proceeded to score by five and half lengths.

"I almost pulled him out because I was so worried about the ground, but Hugh thought he should run as he said there was a chance we might not get decent ground for quite some time," admitted the trainer.

Vaughan had also been concerned about the ground conditions for Silver In Disguise in the 3m6½f handicap chase, but let him take his chance as the faster conditions would be offset by the horse stepping up in trip.

"He needs a bit of cut in the ground, but I thought we could get away with it over the longer trip. He’s a well-bred horse and I was confident he would stay further,” said Vaughan.

Happy Harris

Grace Harris registered her first success of the year as Karakoram battled on well to keep Outback Frontiers at bay in the 2m handicap hurdle.

The trainer last visited the winner’s enclosure when the same horse won at Taunton on December 30.

"It’s a relief as it has been a bit of a struggle," she said.

"This horse has been a little frustrating but he seems suited to these conditional races."

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