'I'm a bit miffed - it's cost us' - Williams mulls appeal after lengthy inquiry

Monday: Ffos Las

Noel Williams was left frustrated and rueing a missed opportunity after Another Crick's second in the 2m handicap chase won by Real Stone, whose team had to survive a lengthy stewards' inquiry.

Real Stone, trained by Dan Skelton, was half a length ahead of the Tom O'Brien-ridden Another Crick at the line, but jumped badly left two out and hampered his rival with what the stewards described as a "bump of significance".

Skelton's assistant Tom Messenger was initially relaxed about keeping the race, but became slightly anxious as the inquiry dragged on.

He need not have been and Williams, who trains Another Crick for David Sewell, said: "I'm a bit miffed, but I'm not furious. When you're a little yard like us with not a lot of mud to throw at the wall, you need a bit of luck and sometimes it doesn't go your way.

"It feels a bit harsh, but that's racing. I've seen those go both ways. I thought it was 50-50 and think it has cost us. I don't think I'll appeal, but I don't know. I'll have a word with the owner and Tom."

Now ten, Another Crick had not sparkled this season and Williams added: "I'm not outraged. He's not getting any better though and that was probably his day."

Ben Clarke: trainer was celebrating againCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Escape aim

The Cheltenham Festival might be the be-all and end-all for some, but Endless Escape's Gold Cup will come at Sandown next month following her victory in the 2m novice hurdle.

Trainer Ben Clarke has identified the Grade 2 Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle as the target for the seven-year-old, who is three from three since joining his Dorset yard.

"She keeps winning, but the races have been knocked each time," he said.

"People can continue to do that. We'll go for the Jane Seymour, which was the plan coming here. I just hoped she'd run well enough to justify that, but it's her Gold Cup."

Clarke, in his second season training, made headlines last year through the exploits of The Galloping Bear, who won Haydock's Grade 3 Grand National Trial but was subsequently disqualified.

He added: "We've got some Saturday horses – The Galloping Bear, Dr Kananga and Just A Dime – and she's working her way into that category."

Polly Pott: Group 2 winner now with Ben PaulingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hercules too strong

Owners Andrew and Jane Megson sponsor Kielan Woods, so he was thrilled to repay them on the Ben Pauling-trained Hercules Morse, who landed division one of the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

"I think he's a gorgeous horse, while I know Ben holds him in high regard," said the jockey, who has yet to get fully acquainted with the Megson family's Classic hope Polly Pott.

She was a Group 2 winner for Harry Dunlop last year, but is now with Pauling, and Woods added: "I haven't sat on her, but I hope I get to – I've never ridden a Guineas filly before!"

Scholfield success

Nick Scholfield, back to full fitness after an ankle injury, rode his first winner since August when Regal Blue bossed his opposition in the second division of the maiden hurdle.

The six-year-old, who won a point-to-point at the track in November, runs in the colours of staunch Scholfield supporter Martin Tedham.

"It was a nightmare missing a big part of the season, but I'm just pleased for Mr Tedham, who puts a lot into the game," said the jockey. "It's nice that he could have another good one."

Results, replays and analysis

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