'It's been a privilege' - Tonto's Spirit becomes Cartmel's most successful horse

Monday: Cartmel

Tonto's Spirit became Cartmel's most successful horse after a runaway victory in the 2m5f handicap chase for trainer Dianne Sayer.

The popular ten-year-old recorded an eighth win at the course in his customary front-running style, making all by 12 lengths under Conor O'Farrell, who has been on board for all but two of his successes at the Cumbrian track.

Winning owner Arthur Slack told Racing TV: "My wife bought him as a three-year-old at Doncaster for £700 and it's down to my wife and Dianne, the caretakers of this horse, that he's got to where he is.

"He's been fantastic, it's been a privilege to own him. The first time he won here he was 33-1, but he's never been that since. He's given us some mighty fine days."

It was a family success for the veteran, who was previously trained by Arthur's late son Ken, who died in 2019, and Tonto's Spirit was led up by one of the owner's grandchildren.

Slack added: "Tonto's Spirit used to be trained by Ken, who is sorely missed.

"There are four generations of us here – it's 60 years since I had my first winner here!"

Specialists' day

Cartmel's seasonal finale was a day for course specialists as Liffeydale Dreamer completed a hat-trick in the 3m1½f handicap hurdle for husband-and-wife team Sam and Jonathan England. It was the seven-year-old's fifth win at the track from nine visits.

Local trainer James Moffatt and jockey Charlotte Jones are a formidable partnership at the course and Rapid Flight brought up a Cartmel four-timer for the pair in the 3m1½f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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