'Long may it last' - leading course trainer Moore celebrates 153-1 four-timer

Sunday: Fontwell

The old racing adage goes you can never write off Gary Moore at Fontwell and he proved why with a memorable 153-1 four-timer.

The trainer, whose four winners were shared between his sons Josh and Jamie, got the ball rolling with Nassalam and landed the feature Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle with surprise 20-1 winner Botox Has.

"I've had four-timers before but it doesn't happen very often, long may it last," said Moore, who is enjoying his best season. "We had a bug earlier in the season but the horses are healthy and well."

Nassalam signed off for 2021-22 when justifying favouritism in the 2m3½f novice handicap chase for owners John and Yvonne Stone.

The five-year-old jumped left throughout but held off Railway Hurricane.

"He made hard work of it," said Moore. "That will be his last run this season. He had a very hard race at Ascot to win first time. He's only five and he's done his job, having won three races this campaign. He was carrying lumps of weight today. He's only a baby and, after a summer off the track, we should have a nice horse on our hands."

Gary Moore: trainer set to give Nassalam an early holidayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jamie Moore secured his double when guiding 1-5 favourite Jerrash to an all-the-way success in the 2m3f novice hurdle, and the winning trainer went on: "It's not the way to ride him but we thought we'd get the job done and ride him that way. His experience was a big help."

Moore's fourth winner, ridden by Josh, was welcomed to something of a party atmosphere by the members of the Heart Of The South Racing syndicate, owners of Legal Rights.

"He was a little bit wrong the last time he ran," said Moore. "He's recovered well and has done it well today. We're pleased with the way he stayed on but I was worried when he hit the front early."

Veteran strikes

Shantou Flyer rolled back the years with his tenth success in the hunter chase for Paul Nicholls and jockey David Maxwell.

The 12-year-old, who is also owned by Maxwell, has placed at four Cheltenham Festivals but is not on course for a repeat bid as he is first reserve to the 43-year-old's Bob And Co in the St James's Place Festival Challenge Cup.

"These horses are keeping me fit. He was having me on as he was hanging quite badly and, as soon as we jumped the last, he just took off like he had another circuit to go," said Maxwell. "I ride here often and was told before racing to nail the inside rail before the straight.

"My mother sent me a meme this week of Lester Piggott, who said there's no point giving instructions. Good jockeys don't need them and bad jockeys can't follow them anyway. I sent that to Paul and Harry Cobden and there was discussion about which applied to us!"

Results, replays and analysis

Read this next:

Josh Moore: 'The last time I wore these colours they were cut off me'

The Cheltenham Ultimate Guide is everything the smart punter needs for the 2022 Cheltenham Festival. With big-race previews, tips, trends and much, much more, the Cheltenham Ultimate Guide has it all. Order now.