Masterful Buckley thrilled with winner - despite admiring look to the Golf pros

Friday: Fontwell

Conditional Tom Buckley might have developed into a talented golfer had horses not got in the way and he was delighted to secure another winner when Milan Bridge landed the 2m5½f novice hurdle.

Despite half-joking that he would have preferred to have been teeing off at the Masters this week, the jockey delivered the six-year-old to an eight-and-a-half-length success at the Sussex track instead.

"Er, maybe not!", Buckley replied when it was put to him that he was happy to be starring at Fontwell, rather than Augusta.

In truth, the 21-year-old got a huge kick out of his 15th winner of the season, which eclipsed the 14 he partnered last term.

Buckley, based with Milan Bridge's trainer Paul Nicholls, feared a messy contest with just two rivals including Hecouldbetheone, the 8-11 favourite who was ridden by the wily Jamie Moore.

"All my lad does is stay and Jamie's horse had won over two miles, and a lot of Gary Moore's horses have plenty of speed," Buckley explained. "I was half-worried Jamie would do me for speed and he tried to outdo me tactically, but my horse had a lot left in the tank to get home."

The 3lb claimer, who will keep half an eye on Tiger Woods and others on the fairways over the weekend, added: "I joined Paul in September and he's given me 12 rides, which have resulted in three winners, including two on Milan Bridge now.

"Things couldn't be going better and I'm very happy down there – long may it continue. Last season was good despite some injuries and concussions, but touch wood it's gone well."

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