Matt Sheppard strikes with sole runner to complete superb festive week

Sunday: Huntingdon

Herefordshire-based trainer Matt Sheppard's superb festive strike-rate continued as Wrong Way Harry took the 2m4½f handicap hurdle under a patient Richard Patrick ride.

Patrick, who was riding a winner for Sheppard for the first time, guided the six-year-old to a first win for new connections at the fourth attempt after switching from Mick Winters.

Sheppard won with his only runner of the day, having also struck with his previous runner Not Available at Ludlow on Wednesday.

"The horse is a bit quirky and we weren't sure whether he would go on that very heavy ground, but he did. They went a very strong gallop but Richard has saved a bit for the end," he said.

"I've only got seven horses in training, so to have two winners in a week is pretty good."

It would have been a relief for Patrick as he hit the crossbar three times on the card including on Wheesht, who followed home the Sam Thomas-trained Galileo Silver in the feature 2m4f handicap chase.

An eventful day for Richard PatrickCredit: Edward Whitaker

Patrick had already finished a distant second to Gentleman At Arms aboard Lounge Lizard in the 2m3½f novice hurdle and also had to settle for second on Supreme Gift in the bumper, which was won by the Fergal O’Brien-trained Crambo under a cool ride from Connor Brace.

Gambles landed

Alright Chief had been available at 33-1 in some places on Christmas Eve but landed a significant gamble for trainer Sam Allwood in the 2m7½f handicap chase, comfortably scoring by eight lengths at a SP of 7-2.

It was so nearly a double for Alright Chief's rider Charlie Todd, who was denied on Flexi Furlough by market-mover Le Grand Lion, who won the 3m1f conditional jockeys' race under Luca Morgan at 10-1 having opened up at double that price.

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