Mattie Batchelor and John Long steal the show with Norman The Red
The warmest and loudest applause of the afternoon was reserved for the handicap hurdle winners, proving that Sussex local Mattie Batchelor still has a big following as he conducted his own microphone interview as he returned on Norman The Red.
Batchelor and winning trainer John Long made the most of what has become rare winners when Norman The Red showed his run in the Grade 2 National Spirit at the course was no fluke.
Batchelor was his usual wisecracking self after riding his second winner of the season from just 11 rides, while seriously adding: "I'm still passionate about this job – most people think I'm delusional!
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