Nasty fall for Houlihan mars Sussex Champion Chase win for Pistol Whipped

A nasty fall at the first from Imperial Presence somewhat overshadowed the mylittletip.co.uk Sussex Champion Chase with rider Sean Houlihan taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital complaining of collarbone and back pain.

That was of concern to winning rider Nico de Boinville, who partnered the Nicky Henderson-trained Pistol Whipped to a two and a quarter-length success.

De Boinville said: "First things first, we have to check Sean's okay, it's not nice galloping past someone on the floor like that and fingers crossed he's going to be alright."

Clerk of the course Mark Cornford said: "He was taken by ambulance to hospital. The doctor said he was complaining of collarbone and back pain. He was conscious throughout. His brother Niall was also here so he has been communicating with the family."

On the winner, De Boinville added: "It's a big improvement, we reverted to front-running tactics which was the boss's idea, and it's paid off. He loved it and he shows his best in a small field. This is when he comes into his element so we'll see if there are any more prizes to pick up along the way."

Casa cruises to victory

The best horse on the card was potentially Casa Loupi, who won the three-runner juvenile hurdle at odds of 1-7 by 24 lengths.

The Gary Moore-trained favourite had chased home Tritonic twice and the trainer said: "He's a nice horse and I'm glad he's got it out the way. Whether he'll run again I don't know but he wouldn't want it any quicker than it is today.

Casa Loupi (left) has a couple of smart placed efforts behind TritonicCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He should have won his last run on the Flat, but he went via East Grinstead and the horse who beat him a neck was Caribeno who has won four since, so there's probably some mileage in him on the Flat. But I don't want to go to the well too often because he's a better jumper, he's 69 on the Flat and 131 over hurdles. He's a nice one."

Frustrating day

It was a frustrating day for Harry Skelton who came to Plumpton three behind Brian Hughes for five rides, all 7-2 or shorter, and left with just one winner, courtesy of 11-8 favourite Aheadfullofdreams, trained by his brother Dan.

The trainer said: "He's been knocking on the door so many times he's due a win and fair play to him, he's gone around well and picked up well from turning in. He'll come back here Sunday."

The Skelton team also suffered the blow of losing Dothraki Prince, who was the 11-10 favourite for the race won by Mawlood.

'Great to be back'

One rider who was just delighted to be back on track was Sam Waley-Cohen, who had just his 14th ride under rules of the season and his first since January when fourth in the mares' handicap hurdle won by Une De La Seniere.

"It's great to be back, it was a lot of fun," said the Aintree-bound amateur. "I haven't ridden here for a while but it's good to get the eye in, get the lungs going and blow away the cobwebs. I've three around the big fences and maybe one for the bumper, it's great to be back as it's been a really long wait. It's good to have a couple of rides before the big one."

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