No spillages this time as Cup Of Coffee ends run of bad luck for Sam Drinkwater

Thursday: Ludlow

Cup Of Coffee ended her spell of bad luck with a hard-fought success over 1-2 favourite Rainyday Woman in the 2m mares' maiden hurdle.

The seven-year-old had suffered a series of unfortunate events in her first three starts for trainer Sam Drinkwater, failing to complete twice in unlucky fashion last season and then finishing runner-up on her reappearance in September, but she battled well here to score by a length and a quarter.

“She fell in a bumper on her first run for me when she clipped heels after travelling well. On her second start at Catterick she looked like the winner and then fell at the second-last – she’s had no luck whatsoever,” Drinkwater told Racing TV.

“I didn’t think she'd beat the favourite today but Tom Lacey, a good friend of mine, told me never to be afraid of one horse, so I took a chance. Full credit to her, she galloped all the way to the line. She’s tough.”

Cup Of Coffee was the first winner for Robbie Dunne since he returned from injury.

Drinkwater added: “Robbie gave her a great ride and it’s nice to see him back. He's had a difficult time and he’s a very good jockey.

“He got injured on one of mine, so to give him a winner on only his second ride back is brilliant.”

Murphy boosts tally

Trainer Olly Murphy continued his fine form when 11-4 shot Tease And Seize comfortably landed the 2m juvenile hurdle under Fergus Gregory.

Murphy is operating at a healthy 38 per cent strike-rate over the last fortnight with ten winners from 26 runners.

Results, replays and analysis

If you are worried about your gambling make sure you check out our dedicated Safer Gambling page here for lots of useful information. Racing Post is a member of RAIG (Responsible Affiliates In Gambling) and takes seriously its commitment to Safer Gambling and encourages people to stay within their limits and stay in control.