Patience pays off for ancient history professor who is a 'dream owner'

Thursday: Wincanton

The role of clerk of the course can be pretty unforgiving, but track official Daniel Cooper was hailed by the team behind Just Toby, who struck in the 3m1f novice handicap chase.

"Daniel gave us a great deal of help on how the ground was going to ride, which was really important," said owner Lorna Hardwick, whose winner is trained by the in-form David Dennis.

"We had an entry for Exeter tomorrow, but we were able to come here."

Hardwick, a professor of classical studies and ancient history, added: "I've had a lifelong interest in racing and have had horses with David since he started training.

"The yard is having a wonderful spell, which is due to the hard work of all the staff, which we're grateful for.

"David found me this horse as an unbroken store and has brought him along steadily, which is very much my thing, absolutely. I love seeing the horses educated, which David and his team do very skilfully and patiently. As a result, a lot of David's horses last and my other horses – Innisfree Lad and Cyclop – have been going for many years."

Dennis, who stopped training two years ago, but took out his licence again this season, added: "Lorna has been very loyal, with me from the outset and if all owners were like her the job would be easy. She's had an interest in Just Toby since he was three, which tells its own story."

Sam Twiston-Davies gets a fine tune out of Poppa Poutine (red)Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Poppa produces

Ballyandy could be a player in the Pertemps at Cheltenham next week and connections got a confidence booster when Poppa Poutine landed the 3m1f handicap chase.

Owned by Steve Wignall and John Flannery, Poppa Poutine was ridden by trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies's son Sam, who said: "They're a lovely bunch and Ballyandy will be ridden by Finn Lambert, who will claim 10lb, which will help. Hopefully he'll run well."

As for the jockey's book of festival rides, he added: "It's a bit questionable. I think I've three nice ones for Dad and a handful for Sammy Thomas. Fantastikas is in the Ultima, but that's incredibly tough, while Gowel Road would have a chance in the Coral Cup if it rained. He's a really tough horse and there's also I Like To Move It in the County Hurdle.

"Then I've got Before Midnight for Sammy in the Grand Annual, so they're nice rides, but you need a bit of luck because they are all big-field handicaps."

Milton Harris was on the markCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Harris nears milestone

The resurgent Milton Harris enjoyed a double when Aliomaana (1m7f mares' novice hurdle) and Wetanwindy (2m4f handicap hurdle) crossed the line in front, taking him to 45 winners for the campaign.

Mitchell Bastyan, who has also found a new lease of life, was aboard the trainer's pair and Harris said: "We're trying to get to 50 and needed seven in the next seven weeks.

"I thought today was big and we've chances the next few days. We need five now and it sounds easy, but Cheltenham week is nigh on impossible. We'll see, but Mullenbeg, who runs at Sandown on Saturday, is working the house down."

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