'Pictures will be going on the wall!' - Featherstone thrilled with first winner

Thursday: Wincanton

Jamie Snowden was spotted sprinting in the direction of the on-course bookies prior to Cornicello's success under Will Featherstone in the novice handicap hurdle for conditional and amateur riders, but it was not to have a flutter on his runner.

"I was running to the start – I wanted to be there for Will," said the Lambourn trainer, whose young employee was riding his first winner under rules.

"Will is a lovely lad who arrived after his GCSEs and he deserved this. He came just after Covid started and he had winners pointing and was getting going, but the BHA stopped amateurs riding in the pandemic.

"He then had a bad head injury, which kept him off for nearly a year. He wasn't allowed to ride out, so was mucking out and doing anything else he could in the yard. It's all credit to him for knuckling down and coming through it.

"He's a good rider and will be a good jockey – he showed loads of determination and grit to come through the Covid situation and the injury."

Featherstone was thrilled and added: "The time off was boring, but I just can't wait to kick on now. I'll definitely never forget today – pictures will be going on the wall!"

Gavin Sheehan (brown silks) leaves the weighing room before riding Ebonello to victoryCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Snowden, who won Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup with Ga Law, is in fine form and landed the mares' maiden hurdle with Ebonello, who runs for the Ebony Horse Club in the colours of the Queen Consort.

“It’s a wonderful charity and lots of people have got behind it,” he said. “It’s great for them and for Jackie Chugg, who bred this mare with her late husband Robert.”

Stormin Crossgales and Johnny Burke on their way to victoryCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Burke praised

Dave Crosse had the owners of Stormin Crossgales bursting with laughter after the five-year-old struck in the novice handicap chase in the hands of Johnny Burke.

The son of Sageburg, who is trained by Tom George, runs in the colours of a Noel Fehily syndicate, which Crosse helps manage.

He said: "I asked Johnny if he was glad the race was over and, without any hesitation, he said he was because the horse is not an easy ride – he's a brave ride and we had a brave rider on board.

"Johnny did a brilliant job and can sleep for the next few weeks as Tom won't run him for a while!"

Thomas Mor clears the last en route to a commanding winCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Pipe purring

Thomas Mor, successful in the novice hurdle, was David Pipe's 45th winner of the season, which is some going considering he saddled 47 last term.

"They're healthy, happy and fit," the trainer said.

"We all get our purple patches and quiet spells and the handicapper catches up with some who then can't win, but they're running well."

Looking good

Paul Nicholls posed for a photo after Don Alvaro was on top in the 2m4f handicap chase, so it was a good job he had time for a morning trim.

"I've needed a haircut for months now," the champion trainer said.

Results, replays and analysis

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