'She's a little star' - aptly named Willingly shows tenaciousness once again

Thursday: Chepstow

Although Mark Usher is away in France, he still managed to watch on with pride as his "aptly named" Willingly showed her usual tenaciousness to land the 5f fillies' handicap.

The five-year-old adopted her customary front-running tactics and fended off every challenger to score by three-quarters of a length under 7lb claimer Mark Winn, who has been aboard for all her wins this season.

"She's a real little star that mare," Usher said. "She just revels in the soft ground and when she gets her conditions she's pretty useful in that sort of grade. She's very aptly named. She's got such a great attitude. That was her third win of the year and I'm delighted.

"Mark Winn does very well on her. When she's coming under pressure, rather than just get her unbalanced, he lets her do the trying and racing. I'm very impressed with him."

With the deluge of rain that has fallen over Britain providing Willingly her perfect conditions, Usher hopes she can continue improving.

"It seems like it's been very wet in Britain and if it continues to be a wet autumn I wouldn't be surprised if she continues on the upgrade, as she loves the ground and others don't."

Doubles all round

The rain didn't bother jockey Phil Dennis, who came away from the Monmouthshire track with a double for trainer Michael Mullineaux.

Dennis steered Peachey Carnehan to a 14th career win in the 6f handicap before justifying favouritism on Shesadabber in the closing 5f handicap.

Results, replays and analysis

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