'They really deserved that' - James Best rides 40-1 winner for small Essex yard

Exclusive new customer sign up offers


FREE BETS


FREE BETS
Solid Fuel was a welcome 40-1 surprise in the opening 2m½f handicap chase as he landed his first win for James Best and trainer Joanne Thomason-Murphy.
The six-year-old's form tailed off last year and he was well beaten on his reappearance at Fontwell a week ago. Yet, despite unseating Best beforehand, he was a different proposition this time and repelled 5-2 favourite Tonto Foley by a length and a quarter.
For Thomason-Murphy, who trains a small team in Essex, it was a first win since July 2022.
"On the bare form many would be surprised," said Best.
"I’ve ridden him plenty now and we’ve been placed a couple of times. I’ve always liked him and thought he had enough ability to win.
"I rode him last week at Fontwell, where he wore a hood. I suggested wearing a red hood to post because, as he showed, he can be tricky in the prelims, but to then take it off for the race.
"He got into a good rhythm, jumped well, and we got a nice split turning in. He was tough from the last and saw it out well.
“I'm so pleased for Joanne and the whole team. They really deserved that."
Bob Bob's quick double
Bob Bob Ricard was a decisive winner of the feature 2m4f handicap chase for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill.
The 6-1 chance struck for the first time at Ffos Las last month and followed up with a four-length success under Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
Easy does it
Seeyouinmydreams, sent off 1-4 favourite in the 2m novice hurdle, maintained a lengthy lead from start to finish and scored by 13 lengths for Harry Cobden and Paul Nicholls.
Read these next:

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
- 4-Y-O Hurdle: Murcia powers clear in Grade 1 to land gamble as Willie Mullins and Paul Townend land first two races
- Foxhunters': 'We knew six months ago' - long-term plan delivers emotional win for Joe O'Shea and assistant recovering from back break
- Aintree Hurdle: 'You could trust her with your life' - Lossiemouth completes Willie Mullins four-timer as Constitution Hill falls again
- Brilliant Gaelic Warrior downs Grey Dawning in the Bowl as Willie Mullins runs riot at Aintree
- Manifesto Novices' Chase: Impaire Et Passe back to his best to get Grand National week off to perfect start for Mullins and Townend
- Betfair Grand National day two betting offer: get £50 for Ladies Day
- Betfred Grand National extra places offer: get paid on 7 places on each-way bets
- Sky Bet Grand National betting offer: claim £50 in free bets
- 2025 Grand National declarations: latest tips and £30 free bets with SBK
- Aintree day one betting offer: get £30 in free bet with Kwiff
- 4-Y-O Hurdle: Murcia powers clear in Grade 1 to land gamble as Willie Mullins and Paul Townend land first two races
- Foxhunters': 'We knew six months ago' - long-term plan delivers emotional win for Joe O'Shea and assistant recovering from back break
- Aintree Hurdle: 'You could trust her with your life' - Lossiemouth completes Willie Mullins four-timer as Constitution Hill falls again
- Brilliant Gaelic Warrior downs Grey Dawning in the Bowl as Willie Mullins runs riot at Aintree
- Manifesto Novices' Chase: Impaire Et Passe back to his best to get Grand National week off to perfect start for Mullins and Townend
- Betfair Grand National day two betting offer: get £50 for Ladies Day
- Betfred Grand National extra places offer: get paid on 7 places on each-way bets
- Sky Bet Grand National betting offer: claim £50 in free bets
- 2025 Grand National declarations: latest tips and £30 free bets with SBK
- Aintree day one betting offer: get £30 in free bet with Kwiff