'We must be leading trainer' - Tommy gives Bridgwater bright start to new season

The new season started on a brighter note for trainer David Bridgwater after Captain Tommy won the £32,500 Staffordshire Plate under Brendan Powell.

Making his first start for Bridgwater and racing from 2lb out of the handicap, the 9-2 favourite stayed on strongly to fend off Solomon Grey, who was previously three from three at the track.

"We must be leading trainer, aren't we?" quipped Bridgwater. "It's a wonderful prize to win and being out of the handicap didn't make a difference. He was fit when we got him and the change of scenery has worked for him."

It was a welcome boost at the opening fixture of the 2021-22 jumps season for Bridgwater after his stable had been rocked by the death of Cheltenham Festival-winner The Conditional at Newbury in February.

"It's a nice start for the new owner," Bridgwater added. "It's funny really as when Mr [Richard] Gurr rang me up, he mentioned The Conditional and said he was going to send me a couple of horses as a pick-me-up for the bad luck we'd had. It was a lovely gesture and I'm glad it's come good for him."

Powell registered a double when winning the closing 3m handicap chase on the Richard Bandey-trained 25-1 shot Leith Hill Lad.

Iron justifies market strength

Iron Port was backed into 9-2 (from 14) and landed a big gamble when bolting up in division two of the 2m7½f novice handicap hurdle.

The Tom Weston-trained five-year-old, who had been beaten by 98 lengths and 24 lengths on his previous two starts in handicaps, holds an entry at Southwell on Tuesday.

Results, replays and analysis

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