'Yes, he's quirky, but that was incredible' - Goshen delivers in Kingwell epic

Wincanton: Saturday

Storm Eunice tried its hardest to wreak havoc on Kingwell Hurdle day and, while the damage almost forced the meeting off, it was up to a thrilling finish served up by Goshen and gallant second Adagio to really raise the roof at Wincanton.

The ever-popular Goshen may well have received a similar reception had a crowd been allowed to be here last season, with 22 lengths the winning margin in a faultless and dominant display. This though required a different examination of his credentials and he certainly delivered.

Goshen is no longer the reckless, yet talented, free-going sort that blitzed clear in the 2020 Triumph before suffering that heart-breaking moment. Instead he led his three rivals in an assured manner throughout.

Jamie Moore – a man who adores Goshen like few others – was perhaps less confident when the strong-travelling Adagio crept closer on the turn for home. Approaching the last it was David Pipe's hope who had the narrow advantage but on a ferociously gusty day, it was Goshen who had found his second wind.

The crowd roared as the two market leaders remained locked in battle up the straight but as the line approached it was Goshen who edged ahead.

Winning jockey Moore said: "It's emotional to be honest. He showed so much guts, he'd ran at Lingfield then Sandown and he had hard races both times.

"I said to Scu [Tom Scudamore on Adagio] two out 'you've got me here' but fair play to the horse, he knuckled down and battled as hard as he could. I'm so proud of him and it's nice he's won another good prize."

Goshen became the first since Hors La Loi III 20 years ago to land multiple wins in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingwell Hurdle. That rival went onto Champion Hurdle success a month later but that will not be on the agenda for Steve Packham's star.

Punchestown is an option, as are targets on the Flat in the summer, but the main priority will be tailored towards a novice chase campaign next season.

Packham, however, was savouring the moment. This was the first time Goshen had enjoyed back-to-back wins since his juvenile days and it proved he was back to his best.

"We're all thrilled, that was incredible," the owner reflected. "I knew when the other horse came upsides that he wasn't going to give in, he's a bull of a horse and he just wants to go.

Watch the replay of the Kingwell Hurdle

"Gary gets the hump when people say things about him because he knows he's a good horse. Yes, the horse is quirky and it's a shame his best form is right-handed. He will go left-handed but he's not as good as he hangs and pulls. Gary is a man of few words but when he says 'this is a good horse' it's not without merit.

"From here we step up in trip again over fences next season. We've had an amazing ride with him so far and he's only six so who knows."

Bookmakers were impressed by the run of Adagio, beaten a length and three quarters, as he was trimmed to 12-1 (from 16s) for the Champion Hurdle next month.

Moore success

Goshen's success kicked off a double for Jamie Moore who took advantage of the early fall of favourite Ask Me Early to strike on the Robert Walford-trained Ede'iffs Elton in the 3m1f handicap chase, traditionally known as the Harry Dufosee Memorial Cup.

The victory was an emotional one for owner Alastair Lees. He has been a racecourse vet at the track for 35 years and was delighted to pick up the trophy, named after one of the founding fathers of Wincanton, who helped move the track to its current location.

"That's his third win at Wincanton, it was absolutely marvellous," Lees said. "It's lovely to win the Harry Dufosee Cup. He had a chance as he had a light weight and was only beaten a short-head on Boxing Day."

Cause for celebration

A surprise success for Farmer's Gamble heightened the celebrations for Phil Popham and his daughter Amy on her hen do.

The Dan Skelton-trained runner reached 999-1 on the Betfair Exchange when pushed along in the rear up the home straight, before staying on well to win by a length and three-quarters.

Results, replays, analysis

Read more from Saturday's action:

Ascot Chase: This is for him' - Walsh dedicates battling Fakir D'Oudairies win to his uncle

Analysis centre: 'Class won the day' but should Fakir D'Oudairies skip Allaho Ryanair clash?'

Grand National Trial: The Galloping Bear upsets Bristol De Mai to give Ben Clarke biggest career win

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