Welcome Laura Hurley

So it's a massive well done to Laura Hurley who had her first two runners today under rules, one of which gave us a lovely 12/1 winner. Her stable obviously likes a punt too so hats off to all concerned.

We'll come to that in a moment, first of all an altogether less impressive yesterday:

We had:

TIME COURSE SELECTION 1pt/2pt win Bookmaker(s) / Price(s)

1.50 Newcastle Appache Brave 1pt 7/1 Hills

3.50 Newcastle Sammy Spiderman 1pt 9/1 Hills/Lads

Appache Brave started at 8/1 and ran poorly eventually pulling up, while Sammy Spiderman didn't fare much better, although at least was backed into 6/1.

So on to today:

TIME COURSE SELECTION 1pt/2pt win Bookmaker(s) / Price(s)

2.40 Towcester Orang Outan 1pt 12/1 Lads/Coral

3.50 Wincanton Ginolad 1pt 15/2 Coral

Orang Outan was hadn't run since April 2009 so what a terrific training performance from Laura Hurley to have him so well prepared today. Nicely backed this morning, clearly loads was expected with the 9yo continuing to be supported into 5/1 on course. David Bass gave him a terrific ride, allowing the horse to dominate things and then push on just at the right moment to keep his nearest challenger at bay. He ended up winning by just short of a couple of lengths, with the front two well clear of the third. Interesting to note too that Laura's earlier runner today finished close up despite running from well outside the handicap. A trainer to keep an eye on!

No such luck with Ginolad, who never really got competitive and ended up pulling up.

Confirmation of results with prices

2nd Feb 2011

Appache Brave, PU/10, 7/1 --- 8/1

Sammy Spiderman, PU/7, 9/1 --- 6/1

3rd Feb 2011

Orang Outan, 1st/7, 12/1 --- 5/1

Ginolad, PU/12, 15/2 --- 8/1