Exeter review: Momella magic as Harry Fry lands timely success

Having failed to beat a rival in a Listed event at Warwick last time out, the Harry Fry-trained nine year old bounced back to form at the same level in the three mile prize, re-arranged from the previous meeting at the track, to complete a double on the day for winning jockey Sean Bowen.

The 5-2 favourite, who was placed at Grade One level over hurdles, kicked into overdrive after the last fence to power on under Bowen and hold the fast finishing Early Morning Rain at bay by a length.

Fry, recording his first winner in 48 days, said: “I was almost beginning to forget what this feels like!

“They got her out of her comfort zone at Warwick and she didn’t jump and travel in her usual self. I was cursing having run at Warwick with this race only 10 days later and thanks to the weather it has played into our hands in Momella’s case.

“You could see very early on she was in a much better rhythm and Sean was at his brilliant best there, keeping her in contention without going for everything then after the last he had a real go and she has ground it out. She is a real tough mare.

“It has taken a lot of work at home to get her right and patience from the owners, as we know the ability is there but it has taken a while to get the confidence back but that is three wins over fences this season now.

“A spin around the farm on Wednesday morning with Ciara (Fry’s wife) through the woods, over the hunt jumps and back through the stream maybe re-invigorated her slightly. To win a Listed race is fantastic.”

Meanwhile Striking A Pose (2-7) moved closer to an appearance in the Grade Three European Breeders’ Fund Paddy Power ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown Park (Saturday 13th March) after following his last time out Wincanton victory in the opening Kenn Novices’ Hurdle.

The Colin Tizzard-trained gelding holds an entry Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, an outing at Sandown looks more likely for the five year old, who ran out an 11-length winner of the extended two and quarter mile contest.

Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer, said: “He is rated 130 and he was supposed to win like that. He is a gorgeous looking horse and it is just nice to watch all the way round with his ears pricked.

“He won a handicap last time and I thought we would go and bully a small field with a penalty. He is qualified for the EBF Final at Sandown in a couple of weeks’ time.

“He is probably not an Albert Bartlett horse but off 130, which you wouldn’t think would change, he might be competitive at Sandown.”

Looks Like Power (12-1) secured his first victory since April 2018 to give trainer Debra Hamer her first winner of the season to get the ball rolling for Bowen, with a front running five length success in the Chudleigh Handicap Hurdle.

The trainer’s husband, Paul Hamer, said: “That’s the first winner of the season for us but we hadn’t seemed to be able to do much right as we have had a few seconds and thirds.

“Normally there is something to take him on but today he got an easy lead and it has worked. He has got into a good rhythm and seen the trip out well.”

Hamer also confirmed stable star and 2019 Pertemps Final runner-up Tobefair will not be making a fourth appearance at next month’s Festival after a setback.

He added: “He is off for the season now and unfortunately it means he won’t go to Cheltenham. He has picked up a little hind leg injury which he had before. I know he is getting on but hopefully he will come back.”

Richard Mitford-Slade watched Samuel Jackson execute his season-long plan to perfection by landing the Thank You NHS Devon National Handicap Chase at Exeter – then described it as the highlight of his career.

After missing last season, the nine year old, who claimed the headlines when scoring at 100-1 on his debut under rules at Taunton in 2017, opened his account for the campaign when going one better than his last appearance at the track in the 3m 6½f prize.

Jumping well throughout, the 4-1 favourite moved into contention to battle out the finish of the marathon contest with eventual runner-up Tea Time On Mars over the final line of fences down the home straight.

It was only in the final 100 yards that Samuel Jackson, who finished fourth in this race back in 2019, forged into a narrow lead before going on to score by a neck and complete a double on the day for jockey Micheal Nolan.

Mitford-Slade said: “This has always been the plan this season as he missed last season. We thought as the likes of the Welsh National would be out we would aim for this.

“We gave him two early runs over hurdles to get him ready, then he had a nice prep run over three miles here last time and we know he stays and is on form and we have an on form jockey as well. It is lovely when a plan comes together. You get all nervous about it but I couldn’t be more delighted.

“He is a real trier. He is such a genuine horse and he jumped beautifully. There was some great opposition but luckily he got there first. It is lovely to win the Devon National, it is just a shame there are no crowds here.

“We’ve got plenty of support back home that can’t be here but hopefully they will be cheering at the television like I was cheering in the trainers’ room. I probably upset the rest of the trainers up there as I was shouting so loud.

“We weren’t sure he stayed the distance when he was fourth two years ago but he is clearly an out and out stayer. I thought my career was over when he won at 100-1 on his first run (under rules) at Taunton. One hundred per cent this is a career highlight.”

Assessing his future plans, Mitford-Slade said a trip to Uttoxeter on March 20th for the Listed Attheraces.com Midlands National looks to be on the cards for Samuel Jackson.

He said: “He is entered in the Midlands National and after today that is probably what we will set our sights on. It is a realistic aim and the handicapper shouldn’t put us up too much. I think it should be a nice target. The Welsh National is the sort of race (next season) he has looked like he has developed into a contender for. The dream is still alive.”

There was success earlier on the card for Nolan, who steered the Philip Hobbs-trained Earth Moor to glory by four lengths in the Dartmoor Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, which led to the successful rider being compared to former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody.

Sarah Hobbs, wife of the winning trainer, said of the 12-1 chance: “He is such a dream horse as he is easy at home and on the track and he jumps very well. He is the perfect racehorse.

“I’m pleased for the Pennys (the owners) as they are lovely people. He just had an off day at Newbury the time before last but the jumpers bumper run put him spot on for this.

“Micheal is having a bit of a run of it (in the saddle) but he is a very good jockey. He sees a stride a long way out, a bit like Richard Dunwoody used to.”