CHAMPION jockey Richard Johnson was among the winners once again at Warwick Racecourse on Thursday afternoon, riding two winners for trainer Philip Hobbs.
The Minehead-based trainer was in luck when 7/1 chance Longtown deservedly won the afternoon’s opening race before Johnson showed grit and determination to win the second division of the bumper on board Mance Rayder.
Coming off the back of a disappointing run at Exeter, Longtown had claims for the opening race following a previous placed effort.
The six-year-old went one better this time around though as Johnson pushed out Longtown to a five length victory.
Later in the day, Mance Rayder narrowly held off the challenge from locally Bomber’s Moon.
It was Johnson’s sixth win at the course in just over a week after riding a four-timer last week.
Racecourse ambassador Dan Skelton saddled the Division 1 winner of the bumper with Whiskey In The Jar, who proved to be one of the most impressive winners on the day – beating closest rival Sambura Shujaa by seven lengths.
The five-year-old, making his UK debut, was close up throughout the race before making the ultimate move when entering the home straight.
Jockey Harry Skelton quickly shook up Whiskey In The Jar to land a comfortable victory.
The feature race though went to Deauville Crystal who landed the £30,000 St Mary’s Land Handicap Hurdle.
Under talented youngster Sean Bowen – and trained by Nigel Hawke – Deauville Crystal went into second position before turning home.
The four-year-old was then locked in battle with eventual runner up Giveaway Glance up the homestraight, but Bowen’s drive proved stronger in the closing stages.
Other winners included Doctor Look Here for claimer Lucy Gardner and Gavin Sheehan aboard Bandon Bridge.
Warwick Racecourse next race on Monday (April 24) with the first of seven races starting at 1.50pm.
Visit www.warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk for more information and tickets.
