CHADDESLEY Corbett recently held the Worcestershire Point-to-Point on Saturday, where Bridgnorth handler Phil Rowley found further success with Wishing and Hoping in the Lady Dudley Cup.
A bumper crowd were treated to a fantastic day of horse racing in the perfect weather conditions, despite walkovers for half of the entries at the meeting.
Five runners in the biggest race of the day pitted Wishing and Hoping against Ballyboker Breeze – the only other finisher, and Templebraden as the main challengers, whilst Shotavodka failed to get much of a running after falling at the second.
Rowley’s horse looked in top form and never looked likely to drop off, despite Ballyboker Breeze coming back into contention going into the home straight.
The result was never in doubt for Wishing and Hoping though, who won by 25-lengths with the second fastest time recorded in the event since 1974.
Jockey Alex Edwards previously won the race in the 2013 and 2017 and spoke of his pride to add a third title at the course.
“It’s fantastic to win this big race, we have some lovely horses and great owners.
“The horse came to us from Alan King where he had lost his way and confidence after several falls”.
Meanwhile, Rowley expressed his delight at witnessing the horse realise his potential.
“He had confidence issues with his jumping but that is two wins from two runs for us.
“We are so happy for Peter and Trish Andrews who have been so patient with him.
“He is now showing the class we thought he had”.
It adds another accolade for Rowley, who also won the Cheltenham Foxhunters in March with Hazel Hill, whilst he also found success in The Maiden with The Grey Scholar, again with Edwards as the winning jockey.
Hindlip trainer Martin Weston took the Members race, with jockey Phine Banks taking Vasco du Mee over the line, also riding home to the Ladies Open with Diamond King – the first double in Banks’ career.
Vasco du Mee looked impressive and led from the start, with his rivals struggling in tow.
King Willie was the only horse with a realistic chance of making up ground on the front runner, but in the final half-mile gave up any hopes of making a charge from behind.
In the Ladies Open, Foxrock set out in front during the first-half of the event, but was soon found wanting as Diamond King came through on the inner into the back straight, and never relinquished the lead.
Moscow Prices looked dangerous with Chu Chu Percy and Foxrock dropping back, but he too lost further ground when making an error at the last.
Meanwhile, Drumhart took the Novice Riders title, with Liam Harrison the winning jockey.
Lauren Poole hit the front riding Primo Rossi, but was unable to establish a convincing lead and was soon caught out by Drumhart with three to jump.
Elsewhere, Bryan Carver rode Sam Cavallaro home in the Conditions race, coming home ahead of Hafajay and Valliant Creek.
In the Restricted event, Sam Waley-Cohen edged a literal two-horse race with Lucarno Express – beating Caliente, the only other horse to finish.
