Ma Shantou takes opening honours at Windsor

There was a minor surprise in the first jumps race staged at Windsor since 2005 as Ma Shantou beat odds-on favourite Excello.

Only four went to post for the Fitzdares Welcomes Jumping Back @ Royal Windsor EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle and Nico De Boinville headed straight into an early lead, attempting to make all on Nicky Henderson’s Excello.

Things appeared to be going according to the script with De Boinville trying to stretch the field round the top bend, but he could not shake off the attentions of the Emma Lavelle-trained Ma Shantou (15-8).

Champion jockey Harry Cobden sensed his chance approaching the final flight and Excello had no more to offer as Ma Shantou went clear for a one-and-three-quarter-length win.

“We went a nice, even gallop and I just thought mine outstayed him in the end, they are two nice horses and I’d say Nico’s is one that will keep improving,” said Cobden.

“Mine has improved every run, he didn’t jump well first time and at Warwick he was a bit buzzy but today he was more the finished article, a bit of an armchair ride really – just the type I like.”

Cobden later doubled up on Jimmy Frost’s Asian Spice (3-1) in the Fitzdares Windsor Castle Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

Sam Thomas rode a winner at Windsor before its closure and added one as a trainer to his record when Vincenzo (9-2) battled back to win the Fitzdares Royal Windsor Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

It was another example of the talents of rising star jockey Dylan Johnston, who told Sky Sports Racing: “It rides OK, it suited him. We went a gallop and we half sprinted, you probably won’t be coming from too far behind I’d say.

“He’s done it well and finished out his race well. He hasn’t done loads of schooling but the fences at Sam’s, we usually say if they can jump them, they can jump pretty much anything.”

Thomas added: “He’s been disappointing over hurdles to be honest, given how he feels at home, he just hasn’t lived up to what I thought. The fences have been the making of him.

“It’s great to have it back, there’s a chance of more tracks closing than starting unfortunately, so I think it’s a great initiative. It’s my passion and long may jumping last. There’s huge prize money for the Winter Million and hopefully Lump Sum will be in the big hurdle.”

Starcrossed Lover (4-1) was a winner on his debut for Neil Mulholland and James Bowen in the Fitzdares Royal Windsor Racecourse Maiden Hurdle, having previously had two runs for Colm Murphy in Ireland.

Bowen said: “He’s a nice horse, I rode him out a few weeks ago and he gave me a nice feel. They went a good gallop and that suited us.

“You wouldn’t want the ground to be any quicker as the bend after the winning line is sharp, but the hurdle course rode fine.”

In what was an eventful race, Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s Boston Boy was still in with every chance when diving out through the wing of the second last, just as he had done last time out.

Richie McClernon emerged unscathed and later partnered Hasthing (11-8 favourite) to victory in the Fitzdares Telephone Betting Handicap Chase.

Ballycamus (6-1) provided Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies with a winner in the Fitzdares Thames Handicap Chase, staying on strongly to beat Minella Blueway.

The jockey was complimentary of the track, saying: “They are well built fences, they take some jumping and that is his biggest asset.

“It’s a straightforward track to ride, obviously the ground is pretty soft as they water all summer for the Flat, so you are going to need to stay well. There are lots of twists and turns so you can get in and out if you want, rather than being dictated to in behind.

“You need a fit, good jumper and hopefully that is what we’ve got a few of.”

Robert Walford’s Loverdose (9-4 favourite) came home clear under Harry Kimber to win the Fitzdares Windsor Christmas Handicap Hurdle.