Revised mark key to Lump Sum plans

Sam Thomas is delighted with Lump Sum after his gallant weight-carrying performance in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

The seven-year-old was saddled with top weight for the lucrative handicap contest, which is worth in excess of £150,000 and was won last season by Nicky Henderson’s Iberico Lord.

The same horse was present in the line up again and shared the same 11st 11lb burden as Lump Sum, who was ridden by 3lb claimer Dylan Johnston.

It was another Henderson horse, Joyeuse, who took the honours this time, but Lump Sum ran a mighty race behind her to finish second when giving over a stone in weight to the winner.

The handicapper will reassess the horse and his revised mark may determine where he goes next, but for now Thomas is happy to take his time and enjoy the game effort one of his best-loved horses produced in such a valuable race.

“We’re really, really proud of him,” he said.

“He’s just a great horse to have in the yard, he’s just a trier and a real yard favourite. He’s like a little pony to deal with in the yard.

“He’s so straightforward and easy but he’s got a real will to win and obviously a lot of ability as well. It looks like we bumped into a really nice horse on the day, unfortunately.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do with him now or what the handicapper will do, I’ll have to have a sit down and see where we go next. The Imperial Cup could be a suitable race but we’ll enjoy this one and let him come back to himself and make a plan from there.

“He wouldn’t have many more runs this season, he’s had a busy enough year and we’re really looking forward to going chasing with him next season.

“He’s not the biggest of horses and giving top weight in a handicap like that is never easy. I love him and I say it all the time, he’s just a little star and I’m very proud of him.”