William Hill Towton Novices’ Chase
Grade 2 Handicap, Wetherby 14:40
£45,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
3m 45y, Class 1   
Saturday 13th February 2024

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1 Colonel Harry 5/4F
2 Trelawne 13/8
3 The King Of Ryhope 17/2
4 ran NR: Hurricane Highway , Meetingofthewaters
Distances: 1¾l, 19l, 11l Time: 5m 20.80s (slow by 34.80s)

Colonel Harry capitalized on Trelawne's erratic behavior, securing another triumph for jockey Gavin Sheehan. Sheehan, representing the same connections, had already claimed victories in the Coral Gold Cup on Datsalrightgino, the December Gold Cup on Fugitif, and the King George on Hewick.

Colonel Harry, trained by Jamie Snowden, had recently finished second to Le Patron in a Grade One race at Sandown over two miles. In this instance, the race extended to two and a half miles, with the Grade Two having been previously run over three miles.

Despite only four contenders in the field over the new distance, each horse presented a viable challenge. Trelawne, under the guidance of Kim Bailey, attempted to lead the race but consistently lost ground due to a pronounced inclination to veer right. At one point, Trelawne seemed determined to head towards the car park on the home bend. Despite these challenges, the horse finished only a length and three-quarters behind the 5-4 favorite, and the winner had to repel Trelawne's renewed challenge towards the finish line.

Gavin Sheehan acknowledged the impact of Trelawne's behavior on the race, stating, "He’s done it well but Trelawne probably made it a bit easier for us." Sheehan praised Colonel Harry's jumping ability, positive attitude, and adaptability to the increased trip.

Hew Glyn Davies, representing the owners GD Partnership, expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting that the longer trip had proven beneficial. The Scilly Isles at Sandown was mentioned as a potential future race, but Cheltenham remained uncertain.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Trelawne, regretted not fitting the runner-up with cheekpieces, acknowledging the horse's quirks and the dilemma of having considerable ability paired with erratic behavior. Despite Trelawne's close finish, Bailey found the situation frustrating, describing the horse as a winner without penalty or prize money.

William Hill Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2)
£45,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 45y, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Soft, Heavy in places

NO. DIST FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1     Colonel Harry 7 11-4 Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 5/4F
2 1¾ Trelawne 8 11-4 Kim Bailey David Bass 13/8
3 19 The King Of Ryhope 8 11-4 Dan Skelton Fergus Gillard 17/2
4 11 Chasing Fire 7 11-4 Olly Murphy Brian Hughes 13/2
NR Meetingofthewaters 7 11-7 W P Mullins NON-RUNNER
NR Hurricane Highway 6 11-4 Evan Williams NON-RUNNER