The Clue Is In The Name
So a year on from his arrival in the yard, it appears we are learning what Copt Hill’s favoured conditions are.
There needs to be at least 3 miles between the starter’s flag and the winning post, and a big HILL.
Having run his best race up and down the undulations of Sedgefield in March, he then went to Hexham last night in the 2m 7f 63yds, handicap hurdle. Obviously we told Copty it was 3 miles as it was near enough…..
Jumped out in front by Henry (Brooke) and asked to bravely make the running, he had the field stretched from the off and was only headed two hurdles from home after setting a smart gallop.
The pair continued to track the leader on the climb up the testing hill for the second time, and Copt Hill was ridden approaching the last where he was just outpaced but (happily for his each way supporters at 33/1) won the battle for 3rd beating the favourite by a determined nose!
Everyone was delighted with Copty (including Copty himself) but none more so than Kev Traylor who has the dubious pleasure of riding him every day
Kev does an amazing job with the horse who is far from straightforward but their mutual understanding and appreciation for each other is clearly paying rewards.
Copt Hill positively basking in Kev’s pride post-race!
23/05/18