Who Doesn’t Love A Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding?!

Thanks to Melvich Bay, owners Nick & Jackie Dalby, trainer Danny and jockey Joe Williamson now all have one each! Such lovely prizes coming courtesy of her fabulous 5 1/2 length victory in the 2m1f handicap chase at Cartmel last night.

With four withdrawals from the field due to the changing ground after this beautiful Lake District venue received more of the relentless rainfall that the whole country is now entirely fed up with, Melvich faced seven rivals on soft ground.

Joe had her nicely settled in midfield before starting to make headway at the 7th of the 12 fences. Other than a slight mistake at the water four out, the mare jumped really well, taking the lead just after the last.

With the exceptionally long Cartmel run in, and seemingly holding on to plenty, Joe switched to the rail and soon went into a ready lead. Entering the finishing straight they had scooted clear of all pursuers and, with the cheers of the Dalbys & Kev ringing in her ears, Melvich was a WINNER!

     

      

Although it was Melvich Bay’s first win in 17 starts, it was only her 2nd run over fences and she’s been unfortunate to hit the cross bar a few times through her career. She’s also been the victim of a bad tackle on a couple of occasions; one bringing her down and the other all but putting her on the floor & giving Joe no chance. So it’s with all credit to the mare that her confidence remains in tact and she was able to put up a performance of which we knew she was both capable & deserving.

Tribute must be paid to Kev who has played a huge part in building & maintaining that confidence as he does all the work with her. She’s come a long way under his care & attention from the contrary horse who had to have her bridle dismantled and put on in pieces in her earlier years, to mention just one quirk….!

Still only seven, and having now experienced the sweet taste of victory (doubly so thanks to the sticky toffee puds! *) her owners Nick & Jackie Dalby have much to look forward to.

* has this author earned an endorsement deal yet…??