Jessica Milly Smith had only won once in her riding career and that was at Fakenham around two years ago. But on Sunday she returned to star at the course’s Sky Bet pre-Christmas raceday.
In the Sky Bet Female Jockeys’ Chase, she partnered 6/1 shot No But I Will to win by a neck for her father, trainer Julian Smith.
Shantou Lucky was ahead at the final fence, but despite veering left, the eventual winner managed to get in front and steal victory in the £15,000 contest.
“We have only had him since October. He kept finding more and showed his ability in the end,” said Jessica.
To crown a fine day for female riders, Lily Jones recorded her first win when taking the Sky Bet Club Chase on her father’s Enjoy D’Allen, trained by Neil King.
The winner and Fern Hill were locked in a battle before Enjoy D’Allen pulled away for a 26-length win at 3/1.
“That was so good, I really enjoyed it,” said a delighted Lily.
Favourite backers had a great start when 6/4 chance Hello Sweetie charged home in the Sky Bet Acca Freeze Mares’ Hurdle under Charlie Hammond for trainer Stuart Edmunds.
The filly ran from the front and nothing was able to catch her as she scored from Yanka Blue to make amends for a recent fall at the Norfolk course.
Within 30 minutes Edmunds had collected the Fakenham Double Up Bonus when another 6/4 favourite, Codetalker, also under Hammond, won the Sky Bet Extra Places Hurdle.
“I love coming here and taking the bonus money,” joked Edmunds. “I thought two miles might be a bit sharp, but they went off hard so it brought her stamina into play,” he added.
Gazette Bourgeoise turned back the clock to repeat her New Year’s Day success when landing the Sky Bet Queen Boudicca Series Qualifier Mares’ Chase at 7/2 under Ciaran Gethings for Ben Case.
The mare was always ahead in the five-runner affair which saw a heavy fall for Tankardstown Diva who, along with jockey Jack Andrews, emerged unscathed. The winner cruised home by 21 lengths, with Jack’s Touch the only other finisher.
Kilbakanto took the Sky Bet Build A Bet Maiden Hurdle. The 2/1 favourite led from the start to record a 19-length victory under Harry Atkins for trainer Dan Skelton, the rider’s first success in 302 days.
The closing Sky Bet for the Fans Hurdle resulted in a stewards’ enquiry after first past-the-post Girl of Gold, under Ben Bromley for James Owen, and 66/1 outsider Annie Nail came together in the closing stages. The outcome saw 5/2 chance Girl of Gold keep the race.
By Terry Redhead.
