21 April 2008 Cotswold Vale Farmers - Andoversford
Dave Mansell: in irrepressible form at present
There was only one success for local stables during Sunday afternoon's Cotswold Vale Farmers meeting at Andoversford, and this took place during the opening Members race.
Just three runners went to post for this contest and, after a few fences, it turned into a match between Diamond Merchant and Steel Mill.
The former consistently out jumped his rival but had nothing left to offer when Jeremy Mahot sent Steel Mill to the front as they meet the rising ground. The 13-year-old just had to be ridden out with hands and heels to prevail by 10-lengths.
Kempley based owner/trainer Natasha Stallard revealed afterwards that this was her first training success. She decided to hand the ride the Mahot because she had been unable to get her eye in this year; a statement borne out by the fact that she has parted company on three previous outings.
Shobden trainer Steve Flook left the meeting with a double following Oopsmylord's victory in the Maiden under a determined ride from the irrepressible David Mansell, while Sian Carter steered No Virtue to land the Restricted.
Welsh horses took the remaining three races with the Ystrad qualified Lady Myfanwy providing find of the season, Rhys Flint, with his 16th win of the season in the Men's Open.
The race looked over when Flint sent his mount to the front, past the weakening Dancing Credit on the uphill run to the penultimate fence. Catch The Bus began to reduce the deficit as they turned into the home straight and, with Ed Cookson's mount much swifter round the tight corner, they made up 3-lengths by this critical manoeuvre. Both horses were in the air together at the last but Lady Myfanwy found that little bit extra on the flat to prevail by a neck.
Flint went on to land a double following Iris's Prince win in the Men's Open, while Derawar came all the way from the South Pembrokeshire to claim the Ladies' Open under a fine ride by co-owner Lucy Jones.