3 minute read
It was an easy victory for conditional jockey Callum Pritchard aboard Sam Thomas’ Al Dancer in the 3m1f 63rd Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton on Saturday.
The win never appeared to be in doubt with Pritchard sending top-weight Al Dancer to the front from the moment the tapes rose, and dominating throughout the contest to score by an unchallenged ten lengths.
Pritchard said: "To ride that fellow in a big race like that is unreal. That is the best moment of my life. It means a lot.
"I feel sorry for Dylan Johnston, who usually rides all of Sam's, but he couldn't ride him today due to other circumstances (a ban).
"It is a big shout out to him as does all the hard work at home so it is nice he gets a mention.
"It was all happening to easy, but he is electric. He was always nicely in his stride and he never felt like he was flat to the boards and he never felt like I was going to slow.
"He jumped, and got into a lovely rhythm, and it all fell into place. I couldn't believe how far we went on at the end as I was waiting for them to come and swallow me up.
"Turning in before three out I just gave him a slap and I felt him lift up a gear so I thought we always had a bit left, it was just a case of what the others were doing in behind me.
"I know I had one upsides me, and the noise went, so I threw everything at him and luckily it worked out. All I was concentrating on was getting over the last.
"I only rode my first winner as a conditional about 10 days ago, then one on Wednesday for Rebecca Curtis, so hopefully it will take off now."
It was an exciting victory for jockey-turned-trainer Sam Thomas, who had identified Al Dancer's ability to produce a strong performance fresh – winning six times on his seasonal reappearance.
"He is a hero," he said.
"He had a real bad cut on his off hind at Sandown. He must have done it early on in the race as he was never quite at the races after that. He took a long time to get that heeled, hence why he is running now and not a bit sooner in the season.
"What can you say. I'm a bit overwhelmed with him to be honest. He won the Grand Seftton two seasons ago. He is just a mega horse and every trainer needs youngsters coming through, but you need these older boys to keep flying the flag.
"That is the sixth season he has won first time out and that speaks volumes. You are a passenger on this horse and it sounds silly but the more the horse feels in charge the better performance you are going to get. What can I say, he is a legend of a horse.
"All credit to the team at home, and well done to Mr (Dai) Walters for allowing me to have these lovely horses.
"It was only after the last that I thought we had won. I was tempted to jump over the rail with a circuit to go to tell him take a pull. When he is well, and he is happy and fresh, that is what he is capable of."