By Andrew Atkinson
Nicky Richards trained veteran Takingrisks landed the Listed Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday – at 40-1 – leaving the Greystoke, Penrith, Cumbria trainer in tears.
12-year-old Takingrisks, ridden by Sean Quinlan, gained a 1 1/4 lengths win ahead of Aye Right, with 4-1f Cap Du Nord, third.
“Going to three out he was having a bit of a blow, but from the back of the second-last all he’s done is stay,” said Quinlan.
“He winged the last – and galloped all the way to the line – he is is an out-and-out stayer,” said Quinlan.
“He can get a little flat-footed in the middle of his races – which didn’t happen today,” said Quinlan, after bagging the £42,713 winner’s purse.
The Scottish National is pencilled in for Takingrisks, and Quinlan said: “Nicky’s done a fantastic job with this horse, riding him out at home – he told me he’s like a lion!
“The plan is the Scottish National again this year. Nicky said we’ll take in a race or two on the way.”
Main Photo courtesy Doncaster Racecourse
