By Andrew Atkinson
Vintage Clouds gained an impressive win, ahead of fromthehorsesmouth.tips each-way selection Definitly Red (9-1) at Haydock Park on Saturday, in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase.
Vintage Clouds, owned by Trevor Hemmings, won the 3m 1f Peter Marsh Chase by seven lengths, while Mr Hemmings watched Preston North End beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 in the Championship at Deepdale.
Mr Hemmings racing manager Mick Meagher said: “It’s great to win. He might go back to Cheltenham – there’s also the Scottish National.
“He could also come back here – for the Grand National Trial next month.”
Trained by Sue Smith and ridden by jockey Danny Cook, Cook said: “They’ve done a good job with him. His homework has been absolutely A1.
“I schooled him on Wednesday – and he was in good fettle. In front, turning for home, I knew they were going to take some getting by me.”
Brian Ellison, trainer of Definitly Red said: “The ground was a bit tacky – which doesn’t suit. But we’re happy with the performance – with that weight.”
Definitly Red lumped 11st 10lb, under Henry Brooke, and Ellison said: “He’s been running well this year – but a bit lazily.
“The plan is to go to Kelso next month. We’re going to put some cheekpieces on him, to see if they sharpen him up. If they do, we might run him in them, in the National.”
