SAM’S ADVENTURE battled back gamely after being headed after the last to take the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle yesterday under a great ride by Henry Brooke.
Settled towards the rear as they jumped off, he was soon well positioned in mid-division, towards the inner, after jumping two fences. Travelling easily, he started closing on the leaders six from home. Hitting the front approaching three out, he was pricking his ears heading into the last, was headed after the last, by the eventual second, Crossley Tender, before staying on gamely again to cross the line three-quarters of a length in front. Always just doing enough.
Winner of the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase over 3m1½f at Haydock in December, nine-year-old Sam was travelling well in second before unseating Ryan Mania at the twelfth of 19 fences in the Grade 2, Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, also at Haydock, on his most recent outing prior to success yesterday.
Although we didn’t know for sure if he would see out the 4m1½f, everyone was hopeful, and he did it with some left in the tank!
Henry (Brooke), who has not long been back following a serious neck injury, rode Sam for all bar one of his races last season and was always going to ride Sam again this year, until his injury ruled him out.
Talking to David Carr of the Racing Post, Henry Brooke said afterwards:
“Days like this are why I’m a jockey.
“You always want to win on the big days, though the little days mean as much after you’ve come back from an injury.
“I’m a bit lost for words but this is brilliant – I’m just very happy.”
“It’s really good to have the support of everybody. I’ve been riding out at Brian’s plenty when I’ve been at Jack Berry House and it’s all worthwhile. I’m delighted.”
“I know this horse pulls up in front. But coming down to the last he went and popped it – I had faith he’d pick up and he did.
“He’s a talented horse and Brian has done really well with him through his career – there aren’t many horses that win three bumpers and go on to be a lovely staying handicap chaser. And there’s plenty left in him.”
In an interview with sportinglife.com, Brian said:
“I thought we’d lost it at the last, I must admit.
“Henry actually said it probably helped him as he didn’t want to be in front that long, but he had no option to go when he did.
“He’s been such a good horse for us. That’s his second decent pot this year, he won a decent prize at Uttoxeter last season and also won a valuable bumper at Newbury.
“He didn’t jump hurdles great, but he’s far better over fences, he’s quite clever.
“He won’t run in the Midlands National. He’s on holiday now, he’s done enough this season. The target next year might be the Grand National – if Julie (Martin) lets me!
“He’ll have a nice long break, we’ll start him off about Christmas with the aim of the National, because he’s so laid back it will take him a race to get back into it.”
“I could see the other horse still going well, but when we jumped the second-last I thought we’d won. Of course he then blew the last and I thought ‘not again’- referring to Seamour getting beat close home in the Northumberland Plate, in 2016.
“It’s great for Phil and Julie, though, because one of their other horses, Forest Bihan, was supposed to run today but got injured this morning and that might be it for him, he might not run again.”
Really chuffed for owners Julie and Phil (Martin). It can be very up and down, Jump racing, so to win races like this is always very special.
It’s a lovely boost to team morale too, to win a nice race, as we have been light on runners, and winners, recently.
Sam’s Adventure is absolutely fine this morning.
Forest Bihan looks likely to be retired now following the re-occurrence of an old leg injury.
