We were absolutely thrilled to land the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Newcastle on Saturday (11 November 2023) with ONESMOOTHOPERATOR.
Patrick Boyles five-year-old was given a fantastic ride by Ben (Robinson) coming from way off the pace to challenge late, getting his head in front just strides from the line.
It was a great result for Patrick and his family and all the team here at Spring Cottage Stables and a great way to end the 2023 flat season.
In an interview published by Sporting life, Brian said afterwards: “We weren’t even going to run him in it until it got switched to here, we were going to take him to Sedgefield for a novice hurdle! We bought him to go hurdling. This has been a lucky race for me, I’ve won it three times now.
“He likes it here, though, he needs them to go a strong gallop and he got a brilliant ride. He made his move around the top bend and you know you have to be up the rail. I think the horse has deserved a big one because he’s a funny one, you have to ride him for luck. Luckily enough today they got racing early and it all worked out.
“More than likely we’ll still go hurdling but he must have good ground. He’s an absolutely brilliant jumper. We’ve run him once over hurdles but they absolutely walked round and that was no good to him, he finished second. We might give him a pop just for a change. We’ll see what’s around.”
Thoughts with Graham Lee and his family…
Although we are delighted with our success on Saturday, Graham Lee is very much at the forefront of our thoughts after his horrific fall & pray we have positive news soon.
