Tom O’Brien, who took the first Grade One race of 2019 when Elixir De Nutz landed the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, was banned for seven days by the stewards at Lingfield on Tuesday for failing to weigh in after finishing third in a handicap hurdle on Shaw’s Cross.
O’Brien’s mistake meant that each-way backers of Shaw’s Cross, who was backed to start joint-favourite at 9-4 having opened at 11-4 on course, were denied a payout on the place part of their bet. Cougar Kid, an 8-1 chance, was promoted to third.
It is unusual for such an experienced rider as O’Brien, who had his first rides in Britain in the 2004-05 season, to make such a basic error, and it prompted criticism on social media from punters who had lost money as a result.
O’Brien, who rides regularly for leading trainer Colin Tizzard, will be suspended from 29 January to 4 February, a week which includes Contenders Day at Sandown Park on 2 February.
Meanwhile, Richard Johnson, the reigning champion jockey and clear leader in this year’s title race, was forced to give up his rides at Newcastle on Tuesday. The rider was unseated at the start and then trampled on by other runners at Fontwell Park on Monday.
It was originally reported that he would be fit to ride but will now likely to be out of action until Thursday at the earliest. His agent Dave Roberts said: “Richard is very sore. He’s taking today and Wednesday off, and will be back on Thursday.”
Johnson was unshipped at Fontwell from Umndeni, the 1-2 favourite, after getting an accidental bump from a rival as the field set off, which was the start of a sequence of events leading to one of the season’s most unexpected results. My Destiny, at 66-1, held off Carrick Roads, a 40-1 chance, by a nose, resulting in a Tote win payout of £91.70 to a £1 stake and an Exacta dividend of £2,533 for £1, which is not too far short of the £3,119 first prize.
Johnson reported afterwards that he had “got a bit of a kick” after being unseated and will miss his mounts on Mighty Meg, Jammin Masters and Hidden Dilemma. Both Mighty Meg (12.45) and Jammin Masters (1.50) are solid favourites and will still take plenty of beating. Hidden Dilemma goes to post with a solid chance in the 2.20, but Derriana Spirit and Keep The River (2.20) offer strong opposition with narrow preference for the latter at the current prices after an improved performance to finish within seven lengths of Kloud Gate last time out.
At Lingfield, Shaw’s Cross (2.40) is an interesting bet in the two-mile handicap hurdle, facing eight opponents but only one – the favourite, Clayton – of obvious significance.
Clayton represents the potent combination of Gary and Josh Moore and also has a win over today’s track and trip to his name earlier in his career but he is now 10 and his very best performances have come on heavy ground. Shaw’s Cross has recent form that makes him a match for the favourite at least and has fewer miles on the clock – this is just his 10th start over hurdles. He also put up a career-best when second at Wincanton last time and is just 2lb higher today.
Chivers (2.10) is another to look out for on the same card, while Viola Park (4.45) and Compas Scoobie (6.45) both have plenty to recommend them on the Flat at Kempton Park.
Newbury
1.10 Ar Mest, 1.40 Point Taken, 2.15 Le Precieux (nb), 2.50 Carlos Du Fruitier (nap), 3.20 Legends Gold, 3.50 Alph
Lingfield Park
1.20 Debbonair, 1.50 Paradise Boy, 2.25 Kodiline, 3.00 Beleaguerment, 3.30 Attain, 4.00 Brockey Rise
Plumpton:
1.30 Baddesley Knight, 2.00 The Boola Bee, 2.35 Mauna Kea, 3.10 Thomas Crapper, 3.40 Manning Estate, 4.10 Generous Jack
Kempton Park
4.30 Cape Greco, 5.00 Target Zone, 5.30 Holy Heart, 6.00 Madrinho, 6.30 Peggy’s Angel, 7.00 Happy Escape, 7.30 Chica De La Noche, 8.00 Ember’s Glow
Tips by Greg Wood
