'He was a smashing guy who will be missed' - Bailey winner tinged with sadness
Sunday: Ffos Las
Phantom Getaway's win in the 3m handicap hurdle was a welcome one for connections, but it was also poignant.
Trained by Kim Bailey and ridden by Ciaran Gethings, the embryonic chaser came home in style to win by seven lengths.
He races in the colours of a partnership that calls itself The PG Tipsters, although Bailey anticipated corks popping, rather than tea bags being strained.
First though, he remembered the late Stuart Wright, who was involved in the promising five-year-old.
"Stuart sadly died not so long ago and I begged him to buy a share in this horse because I think he's lovely," he said. "Stuart was a smashing guy and he'll be sorely missed."
Of Phantom Getaway, Bailey added: "He's won that nicely and I like him. His future's over fences, but he'll stay hurdling this season."
Bailey, who was making his way back from Sandown where racing was abandoned because of heavy rain, which caused safety issues, had two winners on Friday and went on: "I don't do summer racing, so it's nice we've had a drop of rain and have some winter ground – bar Sandown, which was very frustrating."
Alminar on top
Jockey Adam Wedge and trainer Evan Williams merit respect when they team up at the track and they combined with Alminar, who won the 3m handicap chase.
Formerly with Nigel Hawke, Alminar was having his first start for Williams, who has saddled more winners at the venue than anyone.
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