Sting to the face no problem as Nico de Boinville strikes on only ride

Wednesday: Bangor

Not even a swollen face could stop Nico de Boinville on his only ride of the day as he scored on Go Chique.

The leading jockey missed out on riding at Southwell on Tuesday after being stung in the face by a wasp and although still showing the effects, he was able to partner the mare to victory in the 2m7f handicap hurdle.

"I found it hard to get my hat on and my chinstrap was a bit tight," he said. "It wasn't very good yesterday morning and I had to turn down my ride yesterday, but onwards and upwards."

The Middleham Park Racing-owned winner made a successful return from a 165-day layoff for trainer Nicky Henderson.

"She's very brave and the boss had her spot on for today," added De Boinville. "There's plenty of cut in the ground and hopefully there's more to come."

Possible reunion

Kepy Blanc could be back in the ownership of amateur rider David Maxwell very soon after cruising to victory in the 2m1½f novice handicap chase.

The 14-length winning margin failed to do the seven-year-old's superiority justice as he strolled home under Tom O'Brien in the colours of his trainer Philip Hobbs.

Kepy Blanc was owned by Maxwell for his previous starts in Britain – and ridden by him for the majority of them – and O'Brien hinted at a reunion.

"He was David Maxwell's horse but didn't come to hand over hurdles and was too low in the weights for him to ride. He's back up there now as chasing has been the making of him," said the jockey.

Royal reward

Owner Gillian Morgan was thrilled as she won the handicap chase for conditionals with Midnight Jewel and picked up the prize from a royal visitor.

Owner Gillian Morgan is presented with the winner's prize by the Princess Royal (far left)Credit: Courtney Hobbs

The Princess Royal was in attendance in her position as president of Riding for the Disabled, having been invited to the charity raceday by the Clwyd Special Riding Centre based near Wrexham, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Mixed day

Derek Fox rode a double for Lucinda Russell on Apple Away and Methodtothemadness, but two bans totalling ten days on his first winner took the shine off the celebrations.

The jockey got eight days for using his whip in the incorrect place after the final hurdle and two days for causing interference, meaning he will sit out the period between October 12-21.

Sad end

The card ended on a sombre note following an equine death in each of the last two races. The Neil Mulholland-trained Glendruid was fatally injured on landing after the first fence in the 3m handicap chase, while Jonjo O'Neill's Mark The Man also suffered a lower limb injury in the bumper.

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