'Anxious moment' - major delay almost derails Worcester's big day on ITV

Course officials at Worcester feared losing a golden opportunity to appear on terrestrial TV for the first time this century but, after some anxious moments caused by a 20-minute delay, the track had its moment in the spotlight – and a thrilling race-finish too.

The 2m4f handicap hurdle marked an important moment for the course after what was described as a "tortuous 18 months", with severe flooding meaning the track was not in use between October 2019 up until last Friday.

The ITV4 race faced a delay when the screens were up around the Fly To Mars in the home straight following the novice handicap chase. He sadly suffered a fatal injury after being pulled up and the preceding 2.00 race went off 19 minutes later than scheduled.

Rearrangements were quickly made for the Mental Health Awareness Handicap Hurdle, which was eventually run 23 minutes later, and ITV viewers were treated to a thrilling finish in which 11-2 shot High Change prevailed in a close finish.

An added bonus was that the eight-race card, sponsored by the Now We're Talking mental health charity, was able to reach a wider audience with the coverage.

Worcester executive director Rebecca Davies said: "There were some anxious moments but that's racing and we all know the perils of it. The vets have to treat the horses, they have to come first, but luckily the race was televised so we didn't lose the opportunity.

"It's been a privilege. It's a great thing for everyone here in raising the profile of the racecourse after what's been a tortuous 18 months."

High Change, who was recording a first win for new connections Richard Newland and Deva Racing, stayed on well after the last to give Sam Twiston-Davies his first success this season, and his first since his heroics on Clan Des Obeaux in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

"It's been stressful up until now, let's just say that," the jockey joked. "He jumped well, relaxed nicely and travelled throughout the race. It's a great result for his new owners."

Kennedy's dream start

Will Kennedy's first ride for Fergal O'Brien was a winning one when eight-year-old newcomer Royal Practitioner took the 2m4f mares' maiden hurdle at 50-1.

Kennedy said: "I went down and schooled for Fergal on Wednesday morning and he said, 'Look, no pressure, drop her in and let her run as well as she can'. So to win was great, let's hope for a few more now."

Living up to expectations

It took Nye Bevan 15 runs to transfer his impressive homework to the racecourse but he clearly looks to have turned a corner after backing up his Fontwell win in taking style.

Winning jockey Jamie Neild said: "He left us scratching our heads early on in his career as he was working the house down but wasn't doing it on the track. I'd like to say he's improved because I've been on him but I think the tongue-tie has done him the world of good."

Double century for Bowen

James Bowen enjoyed a milestone 200th win courtesy of Shareef Star in the 2m handicap chase, but he sat on that tally for only half-an-hour before completing a double on Haul Away.

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