'I prefer to travel closer to home - but it's paid off' - Chris Gordon strikes with rare Leicester runner

Chris Gordon rarely sends runners to the East Midlands track but he showed it is worth taking notice when he does after David's Well enhanced the trainer's smart course record with success in the 2m handicap chase. 

The five-year-old was making his chase debut under Freddie Gordon and justified odds-on favouritism with a three-length success over My Portia. The win brought the trainer's strike-rate to 44 per cent at Leicester, with four winners from nine runners. 

"It's not often we go to Leicester," said Gordon. "I prefer to travel a bit closer to home, but it was the right race for the right horse, and it's paid off.

"I've been waiting to get him over fences but also on soft ground too, which has been hard to find so far this year in the right grade. 

"He was fantastic. It was absolutely smashing for a first try over fences and the boy rode him well. It's for a great syndicate too, so we couldn't be happier about that."

Notable newcomer

Authodidacte made an encouraging start over hurdles with success in the 1m7½f novice hurdle under Charlie Deutsch. 

The French recruit was making her debut for Venetia Williams and powered home by three and a quarter lengths from hot favourite Carismatic Soldier.

More Sheppard success

Matt Sheppard's fantastic season continued with the success of Passing Kate in the 1m7½f mares' handicap hurdle. The win was first victory of the month for Sheppard following a career-best tally in November of six winners. 

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