'It's a dream come true' - bargain buys deny racing powerhouses to hand local owner a memorable double

Runners from the powerhouse yards of Paul Nicholls, Harry Derham and James Owen trekked north to Scotland but it was two remarkable rags-to-riches horses who came out on top in the feature races. 

Bold Light, bought for just £1,000, landed the Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle, sealing a double in fairytale fashion for local owner James Scott after success in opening race with Johnny Ringo.

Now trained by Lucinda Russell, the eight-year-old was on death's door in 2021 due to a serious leg injury, but Scott picked up the gelding for a bargain price and his three-year absence from the track was well worth the wait when he claimed his second win this season under Derek Fox. 

Scott said: "He was sold for £50,000 but the owner found out he had a hole in his leg, so took him back to the sales. I bought him for £1,000 and it was quite a bad injury – the vet told me it was better to put him out of his misery. 

"We put him out in Ruth Jardine's [sister of trainer Iain] field for three years, and it's done the world for him. He's been fantastic ever since. He's easily won £30,000 for us now and you couldn't ask for more than that. 

"I live just behind the track and this means the absolute world to me. I've got about 30 of my friends here today, I've won a few quid on both my winners, and it's a dream come true."

Boomslang powers clear to win for Rebecca Menzies and Ross ChapmanCredit: John Grossick

Bold Light will return to Musselburgh for the Scottish County Hurdle on February 1 and will be joined by Boomslang, winner of the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase, who was picked up free by the late John Wade. 

The eight-year-old was temperamental as a youngster and was thrown in for free into a deal Wade made when buying a group of horses from Ireland, after which Wade gave the horse to his partner Maria Myco. 

Boomslang has now shed his old reputation and proved a talented chaser, claiming his third win from four starts over fences from Beau Balko. 

"We had the Scottish Champion Chase in mind but this was an ideal opportunity to give him a run at the track first," said trainer Rebecca Menzies. 

"When the rain came I was a little worried but he's showed his versatility and he's a exciting horse. He can be quite quirky but jumping fences has really stimulated his mind. He's got his act together and a better race where they go quick will really suit him."

Okavango Delta claims his second course win under Craig NicholCredit: John Grossick

Delta dominates

Ground conditions were the chief concern of Craig Nichol but his fears proved unfounded after Okavango Delta bounded home to win the 2m4½f novice handicap chase. 

The 11-4 shot won in rain-soaked conditions which led to various areas of the racecourse, including the commentary box, being flooded. Racing was delayed for 20 minutes in order to add a fresh layer of Fibresand to a crossing on the chase course due to 17 millimetres of rain on Wednesday morning.

"I was really concerned about the ground but he's handled it fine in the end," said Nichol. "You don't want to hit the front too soon with him but he jumps so well you often land in front early enough. 

"When I committed today,  he was honest enough though. He's in good form and he's got his second win here now."

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