James Best ends Chepstow drought with victory on Redbridge Rambler

James Best's long losing streak at the track was finally banished when Redbridge Rambler landed the 2m7½f handicap chase.

Best's Chepstow drought had lasted 49 rides and 1,217 days, but that came to an end on the Martin Keighley-trained seven-year-old, who defied top weight of 12st with an eight-length win.

Keighley said: "To carry that weight was a really good performance. It was almost like a summer's day today and he loves having the sun on his back and good ground. He comes alive at this time of the season.

"James gave him a lovely ride – he never got tempted in going for glory too early and timed it to perfection."

Redbridge Rambler's victory capped a fine couple of days for the Keighley team. The trainer's son, Freddie, rode his first winner as a conditional jockey at Fontwell on Monday.

"It's been a special week," Keighley added. "Freddie got that breakthrough as a conditional so hopefully it's a sign of greater things to come."

Keighley could not double up when Myfanwy's Magic was third behind Copper Jack in the 2m3½f novice handicap hurdle. 

Gats the way to do it

Gats And Co also defied top weight of 12st when effortlessly landing the 3m6½f handicap chase.

The ten-year-old's five-and-a-half-length victory gave trainer and owner David Brace his first success since February 2024, which also came under his grandson Connor. 

Welcome win

Jaminska ended over two years without a win when landing the 2m mares' novice hurdle, the six-year-old rallying gamely after the last to beat Hard Dealt by half a length.

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