Believitanducan sparks off joyous celebrations for the Owners Group at Newbury

December 18

The Owners Group have enjoyed more than 300 winners, including four at Grade 1 status, but Alan confessed that “it has been a while” since he scored a bullseye for the enthusiastic band of owners, so he was “chuffed to bits” when Believitanducan prompted wild celebrations in the winner’s enclosure after yesterday’s opener at Newbury.

Alan, who also saddled third-placed Rakki, said:”Believitanducan is a big, scopey horse who stayed well on the Flat and won his last race for Jessica Macey at Beverley last summer, after which he was bought privately by Anthony Bromley for the Owners Group.

“A bruised foot delayed his first run for us, but he had schooled well and after I saw him jump the first out there today I knew there would be no worries on that front. It was the perfect start, though you have to give credit to the runner-up (Liam Swagger) too as he was giving us 10lb.”

I was at Barbury for second lot yesterday morning, too late to see last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Favour And Fortune at first lot.

Alan added:”Favour And Fortune worked well and is earmarked for the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. He has been off since April but is ready to return, and, though he will obviously improve for the run, we are looking forward to getting him back in action. We’ll then maybe look for one more race before a possible tilt at the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February.”

Tomorrow is also an important work morning for Alan, who gallops Edwardstone at first lot. Alan confirmed that our stable-star, who tipped up four out in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown at the start of the month, is scheduled to reappear in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton’s Christmas meeting.