Minella Boys tops the bill

Longsdon warrior lands Plumpton feature

Last updated: 3rd January 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Felix De Giles Sky

Felix de Giles: Successful on Minella Boys

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Minella Boys denied last year's winner Master Overseer when grinding out victory in the At The Races Sussex National at Plumpton.

The 2010 winner set out to make every yard from the front but he had company from Rebel Melody in the early stages.

Although his jumping was not always fluent, David Pipe's charge was still clinging onto the lead turning for home.

However the Charlie Longsdon-trained Minella Boys (8-1) was quietly creeping into the contest in the hands of Felix de Giles.

He delayed his challenge until just before the final fence where he took a narrow advantage and went on to win by two and a half lengths.

Master Overseer's stablemate Peut Etre De Sivola was 17 lengths away in third place.

Longsdon told At The Races: "You couldn't get any fitter than a horse that's gone three and a half miles on soft ground. He just kept plodding on.

"The cheekpieces helped him. He is slow at the end of the day and with these he's found a gear he never had before.

"They have made him braver at his obstacles. For a big horse he's not the bravest and he was jumping with a long stride today so I'm delighted.

"It would have to be very soft ground to go back to three miles. He wants heavy ground or an extreme trip. He ran off 119 today and he'll probably go up six (pounds) after this so we'll have to see."

Comments (1)

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Lee Durham says...

Well Done Charlie, 4 horses, 2 seconds and a winner, and to start from scratch you have done brilliantly!! Hope you get some cracking youngsters in the sales and continue your rise to stardom!! When I own a horse it'll be with you!!

Posted 21:14 2nd January 2011
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