Stylish return for Ashley

Bishop's veteran routs Exeter field

Last updated: 4th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Click Here for Your Free Bet
ashley brook

Ashley Brook

Related links

Also see

Ashley Brook (8/1) put an horrendous year behind him with a thrilling victory in the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday.

Showing all his old enthusiasim, the 10-year-old jumped to the front halfway down the back straight and didn't see another rival from that point on.

Richard Johnson did not have to get serious on Kevin Bishop's charge until after the last, but the pair easily repelled the challenge of Mahogany Blaze (5/2) by seven lengths with Natal (15/2) a similar distance away in third.

It was remarkable return to form for the once-smart novice, who had been dropped almost a stone by the handicapper after losing his form completely last season.

"It's such a relief - one more bad run and it would have been a terrible worry," Bishop told At The Races.

"We couldn't fathom it out last year, he always worked well at home but couldn't produce it on the track.

"It must have been some sort of of virus. We brought him here for a racecourse gallop at the end of last season and he didn't want to know."

Twist Magic was sent of the 9/4 market leader but found nothing when asked for an effort four out and could only plug on at one pace for fourth.