Horse Racing

15.10 John Smith’s Melling Chase

In spite moments of chaos and furious opponents Tony McCoy rode to victory on O’Neill-trained Alberta’s Run in the Melling Chase. It was the second win of the day for owner Trevor Hemmings, who also owns Burton Port, the winner of the Novices’ Hurdle.

The race was off to a shaky and messy start, with Kalahari King taking a fall at the second fence – followed shortly by Schindler’s Hunt. The ten-year-old fell at the third fence, leaving jockey Paddy Flood nursing a broken collarbone.

In the thick of the turmoil Monet’s Garden managed to sneak into the lead under the careful direction of Richard Johnson, and assumed leadership of the field. McCoy, who has previously lost to Monet’s Garden at Ascot, struggled to catch up but finally managed to take over – only to be challenged savagely from Forpadytheplasterer.
While Forpadytheplasterer under Davy Russell took a valiant second place, early leader Monet’s Garden ended up placing third, losing the merciless battle on the final stretch.

Distance: 2 miles, 4 furlongs – Winning Time: 4:54.6