A HORSE with a hoof in Cheshire claimed the totesport.com Chester Cup yesterday.
Mamlook, ridden by Richard Hughes, got up on the line to land the 2010 trophy from Tastahil in second.
Cheshire-born Peter Deal, part owner of Mamlook, said: “It’s wonderful, that’s the best ever! It’s always been a target, what a thrill! It’s a proper heritage handicap.”
Tom Dascombe was another person who targeted Chester Racecourse’s May Festival and emerged victorious.
“I wrote one word against this horse’s name in the sales catalogue when I saw this horse – Chester!” explained Malpas-based trainer Dascombe following Julius Geezer’s success in the Manor House Stables Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes.
The 12-1 shot was drawn in stall five and jockey Richard Kingscote had the colt smartly away to grab the rail, make all and win by two and three quarter lengths.
“This is an ideal track for a horse that breaks the gates and goes, he never stops trying, that’s important,” added Dascombe.
The 5-2 favourite, Gertrude Bell, landed the Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks by three quarters of a length and is now Epsom bound for the Investec Oaks next month.
Acquainted set the early pace before jockey William Buick pushed on to gain a winning advantage.
Trainer John Gosden said: “She did it well and handled the track. If you win a Chester trial you go to Epsom.”
