Present Man wins at Wincanton in the Badger Ales Trophy
Present Man wins at Wincanton in the Badger Ales Trophy

Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase report: Present Man wins again under Bryony Frost


Bryony Frost and Present Man repeated their heroics from last year in the Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

Frost's victory 12 months ago on the Paul Nicholls-trained Present Man helped her start to scale new heights as a jockey, going on to win in Grade One company aboard Black Corton later in the season.

And it was more of the same for the pair, Present Man returning under top weight this time but able to shrug off his 2lb higher mark after a fantastic round of jumping in the extended three mile, one furlong feature.

Frost was happy to sit just in behind the leader on the 5/1 joint-favourite, but sent him on jumping two out and the eight-year-old had enough in the tank to repel the challenge of 10/1 chance Sumkindofking in second.

Bryony Frost celebrates on Present Man at Wincanton

Fingerontheswitch (16/1) and Aunty Anna (16/1) filled the places in third and fourth with 8/1 shot Ramses De Teillee back in fifth.

Present Man's win topped a fantastic afternoon for local handler Nicholls, who claimed five winners on the seven-race card.

Nicholls said: "It's very special. Bryony gave him a fantastic ride, was always in the right place and saved a little bit.

"This horse is a big favourite and for Mark and Tessa (Woodhouse), who own him and sponsor the race.

"It's funny how it works out, because he was bitterly disappointing for Andy Stewart and Paul Barber and they basically said move him on.

"I said to Mark and Tess I've got a horse if they were patient might win you a Badger Ales in time and the rest is history.

"It's a plan that's come off because we trained him for today. It's awesome for everybody."

Nicholls is now looking to the Randox Health Grand National for Present Man, and will first go for the Becher Chase over the famous fences at Aintree next month.

Frost said: "What a perfect day. I don't think he made one mistake all the way round.

"He was trained to perfection and was as fit as a flea. This horse is worth his weight in gold."

Frost was also on the second of Nicholls' winners, Capeland (11-4), who took the Ann Westwood Memorial Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.

Harry Cobden was aboard the stable's other three winners - Grand Sancy (4-6 favourite) in the EBF Stallions 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle Qualifier, If You Say Run (6-4 favourite) in the Hunts Food Service Mares' Handicap Hurdle and Flic Ou Voyou (5-2) in the concluding bumper.

Harry Cobden riding If You Say Run clear the last to win


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