WINCANTON SATURDAY

BRYONY Frost, rapidly making a name for herself and already entrusted with important assignments for the Paul Nicholls stable, rewarded him by landing the Badger Ales Trophy on Present Man at Wincanton Saturday.

The former champion trainer has had many successes at his local track but few will have tasted sweeter than this. Frost’s 5lb allowance almost certainly made the difference as Present Man led early, went on again at the 17th and then kept on gamely to hold the vastly experienced Leighton Aspell, who brought Final Nudge with a strong late challenge but failed by a head.

Theatre Guide, ridden by Paddy Brennan and the winner’s stable-companion Southfield Theatre came next.

Frost’s father Jimmy won this race on Coome Hill 21 years ago. He also won the Grand National on Little Polveir and there must be a chance his daughter will be on Present Man a few months from now.

“There’s only one race for him now and I think it will suit him because he jumps so well,” Nicholls said. “He unshipped Jack Sherwood in this last year but he’s really grown up and Bryony gave him a peach of a ride.”

Understandably elated, the jockey was grateful to owners Mark and Tessa Woodhouse, who allowed her to keep the ride after winning over hurdles last time. Mark Woodhouse is chairman of last week’s sponsoring company, Hall & Woodhouse.

Present Man is a 33/1 shot for the upcoming Ladbrokes Trophy, the former Hennessy Gold Cup, at Newbury.

Nicholls is virtually unstoppable here and had already won the three-runner, Grade 2 “Rising Stars” Novices’ Chase with 4/6 favourite Modus, formerly a more than useful hurdle, who was much too good for market rival Kalondra.

LONDON PRIZE

Ian Williams initiated a splendid across-the-card double as 4/1 chance London Prize, a very good second in the Cesarewitch recently, reverted to hurdling and claimed the Grade 2 Unibet Elite Hurdle in the hands of Tom O’Brien.

Supremely fit, London Prize tracked the leaders but was in front before two out. Running on strongly, he was always holding Nicky Henderson’s market leader Lough Derg Spirit and had three lengths to spare at the line with Flying Tiger third.

Having had horses taken away from him not so long ago, Williams has fought back without a murmur of complaint and both Saunter and London Prize have more races in them.

The latter may not be quite Champion Hurdle class but he won the Imperial Cup last season and now, having prevailed at Group 2 level, will surely be given his chance against the best. He will stay well beyond two miles.