Review of racing at Hexham (Wednesday)

Lady Villanelle (Callum Bewley) is led in after victory at Hexham

With a couple of his owners (TD9 Racing) in attendance Lady Villanelle romped home by an ever increasing 8 lengths in the 2 mile novice hurdle at Hexham earlier today.

The Shantou mare was noticeably stronger in her frame this season. This was reflected in her recent morning work plus her jumping ability at home has impressed the team here at Dodlands.
But, much like Stainsby Girl a couple of weeks ago, Lady Villanelle seemed to have her work cut out on hurdling debut as she faced a long odds-on shot (Blazing Port) who had the benefit of a previous outing when runner up over course & distance three weeks earlier.
However, we did think given sound jumping that she may be in with a chance turning for home, so Callum Bewley jumped the mare off with the leaders. A mistake at the first had our hearts in our mouths, but thereafter the partnership jumped and travelled well, maintaining her prominent position.
A very quick jump 2 out, where Blazing Port blundered, left Lady Villanelle clear at the top of the hill, turning for home. She was still travelling easily approaching the last where another professional jump all but sealed the victory.
Then Callum (fine ride all told) pushed her clear for an emphatic victory, going on to win by 8 lengths in impressive fashion.

Lady Villanelle (Callum Bewley) on her way to victory

Marvellous!!
Given her action, soft ground suits this mare to a tee and she may be even better over another couple of furlongs.

Great to train a winner for the lads of TD9 Racing (Ian, Greg, John and Wee Davie), with lots to look forward to.
This win was very much a homegrown affair by TD9 Racing. It was on the first day of the Tatts Ire August NH Store Sale in August 2018 that Ian & Greg Aitken with John Mackin ran their eyes over a daughter Shantou, a first foal out of the useful bumper winner Definite Deploy. When not in training, Lady Villanelle is cared for by Greg at a local livery yard.
So sometimes dreams do come true and two year down the line, Lady Villanelle makes it a special day for all concerned.

In the last race of the day, Danced Every Dance was soon struggling at the back of the field and was pulled up around the halfway point.