Honour High wins again in classy performance

HONOUR High, the classy grey trained by Lady Herries at Angmering Park, put in an outstanding performance at Fontwell Park last week to score his second victory over hurdles.

With normal rider, Andrew Thornton, sidelined through injury, Mick Fitzgerald was in the saddle.

The novice hurdle race was over a shorter trip than his previous Fontwell victory- this time just over two miles six furlongs, and the ground was not as soft as Honour High would have preferred.

But the Cloudings gelding dug deep and put in a determined effort to beat the well-fancied German-bred Swordsman on the run-in.

Honour High had already showed his potential as a stayer, by winning over three miles three furlongs at a previous meeting- but his real future is undoubtably over larger obstacles. He has the makings of a top class chaser.

Lady Herries, who was unwell, was not present to see the win, but her sister, Lady Sarah Clutton received the trainer's award in her absence

Findon farrier Martin Hogan, who specialises in rejuvenating older racehorses, and bringing them back to winning form following long term injuries, had Mystical Star back in action at Fontwell.

Owned and led up by his wife Barbara, Mystical Star, now 11 years old, is a flawless jumper with a win and some placings to his credit. Although he finished just out of the placings at Fontwell, his previous run had been in a Grade I chase at Ascot last month, where he was rated to finish plumb last of nine.

He took on the formidable Kauto Star that day and was far from disgraced for a 200-1 shot when he finished in eighth place, ahead of a horse rated 50lb better than himself.

" We picked up more prizemoney than if he had won in some of the smaller local races near to home. I also won the 100 best turned out award and we had a great family day out," said Barbara.

Known as Bumble at home, Mystical Star is frequently ridden across the downs by their 11 year-old daughter Ellie. " He's got a wonderful temperament and we all love him," Barbara said.

Their previous rehabilitated horses are all enjoying retirement locally. Great Crusader is now doing dressage and Isam Top is show jumping. They still have Beare Necessities and King's Signal in training alongside Mystical Star.