Lightening Strikes
Sun 21 Jul 2024
Winner 56 of 2024: LIGHTENING COMPANY, trained by Ben Haslam, ridden by Richie McLernon. ‘Cartmel Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle’ over 2m1f at Cartmel.
Lightening Company had a famous supporter going into the race; he was the pick of Mick Fitzgerald's '£20 Pound Challenge Selection' during the Opening Show on ITV, and he did not disappoint. After some good efforts on the flat this season, including a 2nd in a competitive class 2 handicap, and not to forget his 4th place for a great cause in the Charity Race at York, he was back over hurdles for the first time this year. He took the lead after a good start and jumped well for the majority of the race. After a slight mistake 3 out, he was headed by the eventual runner up, but he showed great tenacity, fought back and managed to get his head back in front to gain his first victory over hurdles.
“Lightening Company getting up to win it” – watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/watch/replays/2024-07-20/cartmel/1710
Timerform rated his success with a 97, saying: "Back over hurdles, opened his account in this sphere from a mark comparatively a great deal lower than he has on the Flat, where his form is still just about at a useful level, having to work for it as the second pushed him all the way; led, joined when awkward 3 out, headed after next, upsides again last, edged ahead close home."
Watch what Mick Fitzgerald had to say prior to his run this morning on the 'ITV Opening Show':
Ben Haslam, was delighted with his performance: "Fantastic to see him getting his head in front over hurdles. He has been in great form all year, having shown some brilliant performances on the flat prior to today. He was so gutsy, he wanted to win, he really deserved this victory. Well done to all his owners."
See the official photo gallery here: http://https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C245196804/cartmel