Winning Black Type for Fiveandtwenty
Mon 08 Feb 2021
OUR 8th WINNER OF 2021: FIVEANDTWENTY, trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Brian Hughes: 'The LISTED Bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle (Juvenile) over 1m 71/2f, at Musselburgh.
Our daughter of Farhh is very familiar with the journey up to Scotland, having won over 1m 6f on the flat at the track last year and twice over hurdles at this trip. She looked a picture in the parade ring - winning 'best turned out' and it was a pleasure seeing her line up in the feature race, live on ITV Racing. In fact, Ed Chamberlain commented before the race: “They’re deadly around here, Middleham Park....” Well he must have had a crystal ball!
She and Brian set off in front and basically never saw another rival! They increased the pace coming to 3 from home, just hitting the top of the 2nd last, but made a good jump at the final hurdle and was pushed along in the run-in, to win 'comfortably' by 4 lengths.
She was the Racing Post 'Star Performer' of the meeting: "Fiveandtwenty (1.55) was fairly impressive in landing the Scottish Triumph Hurdle." Timeform gave her win a 126 rating, saying "Maintained her unbeaten record up in grade after 6 weeks off, dominating again at a track which clearly suits her really well; led, went with enthusiasm, pressed on entering straight, in control when blundered 2 out, edged left run-in, just kept up to work..."
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/314276-bet365-scottish-triumph-hurdle-juvenile-listed-1
See the photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C384945204/x2-fiveandtwenty
Mick Fitz added after the race “No worries, whatsoever there, What a bonny filly she is.” In the meeting summary by Racing TV, they said "Her time was just over 5 seconds faster than the novices in the Scottish Supreme over the same distance so kudos to her for that."
In the post race interviews, Brian said: "She really enjoyed her hurdling. She is so slick from A to B, she just doesn't leave the ground for long." Donald looked very pleased and said: "It's massive to win this race with her. She is a good honest hard working filly and loves jumping. She has a likeable way of going."
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Well done to her owners! She never really looked in trouble and she remains a perfect 3 from 3 over hurdles - it is a real pleasure to watch her in full flow over her hurdles. Now she has secured her winning black type, let alone being a six time winner; that will enhance her value for the breeding sheds when that time comes. I have spoken to Donald and it's hugely exciting for her syndicate, that her next target will be the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at the Aintree Grand National meeting. That will give her some time to have a rest and we can count the days until the excitement that day will bring! Hats off to Donald and his team and well done to Brian for bringing up the 100 winners yesterday."
Here you can read the Racing Post story: https://www.racingpost.com/news/race-reports/hughes-races-to-century-of-winners-following-an-impressive-double/472212
It has been a fine start to the year for our National Hunt mares. With 3 of them having run, two of them have earned valuable black type already this year and who knows, could there be another coming up soon! We ended the day yesterday creating quite a stir, when another of our jumps girls, GET THE APPEAL won the final race on the card. Read that story next.....!!