Perth horse wins at Ayr

Mar 4 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH horseracing syndicate Tay Valley Chasers and Milnathort trainer Lucinda Russell were uncorking the champagne after a win at Ayr, writes Gordon Bannerman.

Their 7/1 steeplechaser Prosecco, with Peter Buchanan on board, stormed home by 13 lengths in the Two Mile Novices Handicap Chase.

Prosecco had been out of action for more than 15 months with an injury and racing club managing partner George Godsman yesterday paid tribute to the skill of trainer Lucinda in guiding their favourite back to winning ways at the first time of asking.

“It is a true test of the skill of a trainer to be able to nurse a horse back to fitness and winning form after such a long absence,” he said.

Prosecco provided the local racing club with their first winner, also at the Ayr track.

Lucinda is on a high, with St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown’s stable star Silver By Nature recently winning the Grand National Trial at Haydock. It has been installed as an early 14/1 favourite for the big race.

The plan now for Prosecco is to be trained for the eagerly-awaited Perth Racing Festival from April 27-29.

Horses from England and abroad will be chasing the big money at Perth's answer to Cheltenham.

Sam Morshead, general manager at Perth, has secured a big new sponsor for the festival in Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer so everything is set for a fantastic week of racing – and the Tay Valley Chasers’ 78-strong membership are hoping for another track triumph.

Anyone interested in joining forces with the Tay Valley Chasers can contact George Godsman on 07885 593255 or gagodsman@hotmail.com