On a gloriously sunny Spring afternoon, the Wilton hosted the second of two meetings at Milborne St Andrew last Saturday.  A drying wind had ensured the ground had dried out after the much discussed deluge during the week that had impacted the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.  There were plenty of runners and on the whole the fancied horses won as expected. The family owned and trained Country Legend won here for a third time, Tom Barton continued his good run under Natalie Parker and The Big Sting regained his winning form under Will Biddick.

The meeting got underway with a Shetland Dash ridden by young riders who must have been trying to emulate Rachel Blackmore as they were all so eager to start that the starter had to wave his false start flag and they were made to return for a second attempt. This time Harlow White won riding Shelcroft Cloudy but all the children were given prizes and it was lovely to witness their fledgling racing careers.

Country Legend is rightfully the apple of owner/trainer Frances Bishop's eye. She was crowned Champion Novice in Wessex in 2019 and has now won three times at this venue including a gutsy win at the South Dorset in January.  Son Tom who was in the saddle was given instructions "not to go too soon," but Country Legend was travelling so easily that Tom had to give into the mare's determination and let her coast into the lead with two fences to run to win the Conditions race by a comfortable 4 lengths with Bistouri d'Honore back in second.  Trainer Frances explained that she trains the mare around the farm and then takes her to Milton Harris' gallops where she meets son Tom.  Much happier on this quicker ground than when beaten on soft at Badbury Rings, she is definitely one to keep on the right side of and can win again this season.

Tom Barton looked in outstanding condition before the Mixed Open and showed his well-being under Natalie Parker to follow up his win in the Ladies Open here in January under the same rider.  Winning for the twelfth time in his career, Sally Alner's gelding happily bowled along in front running on well to finish 12 lengths clear of River Myth and Celtic Joy.  A beaming Natalie said "he was just loving it out there. I meant to sit second but he had other ideas!"  Owned by the Four Dames Partnership, he is a credit to his trainer who said the secret to him looking so well was old-fashioned feeding of boiled barley and linseed.  She added that he would probably go to Wincanton next for their Hunter Chase and stressed how important it was to support these races.

The Big Sting looked to have the world at his feet after twice winning early in the season at Larkhill and this huge son of Scorpion always catches the eye in the paddock.  Dropping back to a shorter trip for the Intermediate, he made it three wins for the season for owners Phil and Lorraine Fry when proving too good for strong opposition. Jockey Will Biddick kept him handy and after market rival Honey I'm Good dropped away, The Big Sting went on to win by just under 2 lengths from Dr Rhythm.  Phil was keen to support Chris when he started training having long had horses with Chris' grandfather, Richard, as well as Harry Fry.  Horses with Harry have included the useful Shuil Royale and recently Samarquand.  Chris explained that the trip had just stretched his stamina at Chipley Park and possibly was the same reason why he just got beaten last time out here.  He felt he had plenty of options and could end up going for the Exeter Intermediate Final.

Keith Cumings' Don't Ask Us caused a slight upset in the Restricted race when proving much the better jumper than odds-on favourite Reflex Action who tried hard to get back at the winner but was denied by 4 lengths.  Winning jockey Josh Newman said "He didn't really travel that well but his jumping got him there and he has lots of scope." Long-standing owner Peter Clarke who is based in Barnstaple was surprised at the result but put it down the better ground.

The Opening Maiden saw well fancied Keaden Hill build on a very promising first run at Kingston Blount in February when easily winning from Rufio who made most of the running. Bradley Gibbs who also owns and trains the five year old, sent the Kingston Hill gelding clear with two fences to run and the result was never in doubt. Bradley explained afterwards "we fancied him to win last time but he scoped badly afterwards." Bought by Jimmy Kelly from Sean Doyle's in Ireland, the horse had two runs over there and is now for sale. He could prove to be nice addition for any yard especially as he so clearly relished this quicker ground.

Another who was subsequently put on the market was I Need You who took the finale, a Flat race, for trainer Les Jefford under Martin McIntyre from another promising debutante in Banzigkane who finished 3 lengths away in second.  The winner wasn't overly strong in the market but it was no surprise to her trainer Les, who said the filly was very nicely bred being a half-sister to multiple winner, Christmas in April.  The winning jockey was full of praise for the four year old saying how well she knew her job. Bought as a foal by owner Hannah Bourton, she would now head to the sales and like the winner of the Maiden could make for an attractive purchase.