Devon delight at 'home' win in Exeter race meeting

Buckfastleigh-based trainer Jimmy Frost spoke of his delight after Asian Spice made it back-to-back victories at Exeter Racecourse on Sunday, writes Mark Stevens from PPA Sports Content.

Just 16 days after triumphing at the same venue, it was the in-form Harry Cobden who rode the mare to a narrow victory over Ito Ditto in the DAA Racing to Save Lives Handicap Hurdle.

It was another impressive performance from the Frost-trained five-year-old, who was bred and is owned by Martin Hill.

In what was a grandstand finish to the winning line, Cobden timed his charge to perfection to see off Nick Bailey’s French-born gelding.

“It’s really great for Martin Hill, her owner,” said Frost, whose daughter Bryony previously won on the mare at odds of 28/1. “They have been family friends forever and today I know was very special for them.”

With Cobden on board, it was certainly the perfect mix for punters at the Devon track, who made the local connection an 11/4 favourite this time out.

“I thought Bryony did a great job last time out and Harry was just as good today,” added Frost. “They are both good riders.”

Asian Spice’s success was the pick of the races on another seven-card programme at Exeter. However, Frost was staying somewhat cautious on his future plans for the horse.

“Hopefully, she’ll just keep winning,” he said. “That’s the plan right now. She’s a fantastic horse and with performances like she’s had in her last two races here, we hope that will continue moving forward.”

Elsewhere, the Gary Moore-trained Salver took the Devon Air Ambulance & Marley Communications Juvenile Hurdle in the day’s opening race.

Irish jockey Caolin Quinn ensured the 7/4f outpaced three-year-old Valadon by five-and-half-lengths.

However, trainer Harry Fry and jockey Jonathan Burke would make up for their loss early doors by later securing the Watch On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle when 6/4f Danton beat Call Me Arthur by a neck.

Polly Gundry’s Don’t Rightly Know claimed an easy win in the You Flutter, We Flay Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with a 16 length victory from Getaway Theatre, while there was success for David Noonan aboard Moriko De Vase in the Devonshire Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Race Four saw Nico De Boinville ride his 34th winner of the season as he landed success with King Alexander in the Plymouth Handicap Hurdle. The Nicky Henderson-trained bay gelding was given a great ride on his first outing of the season, winning by just over three lengths from Astronomic View, and came hot on the heels of their double success with Arclight and Wiseguy in the last meeting at Exeter.

In the day’s other race, the Gerald George Lacey Memorial Handicap Chase, the Venetia Williams-trained ‘Enjoy Your Life’ – ridden by Charles Deutsch – was a 7/4f victor over Atlanta Brave.

Jason Loosemore says he’s excited to be ‘part of something big’ after it was confirmed he is to become the new Clerk of the Course at Exeter Racecourse in the New Year.

Loosemore will take over the reins of things at Haldon from Daniel Cooper, who himself is off to pastures new at Ascot Racecourse.

A familiar figure within Westcountry racing for over 20 years, Loosemore has conducted the same role at Newton Abbot and Taunton, but is now relishing the new challenge that awaits him.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “Exeter is a place we have been visiting as a family and I have as an individual for decades. It’s a cracking track with high-grade racing, so it’s a real plus for me.”

At the same time, he admits it was a decision he had to think long and hard about. “I’ve been at Newton Abbot for 21 years, it’s a fantastic track with great people, the same with Taunton,” he added.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but coming to Exeter is a great step up. “Coming here, I’m very lucky to have another great team to work with. Martin O’Hagan heads up the grounds team here and he’s been here a number of years. He’s someone who I will be relying on a lot because what he doesn’t know about Exeter Racecourse isn’t worth knowing. For sure, I will be looking to glean as much knowledge from him as possible.”

Equally, Loosemore will be looking to pick the brains of Cooper, who himself have overseen some of Exeter biggest races days in the past six years.

“Dan’s done a fantastic job,” continued Loosemore. “I can’t believe he’s been here for six years, it’s just flown by. He has, however, made some massive changes and some massive improvements in that time.”

The two are set to enjoy a month-long handover period, after which Loosemore will take charge for 2024 and beyond.

“As a National Hunt enthusiast, I love it,” he said. “Racing in the Westcountry is in a really strong position, especially as we have some of the largest and best trainers based here in the region.

“For me, having that good working relationship with the participants is essential to our success. Luckily, I know most of them very well and it’s important we have that constant dialogue to ensure we are able to offer the best service to them.

“As I said, these are exciting times here at Exeter and I’m personally excited to be part of something big and joining the Jockey Club.”