THERE was a time when Stratford’s Horse And Hound Cup was run the night before Epsom’s Derby and saw off another jumps campaign in style. Hard to believe, but trainers and jockeys rested until August.

Last Friday week’s running of the Pertemps Network-sponsored highlight produced a memorable outcome as Templepatrick trainer Graham McKeever saddled Chosen Dream to score at the massive odds of 66/1.

Stable-companion and warm favourite Balnaslow, an Aintree hero a few weeks ago, could manage only fourth this time.

There was no fluke about the result. The winner was racing over further – a trip of nearly three and a half miles – and Mark O’Hare gave him plenty of time.

Closing relentlessly from the 16th, Chosen Dream mastered clear leader Asockastar at the last and went away to beat him by seven lengths. Wonderful Charm showed a glimmer of his old form in third.

HAGAN COLOURS

Both Chosen Dream and Balnaslow race in the colours of Margaret Simpson, daughter of the late Peggy Hagan, a huge supporter of the sport, who passed away in November.

Chosen Dream actually contested the Peggy Hagan Memorial Hunters Chase at Down Royal last month, finishing a highly creditable third over an inadequate two miles, seven furlongs. Quite where last week’s 66/1 came from will remain a mystery although, as the man said, racing is a dead easy game afterwards.

Lucinda Russell awarded with OBE

GRAND National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell, who sent out 14/1 chance One For Arthur to land the great race in 2017, was awarded the OBE for services to horseracing in Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours List.

Very modest and unassuming, she praised the loyalty shown by her staff and owners, “whose horses have promoted Scottish racing and our yard here at Kinross.”

In thanking her family, Russell made special mention of Peter Scudamore, himself an MBE. “He has been by my side for the past 10 years and is my inspiration and soulmate,” she said.

Classy filly prevails

NEWBURY on Thursday saw a comfortable win by the promising Sea Of Class in the Listed Johnnie Lewis Memorial British EBF Stakes.

Pulled out of the Oaks at a late stage due to the thunderstorms, Sea Of Class was going for a follow-up to her win in the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes in mid-May over the same course and distance of 10 furlongs. Tucked in with one behind early, Sea Of Class was pushed out by James Doyle to lead with a furlong to run for an easy victory.

Trainer William Haggas commented: “It’s whether we keep her at a mile and a quarter. It will be either the Pretty Polly at the Curragh (July 1st) then the Nassau at Goodwood (August 2nd) or the Irish Oaks (July 21st).’’