Norton’s four-timer

Franny Norton’s expertise around Chester was acknowledged by all good judges a long time ago but on Saturday he excelled himself, completing a 78/1 four-timer. Three of them were for Mark Johnston, who continues in tremendous form.

Chester deserves credit for an imaginative programme and Andrew Balding’s 3/1 favourite Make It Up, ridden by one of the most promising lads on the scene, Edward Greatrex took the apprentice handicap.

Irish winners

There were numerous Irish-trained winners over last weekend beginning at Hamilton last Friday when 9/1 shot Lara Carbonara was successful for Pat Shanahan and Ronan Whelan.

Cartmel on Saturday brought Irish success on the double when James Lambe’s 2/1 joint favourite Classic Place took the opening novices’ hurdle.

Gordon Elliott saddled three runners and had to be content with two third placings before 5/2 favourite Tempo Mac ran out an easy winner for Lisa O’Neill in the lady riders’ handicap hurdle, with the prize, a diamond necklace.

On Wednesday, Noel Kelly enjoyed Cartmel success when Mia’s Anthem was an easy winner of the long distance chase, winning by 16 lengths for Steven Fox.

Summer success

Market Rasen’s Summer Plate meeting featured two listed contests and Dr Richard Newland again proved an astute trainer when he took the Betfred TV Summer Hurdle worth £19,932.50 with 16/1 shot Gran Maestro and Will Kennedy who fought back to head Nicky Henderson’s Hammersly Lake. The Summer Plate over two mile and five furlongs went to Keith Reveley’ Brave Spartacus (12/1) who made most of the running to win cofortably by seven lengths from Baby Mix. Both the winner and the well-supported sixth It’s A Gimme are entered in the Galway Plate.