Racing: Musselburgh double delight for Whillans

ALISTAIR Whillans and P J McDonald took the honours at Musselburgh when they teamed up for a 31-1 double with Ralphy Boy and Love Marmalade.

7-2 favourite Sir Guy Porteous, ridden by Joe Fanning, wins at Musselburgh yesterday. Picture: John Grossick

The former was successful under McDonald in the CMS Handicap while Love Marmalade followed up 35 minutes later in the Exclusive Free Bets At MonsterBet.co.uk Handicap.

Hawick-based trainer Whillans said: “It’s been a good day. Ralphy Boy only just stays a mile so this tight track with a bend suits him.

“Love Marmalade had too much racing too quickly when he was with Mark Johnston. We’ve found he needs his races spaced out every two to three weeks. Gelding him has helped as he was too fresh and coltish.”

Richard Fahey-trained Vimy Ridge took the British Stallion Studs EBF Median Auction Stakes by a neck from the well-backed newcomer and 2-1 favourite Pres Rapide.

Winning jockey Tony Hamilton said: “He did that nicely as I knew there were a few fancied ones. He’s getting a bit more experience now and it may turn out to be a decent little race.”

Tom Hamilton rode his first winner on the Flat when Anne’s Valentino landed the William Hill Amateur Riders Handicap. The winning rider, 18, said: “I’ve had plenty of point-to-point winners and I delighted to get off the mark on the Flat.”

Hamilton’s father Michael is a clerk of the scales with the BHA and was on duty at Musselburgh.

At Doncaster meanwhile, Alan Jarvis welcomed back a winner, but the Buckinghamshire trainer was preoccupied by thoughts of deliverance.

Jarvis is today due to appear before an appeal board of the British Horseracing Authority after racing’s ruling body deemed he was no longer suitable to hold a full-time licence.

The veteran handler, who has been training on a temporary licence since the BHA made its decision in March, was declared bankrupt last September over a debt owed to Doncaster Bloodstock Sales. When asked if he was confident of getting the BHA judgment overturned, Jarvis said: “If there’s any justice I am.

“They (the BHA) are not debt collectors, you’ve got the courts for that. Half the trainers in the country are in serious trouble. I know two or three of them who have been bankrupted two or three times and have still got licences.

“It’s an absolute joke. The difference is that I go before an independent panel and a High Court judge (at the appeal hearing), and I’ll ensure I will get a fair hearing for a first time.”

The BHA opted to keep its own counsel over the impending Jarvis appeal. Spokesperson Tessa Smyth said: “It is the British Horseracing Authority’s policy not to comment on any unresolved licensing issues.”

Jarvis was speaking in the South Yorkshire rain moments after the stable’s Martinas Delight claimed the Betdaq The Sports Betting Exchange Fillies’ Handicap.