Shernando rings true for Hamilton’s Silver Bell

Hamilton Park hosts its fourth running of the historic race for the Lanark Silver Bell trophy this evening, now sponsored by Ladbrokes, which has attracted a maximum field of 13 and sees Mark Johnston fancied to land the £20,000 contest with Shernando.

Shernando is proving a typically tough Johnston campaigner, and knuckled down bravely to win his last outing at Chester in a driving finish where he denied Amazing King by a short-head. Prior to that, he had found that 14 furlongs in rain-softened ground at Sandown was perhaps too much of a drain on his stamina, and with title-chasing Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle he can continue his progression back over a mile-and-a-half at Hamilton for a third win in his past four outings.

There are 58 declarations in total over six races worth more than £40,000, and the main supporting race – the Ladbrokes GameOn! Handicap – also boasts a 13-strong field. Hamilton chief executive Vivien Kyles said: “As the racecourse which held the UK’s first ever evening meeting we are equally proud to be able to add to the rich history of Hamilton Park by continuing to host the running of the Lanark Silver Bell race. The added bonus this year is the invaluable sponsorship of Ladbrokes which has allowed us to provide a level of prize-money which has helped attract some top owners and trainers and provide an evening of high quality racing.”

Meanwhile, Kieren Fallon rode his 100th winner of the season at Lingfield yesterday as his pursuit of the jockeys’ title continued. The six-times champion has passed De Sousa and now has Paul Hanagan in his sights, so was pleased to reach his latest milestone in the Oilfield Insurance Agencies Handicap.

The 11-4 favourite Miss Blink was sent down from Yorkshire by Robin Bastiman and hit the front with plenty of time to spare, keeping three lengths between Jovial at the line. “When you’re on 99, the next one seems harder to get,” said Fallon. “I thought I’d do it last night [at Kempton] but it didn’t happen and it’s nice to get it.”

When asked about a title challenge, he added: “I’ll be trying. I’m confident, but it will be tough to pull back 11 from Paul at this stage of the season.”

lWillie Twiston-Davies could be back riding out in six weeks after undergoing a successful operation on his broken ankle. The 16-year-old jockey, son of Gold Cup-winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, was unseated from Ballygulleen at Worcester on Wednesday.