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Henry's Friend delivers Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot to Pauling and Jones
A late burst from Kilbeg King wasn't enough to deny Henry's Friend the win in the Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot.
On an excellent afternoon for Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones, Henry's Friend showed determination after being fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, digging in well to cling on to the win.
She never shook off the chasing pack, with Kilbeg King and The King of Ryhope still in with a chance two out. It was Pauling's charge that toughed it out, winning by a head.
Pauling was quick to play down Cheltenham chances despite some bookmakers giving him a price of around 10-1 for the National Hunt Chase.
He didn’t jump well enough early doors and it was fortunate for him they didn’t go much of a gallop,” he said.
“I thought they would go a right gallop and if they had done he wouldn’t have been in it. But he was brave from the back of the last and his jumping got better and he keeps improving.
“I thought he was well handicapped, but I just thought he would be better off in a smaller field. I’m thrilled because he had to improve and he has.
“He wants every yard (of three miles) and he will be a lovely staying chaser in time. Stamina would never be a worry for me with this lad.
“He’s got an entry at Cheltenham in the amateur chase, but I doubt he wants to go there after that – that looked a bit of a ding-dong and to go there so quickly might be stupid.