Townend bounces back with a winner

A winner here in handicap hurdle company on New Year's Day, Just Get Cracking helped put a better complexion on the afternoon, for his rider, Paul Townend, by getting the job done on outing number one over fences, in the Sponsor At Tramore Rated Novice Chase.

Townend picked up a 10-day dangerous riding ban for his effort on Vermout Fougeray in the first, but here he was certainly combining with the right man when it comes to winning races at this venue, trainer, James Dullea.

Three to one shot Just Get Cracking jumped the last two better, and saw out the two miles stronger, to get the better of the front-running favourite, Westerner Point by two and a quarter lengths.

"He jumped very well on the last circuit and I think that is what kept him in it. When he needed a good jump to get there, he got it. He was good and brave at the last and Paul gave him a brilliant ride," stated Dullea.

"I suppose I knew off his last run that he was in good form coming here and that he would improve from his last run.

"That was his first run over fences but he had been schooling very well at home. We put in a new all-weather gallop at home and I think that is making a difference to our horses.

"It showed in him, in his fitness and that. I don't know where he'll go next, we'll see what Mr O'Brien (handicapper) has to say about it.

"Watching him finishing out he looks like a horse that wants further. He was probably a bit outpaced coming down the hill the last time, but he got a couple of good jumps then and saw it out well. He'll go up in trip."

(DM & EM)