Edgewell© Photo Healy Racing
There was victory for the visiting sponsors in the season finale at Downpatrick, the Rebecca Menzies Racing 40 Winners and Counting for John Wade Handicap Chase as lowly-rated Edgewell gained his first win in emphatic fashion
Held up towards the rear early on by Ross Chapman, the Well Chosen gelding made gradual progress through the field and led from three out to beat Mullaghmore Wave by 14 lengths.
It was a double for the jockey and for Sedgefield trainer Menzies after Boomslang in the previous contest and owner John Wade was on hand to see his colours pass the post in front.
Menzies said: "Changing riding tactics and, obviously, the quirky nature of the track has probably brought out the best in him.
"He's a horse that has always shown ability at home, he has been very frustrating. I hoped that it all might come together on the day that it mattered. Just to have John Wade (owner) and all his friends here has been absolutely brilliant.
"Downpatrick, Ruth (Morrison) and her team, have looked after everybody so well, from the stable staff to the owners and myself. I can't thank them enough as we've all had a great day.
"The first circuit he didn't really look like he was enjoying things and then, obviously, he warmed to the task.
"He's well able to jump and has got ability, so it was nice that we were able to get him off the mark.
"We obviously got a lot of rain in the week and I was pleased to see that there wasn't as much here over here. We had 50mm (of rain) and that would have really scuppered the chances of a couple of them.
"This horse could be one for sort of Musselburgh through the winter when you don't get that really soft ground - three-mile chases around Musselburgh because in the main he has jumped very well today.
"I was friends with James Griffin for years - he is taking us to the airport tonight. He helped me with the entries.
"From start to finish, planning this whole thing, it has been a pleasure. Working with Ruth and her team with the sponsorship for the race and the hospitality just made the whole experience absolutely brilliant.
"Two winners and a placed horse and, in my opinion, a horse that probably shouldn't have been taken out (My Friend Yeats). The day started off tricky and I was panicking this morning when the vet wasn't happy, but hopefully that horse will go back to England now and win his race over there. Everything happens for a reason!"
Quotes from Michael Graham
