Winner – Bowland Park

Bowland Park snatched an unlikely victory at Epsom over a mile yesterday evening. Five lengths adrift of the leaders entering the final furlong, he picked up well under Jason Hart’s urgings to put his nose in front on the line for Gary and Lesley Middlebrook who also bred the three year old gelding.

The son of New Bay was recording the second victory of his career on just his sixth racecourse appearance. A promising maiden winner at 2 he found listed company just a bit too strong, but ran with credit at Ascot in July last year. A sinus issue sidelined him for the rest of the season and he was disappointing on his return to action this season, his enthusiasm getting the better of him in the preliminaries and in the early part of the races he failed to last home. Gelded and given time he has matured and the application of a red hood to keep him settled in the parade ring and on the way to post was a definite plus yesterday. Initially keen in a race that lacked any real early pace, Jason took the initiative and pulled the gelding out so he could see a bit more daylight after a furlong or so and he settled well thereafter. The finish was incredibly exciting as Bowland Park finished hard and fast, but in truth he was probably value for a bit more than the final winning distance.

This was a very encouraging run by Bowland Park and real credit to the horsemanship of the team to bring him back towards his best. Thanks for all their hard work and the support of Gary & Lesley.