Hammond in business at Wetherby

A review of the action from Wetherby’s first meeting of the season on Wednesday, as Micky Hammond saddled a 20/1 winner.

Micky Hammond began the new season at Wetherby just as he ended the last one as Canford Thompson stole a march on his rivals to cause a 20/1 surprise in the Spinal Research Rachel Wright Memorial Juvenile Maiden Hurdle.

Crowned leading trainer at the course last season, Hammond loves having winners at the Yorkshire track but he admitted he did not expect Canford Thompson to get him off to such a flying start.

Somebody obviously did, though, as the youngster, having his third run over hurdles, was backed in from 50/1.

And those who took those odds barely had a moment of worry after he was gifted a 10-length advantage at the start.

That was reduced down the back straight but Finian O’Toole had saved enough to kick again, eventually winning by four lengths from Silver Streak.

“We won the last race here and I was leading trainer over the season so it’s great to start with a win,” said Hammond.

“They obviously gave him too much rope, but it’s great to get a win out of him.

“Fin said he’d ride him handier …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com