Ludlow trainer Henry Daly sends out winner at home track (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Ludlow trainer Henry Daly sends out winner at home track

4:00pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Sport By Graham Saveker

LUDLOW trainer Henry Daly delighted horse-racing fans on his home track last week, writes GRAHAM SAVEKER.

Daly has been having a quiet time of late but he was back in the winners’ enclosure at Ludlow following the success of Heronshaw in the two-mile five furlong Maiden hurdle.

Well supported in the betting market beforehand, Heronshaw was ridden by Robert Thornton was sent off an 11/2 chance.

It seemed as though the support would be misplaced as the Richard Johnson-ridden Sausalito Sunrise seized an important lead three hurdles out, going clear of the field.

But a blunder at the final hurdle gave Thornton a chance.

Thornton’s mount, Heronshaw, rallied strongly on the run-in to eat up a five-length gap to win by a head.

Herefordshire trainers Tom Symonds, Richard Lee and Venetia Williams all had a good day at Ludlow.

Symonds has been sending out a steady stream of winners from his Hoarwithy base near Hereford and Midnight Belle, in the hands of rider Ben Poste, won the two-mile five furlong mares hurdle to continue his fine form.

Staying on well in the 11 runner race, Midnight Belle triumphed by three-and-a-quarter lengths over her rivals and could score again.

The three-mile handicap chase looked competitive beforehand and lived up to the billing as race goers saw a thrilling finish as the Richard Lee-trained Milo Milan, rallied when seemingly beaten over the final two fences to catch the Venetia Williamstrained Rydalis in the shadow of the post.

Williams has been carrying all before recently, en route to her potential best-ever season.

But Lee, from his Byton base, had astutely picked the race out for his eight-year son of Milan and under a fine ride from Michael Nolan, deservedly shared the spoils.

After much deliberation, the judge called a dead-heat with Father Probus a further three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third spot.