Turf Talk: Mares' bumper to be named in Yorkshire trainer Swinbank's memory

The 188Bet Alan Swinbank Mares Listed National Hunt Flat Race will be a permanent memorial to the late North Yorkshire handler.

Swinbank’s son, Julian, said: “The whole Swinbank family are honoured that Market Rasen racecourse has decided on this tribute to the ‘Boss’.

“He had a good record at the track in National Hunt Flat races over the years and, more importantly, loved to have runners there.

“It’s a huge honour.”

n Trainer Colin Bowe, the man who launched Samcro’s career in a point-to-point race, believes the exciting prospect has all the attributes to take him right to the top.

Now with Gordon Elliott after he was bought by owners Gigginstown House Stud for the not-insignificant sum of £335,000, the five-year-old gelding is unbeaten in five starts for his new connections.

His latest outing in a Grade Three at Navan on Sunday was his most impressive to date and he is now as low as 2-1 favourite for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Samcro made his racing debut for Bowe in a point-to-point, which he won impressively, at Monksgrange in April 2016. His former trainer is convinced the five-year-old always had the potential to become a star.

Bowe said: “He’s always looked special.

“The day he won his point-to-point he was a tad heavy going there and the ground was very soft, but the best thing about him is that he always saves himself until you need him. He’s fierce good.

“He’s very nimble for a horse who’s already won a point and he showed that on Sunday. He was low over his hurdles and he has so much ability.”

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

WETHERBY: 12.55 Black Prince, 1.25 Barney Dwan, 2.00 Jersey Bean, 2.30 Gino Trail, 3.05 Mr Snoozy, 3.35 Harrisons Promise.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 12.15 Colourful Career (next best), 12.45 Fire Orchid, 1.15 West Palm Beach, 1.45 Come With Me, 2.20 Bronze Angel (treble), 2.50 Spinning Melody, 3.25 Hamish McGonagain, 3.55 Skyva.

HEREFORD: 12.35 Le Coeur Net, 1.05 Court Liability, 1.35 My Charity, 2.10 Plantagenet, 2.40 Undefined Beauty, 3.15 State The Obvious, 3.45 Doctor Dex.

KEMPTON: 4.10 Equidae, 4.40 Desert Doctor, 5.10 CITY GENT (NAP), 5.40 Pretty Bubbles, 6.10 Out Do, 6.40 Master The World, 7.10 Art Of Swing, 7.40 Lutine Charlie.