Gary and Josh Moore landed the spoils in Plumpton's biggest race of the year.
Persistent drizzle failed to dampen spirits for the rescheduled Sussex National, due to have been staged in early January but called off when the East Sussex track became the victim of monsoon-like rainfall!
Eleven went to post for the £35,000 feature and it was the punters’ favourite training duo who had the winner of a thrilling, stamina-sapping handicap thanks to an outstandingly brilliant, patient ride by Caoilin Quinn on Invincible Nao, the 100-30 joint favourite.
Turning into the home straight for the third and final time, more than half the field were still in with a live chance of stealing success, with last year’s winner Dom of Mary then dashing clear and looking assured of victory.
But the 12-1 chance had reckoned without Invincible Nao, who received what Moore senior described as a “fabulous ride from Caoilin” on the grey gelding after getting up in the shadow of the post for a neck verdict.
A jubilant Quinn declared: “He’s a horse who’s been crying out for a trip like this.”
The actual 50-mile round trip to Plumpton from the Moores' stronghold just outside Horsham had also proved worthwhile an hour earlier when Walks Like The Man “ran like ‘Superman’” in the hands of Harry Cobden to secure a dazzling two lengths success over Bentley’s Return in the novices’ handicap chase.
Reigning champion Cobden has now enjoyed two wins from just three mounts for the Moores, all in the last ten days, as he battles it out with Sean Bowen to retain his title.
Unanswered Prayers was one of two horses to unseat their riders at the first fence in the “National”, with teenager Freddie Gordon escaping unhurt after hitting the deck. But that setback apart, it was a memorable day for the 19-year-old as he recorded his first treble (at 53-1), all on horses trained by his Winchester-based father Chris, who had clearly meant business here with runners in all seven races.
The gins were definitely on the Gordons after a trio of triumphs for the pair with San Pedro, Confinentic and Alto Alto, and it was so nearly a four-timer for Gordon senior in the finale with the Rex Dingle-partnered favourite Little Soiree, who was “mugged” on the line by market rival Getmetothemoon.
