James King enjoys fine Aintree Foxhunters success

08-04-2017

Many congratulations to leading amateur jockey of the season James King who enjoyed a fantastic victory at Aintree in the Fox Hunters, going one better than last year’s runner-up slot when again partnering Dineur for trainer Peter Bowen’s son Mickey.

Sadly the pair did not enter the winner’s enclosure as James dismounted after passing the post to ensure the horse’s welfare.  Following the race Mickey said “He was quite tired and gave himself a nick. The vets are checking him out but he seems fine.  He had a leg two seasons back and when he came here last year he ran second to On The Fringe. Things have gone a lot more smoothly this season and he came out of his run at Chepstow last month really well.  We’re delighted with the result and depending on how he recovers he could go to Punchestown at the end of the month. He went there last year but the ground was slower than he wants. So the ground there will be a factor if he’s to travel.”

James said: “Dineur was brilliant. He’s pretty sharp so I wanted him to start quickly.  He settled into a nice rhythm and I was always happy where I was. He was a little tired at the finish and I led him to the cooling-down area. He didn’t seem too bad but it was better to be safe than sorry.”

Katie Walsh had what looked like a nasty fall at The Chair from Distime amid initial fears that she had broken her arm.  Luckily it transpired that it was only bruised and she was subsequently passed fit to ride Wonderful Charm in the Random Health Grand National.

Well done James on tightening an already firm grip on this season’s amateur men’s jumps championship with this win now taking his total for the season to 15, 7 wins ahead of his nearest rival Richard Patrick.