Russ and Aspen lead the 2018 field

Swift Aspen (Kinloch Brae-Swift Palmer, Dec 15) became the first UK open racer to win four open races in 2018 with another impressive victory at Sheffield on Tuesday.

The Russ Warren trained 6-4f landed the final of a 480m open race competition by a comfortable five lengths in 27.96 (-40). The brindle has actually raced five times in the new year – winning from traps, one, three and five having been beaten in a photo on January 2nd.

With Swift Marvelette (Vans Escalade-Swift Louis, Apr 15) landing an earlier open in 28.10 (-40), it took the kennel onto the 10 winner mark for the year alongside David Mullins and Mark Wallis.

 

Meanwhile the Lister kennel racked up five open wins in 24 hours. Having sent out a double at Doncaster and a winner at Nottingham on Monday, Charlie picked up another short priced double at Owlerton.

First home was stayer Swift Hansel (Godsend-Swift Approach, Aug 14) who was returning to the open race scene ‘down the shallow end’ of four bend racing. Nevertheless class shone though with a four length win in 29.10 (-50) for the 500m course.

Dorotas Vic (Ballymac Vic-Droopys Danneel, May 15) made his 2018 return just 15 minutes later. The All England Cup third led at the second bend and pulled away to clock 29.01 (-50).