‘You have to be in it to win it’ is a well worn expression and Brookside Richie has been ‘in’ plenty. In addition to winning a Juvenile Classic, a Romford Puppy Cup, a Northern Flat and a Select Stakes, he has hit the post a few times too with more than his share of bad luck and poor draws. But when fate is on your side . . .
On Saturday night, Richie looked a much bigger price than his 7-2 when walking away in fourth place at the start of the Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup Final. . . .
Birmingham Cup Final run up: Hawkfield Ozark (t2) battles for the early lead with Rioja Joey (t5) before the complexion of the race changed completely at the turn, allowing Brookside Richie (t3, almost hidden on rail) to take advantage. Photo: © Steve Nash
BROOKSIDE RICHIE (t3) lands the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup from Forest Icon (t6) Photo: © Steve Nash
Robert Hall’s local youngster BALLYCLEARY TEN wins the Philomena Lambe Memorial puppy open Photo: © Steve Nash
Four year old LONGACRES BULLET, beaten over 27 lengths when suffering very bad trouble in the Leger heats, returns to Perry Barr on final night to land the Super Stayers for Pat Doocey Photo: © Steve Nash
SAVANA HEROSS leads home market rival Ballymac Taylor (t2) in the Super Stayers on Leger/Birmingham Cup night Photo: © Steve Nash
WHATS UP EVA lands the bitches open Photo: © Steve Nash
Someone’s happy – Michelle Connolly of the MWD Partnership is all smiles after Jacktavern Magic landed the Christy Lambe Memorial Stayers for Mark Wallis Photo: © Steve Nash
Long Raven’s 28.15 in the last race (480m Standard) gave Kevin Hutton some consolation after missing out in the Birmingham Cup earlier with his two finalists. Photo: © Steve Nash
