Slippy Maggie (Goodsend-Mays Bodyguard, Apr 16) – who was unable to defy the draw and the going in the final of the Maiden Gold Cup, made no mistake in the rescheduled Bunny Bookmakers Gold Cup Final at Henlow.
Back in March, Hazel Kemp’s railer drew the six box on a rain drenched track and finished third beaten 12 lengths as the 11-10 beaten favourite. Drawn blue she had been well placed in the aborted first running of the Bunny Bookmakers sponsored event and found herself in fourth place as they crossed the winning line for the first time in the re-run.
Second favourite Saleen Ash dominated from the front and looked all over the winner for most of the final circuit. But the 4-7f would not be denied and hit the front in the final few strides for a one length win in 34.67.
Trainer Hazel Kemp said: “Michael phoned on the way to the track to say the heavens had opened and we were worried that the inside of the track would be heavy. But she showed tremendous determination not to be beaten. When we bought her, her breeder told us that even in the paddock, she refused to be second in anything, and that has come through in her racing.
“Michael is still deciding on where to go next. We did consider the Derby because she has such good finishing speed and could keep qualifying, but she is now two years old and the Regency at Hove is the other option.”
Henlow racing manager Paul Mellor said: “She is a lovely bitch and ran on very strongly, I have no doubts she will stay a lot further.”
Steve Hunt (right) of Bunny Bookmakers presents the Henlow Gold Cup to Craig Chesson, co-owner of Slippy Maggie. Mick Kemp (third left, husband of trainer Hazel and also co-owner) holds the winner.Photo: Steve Nash
