Thirteen Bags emerged from the shadow of Making Paper to take the £2,500 Henlow Maiden Gold Cup Final on Sunday night.
The 550m event had seemed like the perfect vehicle for Making Paper to progress into the staying ranks. Sadly, after a first round success, the Cat One winner picked up a potential career ending injury in the semi finals. Step forward litter brother Thirteen Bags (Hondo Black-Quarterland Hope, Nov 12) who went to traps at 7-2 with Willy Whitesocks (T6 7-4f) heading the market.
The pair both trapped well but Diane Henry’s runner was able to take the shortest route and emerged out of the tight first turn with a narrow advantage. He crossed the sectional with nine spots to spare but with the Hutton runner always on his shoulder. They remained in that order for the next circuit and the rail hugging Thirteen Bags holding on for the Thanks For Coming Syndicate. The winner clocked 33.29 – typically for a Diane Henry trainer runner – a best of competition run on the night it really mattered.
