 Deep Purple looked out of contention before putting in a late charge |
Deep Purple came through for victory in the final strides in a dramatic climax to the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Veteran Ollie Magern looked to have secured the win but Deep Purple and Tamarinbleu came through on the run-in to pass him and battle to the line. The day's racing was marred by the earlier death of Fell Pack, who was put down after suffering a spinal injury. Meanwhile, Barry Geraghty was given a 12-day ban for taking the wrong course on My Petra in the Mares Hurdle. Nicky Henderson's six-year-old had won the race last year and was 4-1 joint-favourite to follow up. She appeared to be travelling well at the head of affairs but Geraghty headed off down the chase track, leaving Santia and Lady Hillingdon to fight out the finish. The Irishman said afterwards: "I jumped to the front down the back going real easy and just as I was coming off the rail turning in, the sun is in your eyes. "It's a small excuse but you've got to think of everything that is happening in front of you, round you, behind you and before I knew it I'd gone too far. "I didn't hear any of the lads shouting but Choc (Robert Thornton) nearly followed me and Johnny Farrelly likewise. "Nobody is as disappointed as I am. Twelve days is harsh, there'll be people who say I deserve every bit of it but to lose a race like that with it being on television, that's enough punishment. It's a bitter blow."  | 606: DEBATE |
Deep Purple's win in the day's feature race gave trainer Evan Williams a second consecutive win after State of Play's success last year. Ollie Magern, who won the race in both 2005 and 2007, pulled clear of both Tamarinbleu and Deep Purple over the final couple of fences But the 11-year-old started to tire after the last and just as the David Pipe-trained Tamarinbleu looked to have gained the day, Paul Moloney came through to take the spoils on the 9-2 chance. Moloney said: "He was a good novice last season and he is as tough as old boots - he'd just die for you every day of the week. "The last thing the boss (Williams) said to me was 'same as last year' - don't get into a dog fight going to two or three out and thankfully it all worked out." Williams said: "This was the plan and it's great when it comes off, especially when some are questioning what you are doing. "He won't go near Cheltenham, he is a flat track horse. The Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon is definitely a possibility and we will put him in the King George at Kempton." Charlie Hall Chase (Wetherby)
1. Deep Purple (Paul Moloney) 9-2
2. Tamarinbleu (T Scudamore) 2-1 Fav
3. Ollie Magern (P J Brennan) 85-40
5 ran
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