Trainer James Owen described Cavern Club‘s latest win as the “best performance of his career” after the dual-purpose star captured the Summer Handicap Hurdle on Ladies Day at Market Rasen. Ridden with perfect timing by Grade One-winning jockey Gavin Sheehan, the 8-1 shot produced a determined finish to land the £60,000 feature event.
Fresh off a win on the Flat at Chester, Cavern Club raised the bar with an outstanding effort over hurdles. Biding his time in the pack for much of the extended two-mile trip, he tracked a brisk early pace set by Goodwin before launching his challenge in the home straight.
Top weight Kihavah, runner-up in last year’s Ebor, surged ahead after the final bend and looked poised for a long-overdue win. But Cavern Club steadily closed the gap and struck the front with just over 100 yards to go, ultimately prevailing by a length and a quarter and giving Owen his second winner on the card.
“He won on the Flat last time and I always felt he was well-handicapped over hurdles,” Owen said. “He’s run well in deep handicaps before, and he handled the speed well today. Gavin gave him a lovely, class ride.”
Owen was especially pleased with the horse’s attitude and progress: “That was his best run. He travelled great and timed his effort perfectly—Gavin said he felt like a different horse today.”
A return to the Flat is now on the cards, with connections eyeing another run at Chester, followed by a possible tilt at Cheltenham in the autumn. “He’ll have a little break, then go back to Chester, which he likes and is local for the owners. After that, one of the early Cheltenham meetings is likely,” Owen confirmed.
Laravie Makes it Four-in-a-Row
Earlier in the day, Owen celebrated another impressive victory with Laravie, who completed a four-timer in the Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles. Partnered by champion jockey Sean Bowen, the filly led from the front and jumped fluently to hold off the challenge of Intosomethingood, scoring by a length and three quarters.
Since being equipped with a visor, Laravie has emerged as a transformed performer, with prior wins at Stratford and back-to-back victories at Uttoxeter.
“That was the best she has jumped so far,” said Owen. “Sean gets on really well with her. We tried cheekpieces before, but more than anything, she just needed a break when she came over from Ireland.”
Future plans involve stepping up in trip and targeting black type in Ireland. “There’s nothing for her in the English programme until winter, so we’ll likely aim for a Listed fillies’ hurdle at Limerick or Cork in October,” Owen added.
Broughshane Impresses on Stable Debut
Trainer Mickey Bowen is optimistic about the future of Broughshane, who made a winning debut for his yard in the Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles. Formerly with AJ and Jonjo O’Neill and purchased for £23,000, the lightly raced son of Mahler justified favouritism with a neck win under a strong ride.
Broughshane travelled sweetly throughout and responded gamely to pressure after the last, just holding off Maghlaak, with Ballygeary closing late in third.
Bowen was delighted: “We put blinkers on him in schooling, and it really sharpened him up. He’s a chaser in the making, but we wanted to test him over hurdles first. He knuckled down well, and we think there’s much more to come.”
Broughshane’s high point-to-point rating in Ireland has raised expectations, and Bowen believes the gelding will only improve as he steps up in class and distance.
