There’s something about watching a young horse rise to the challenge of chasing that stirs the heart — and Mambonumberfive did just that at Aintree on Saturday. The four-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, announced himself as a serious prospect over fences with a gritty, polished victory in the Introducing William Hill Half A Mill Handicap Chase (2m) — the feature event on William Hill Grand Sefton Day.
Sent off at 7-2, the son of Born To Sea showed maturity beyond his years under Ben Jones, travelling sweetly before finding plenty after the last to edge out Highlands Legacy by three-quarters of a length in the £25,000 contest. It was a winning debut over fences that hinted at bigger days ahead.
Trainer’s Delight: “We’re Starting to See What He Can Be”
An understandably delighted Ben Pauling was full of praise for both horse and rider.
“He’s a big, gross horse and you really can’t get enough work into him at home,” Pauling explained. “Ben was clever on him up the straight — he didn’t want to get there too soon. Ideally, he’ll want soft or heavy ground over two, and maybe two and a half miles in time.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, Pauling added:
“Last season, he was very buzzy and didn’t always turn up as expected. But his brain is much better this year, and we’re finally starting to see the horse we hoped he’d become. He’s got loads of potential and he jumps for fun.”
Connections are now eyeing options at Newbury in a fortnight’s time, with Grade Two assignments at Ascot (Noel Novices’ Chase) and Kempton Park (Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase) also under consideration.
Skelton Brothers Continue Red-Hot Run
Elsewhere on the card, Dan Skelton’s blistering form rolled on. The opening William Hill Racing Winnings Boost EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle (2m 4f) saw Only Way Is Up (7-2) make an impressive hurdling debut under Harry Skelton, cruising home four lengths clear of Lightfingered Jack.
Dan Skelton reflected:
“That was lovely to see. He wasn’t right last year — just not himself. We gave him time, and it’s done wonders. He’s a big, raw horse who stays well, and we’ve always liked him. The mare’s in the yard too, so we know the family well. There’s plenty to look forward to.”
The Skeltons later doubled up when Hidden History (6-4F) fought off Theatre Man to win the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (3m 210y) by half a length, sealing a memorable day for the yard.
“It’s remarkable really,” Dan admitted. “They’ve turned a corner, maybe thanks to a bit of rain and the time of year. Hidden History will improve again — he’s a real stayer, and softer ground will help. We might give him six weeks off now. The winner of this race last year won the National Hunt Chase, so who knows?”
Henderson and McManus Combine for Classy Hurdle Success
Adding a touch of green and gold to proceedings, Impose Toi carried the famous JP McManus silks to victory in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Qualifier (3m 149y), with Nico de Boinville steering the 5-2 favourite home by three and a quarter lengths.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said afterwards:
“He’s lazy at home — honestly, you wouldn’t give sixpence for him on the gallops! But he saves it all for the racecourse. He didn’t enjoy fences, but over hurdles, he comes alive. He ran at all three festivals last season — Cheltenham, Aintree, and Punchestown — and gave us everything each time. The Pertemps Final will be the target again.”
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