Equestrian story by Boris Webb, Mon, 06 Feb 2006 03:36:02 GMT


LONDON - The unfortunate postponement of the Victor Chandler Handicap Chase last Saturday proved to just the thing for Tysou who shone at Sandown and won the £40,000 Grade Two competition. Bill Brown's horse performed admirably to leave behind his wife's Dempsey, who did not give up until the last moment.

But Dempsey was no match for Mick Fitzgerald on Tysou and in the end the latter won comfortably by two lengths. Hoo La Baloo, which was also a favorite at the race, fell behind due to a series of mistakes that were enough to give Dempsey and Tysou a clear run. "They went fast in front and that played into our hands. I have doubted Tysou a bit in the past, but he has grown up and he gave me his everything," said Fitzgerald after the race.

Dempsey had defeated Tysou last month and this win was sweet revenge for the latter. Dempsey trainer Mark Pitman said that Dempsey had the race wrapped up until the last moment. "He is at the top of his game at the moment and I thought we had it won. But if you are going lose to any horse, it might as well be the one owned by your owner's husband!"

In other news, Fire Dragon won the Cleeve Hurdle with Mighty Man coming second and Martin Pipe's Westender clinching the third spot.

The Results
Victor Chandler Chase
1. Tysou
2. Dempsey
3. Kalca Mome

Cleeve Hurdle
1. Fire Dragon
2. Mighty Man
3. Westender

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