HORSE RACING - Record-breaker Ellis crowned as South Midlands Area leading trainer - The Rugby Observer

HORSE RACING - Record-breaker Ellis crowned as South Midlands Area leading trainer

Rugby Editorial 1st Jun, 2022 Updated: 6th Jun, 2022   0

TOM ELLIS capped being crowned the South Midlands Area leading trainer by saddling Misstree Song to complete a four-timer at the Berks and Bucks Draghounds point-to-point meeting.

The Marton handler watched on as the eight-old mare overcame a mistake three out under his jockey-wife, Gina Andrews, to sweep round the outside and lead at the second-last in the Intermediate, sponsored by Mettal Ltd.

The daughter of Librettist then soared over the final fence to seal a four-length victory over Voie Dans Voie and Izzie Marshall at Kingston Blount, near Chinnor, in Oxfordshire.

It was Ellis’s 62nd winner of a record-breaking season, which is set to see him crowned the national leading trainer for a fourth successive year when the campaign ends on June 11.




Andrews, meanwhile, took her tally for the season to 48 as she closes in on a ninth ladies’ championship.

Ellis said: “She has turned the corner this year. The plan was to start later with her because she likes quick ground. She only had her first run in April, and it makes a big difference.


“I imagine she may turn out again next week at Bratton Down. We will see how she is.”

Andrews was also among the award winners, picking up the prize as the Kingston Blount and Kimble Championships top rider.

Owners Sarah and Nigel Faulks had double cause to celebrate as Misstree Song’s mare, Misstree Pitcher, has just given birth to a filly by Dink, the sire of classy two-mile chaser Nube Negra.

Sarah said: “Tom and Gina have done brilliantly with her. Gina rides her fantastically. She likes top of the ground, and it was almost too sticky today.

“She seems to be on the upgrade. It is great and it adds to it with her having a little sister.”

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