Alfred Wincham routs November Handicap opposition Alfred Wincham defied a mammoth 13lb rise in the weights to run out a clear-cut winner of the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster. Having bolted up at York last time out the handicapper took a dim view but he landed the final major race of the Flat season in some style to suggest big races await next year. Trained by Patrick Neville, better known on UK shores for his training of jumpers having won at the Cheltenham Festival with The Real Whacker, he was bought from Ireland after winning a bumper at Down Royal. The plan was to go hurdling with him but after a few pieces of work on the gallops, Neville spotted his potential on the Flat and this was his third win in five races on the level. Alfred Wincham went off the 3-1 joint-favourite with Nobody Knows and the two raced together for much of the race before Oisin Orr burst clear on the eventual winner. Too Soon and Toby Moore came out of the pack to claim second for his uncles Josh and Jamie, finishing a length behind the winner, with Ian Williams’ Real Dream back in third. Orr told Sky Sports Racing: “It was pretty easy to be honest, my only worry was I was drawn in 10 and I wanted to get a position but I ended up getting in pretty easy and he’s won with his ears pricked. “He won easily at York and I’d say he was only doing the bare minimum today. He’s won with a fair bit in hand and obviously gets through soft ground well. “He’s not over-big but he’s got an engine. It’s a great one to get.” Neville was not on course as he was in hospital but the result will help speed up his recovery.
