Marlborough claims Gold as First blunders Marlborough got the better of a fantastic finish to the stg£100,000 Tote Gold Trophy at Sandown today. The race changed complexion dramatically when First Gold, the 8-13 favourite, unseated Thierry Doumen with over a circuit to go after making a dreadful jumping error. And as the remaining six runners turned for home with three fences to go, it looked as if 33-1 outsider Go Ballistic would finally be able to land the big race he so deserved, having finished second in the King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. But creeping closer under a customarily patient ride were Marlborough and Mick Fitzgerald and both horses raced to the final fence together. Go Ballistic and Richard Johnson edged into the lead with a fine leap but the 5-2 winner would not be denied and rallied to get his head in front right on the line. Fitzgerald dismounted almost immediately after passing the post, apparently concerned that his mount had finished lame. Winning trainer Nicky Henderson said: 'Mick thought he went lame at the second-last. He`s sound walking now, it`s just fingers crossed. 'What a brave horse to go and do that, let`s just hope he`s okay.' Go Ballistic`s rider Johnson said: 'He`s run a super race, he went right to the line but the winner just pipped me. He deserves as much praise as the winner.'The Doumens had better lucky earlier as Baracouda justified favouritism in the Bonusprint Distance Championship Hurdle. The 6-4 chance had little trouble taking care of his 10 rivals in the race created as a replacement for the Stayers` Hurdle at the abandoned Cheltenham Festival. Jockey Thierry Doumen, the son of the trainer, was content to sit in behind for much of the journey. But Baracouda moved through smoothly on the bridle to lead before the last and despite idling on the run-in was three lengths too good for Carlovent. 'What a good way to celebrate my 22nd birthday - I was always quite confident,' the rider said. His father added: 'I`m delighted to have trained another winner for JP McManus. 'I am confident this horse will make a good chaser in time but he`s a nice hurdler and I hope he remains like this for the time being.' Ikrenel Royal emerged as the latest star recruit from France when securing victory on his British debut. The well-backed 3-1 chance moved to the front two out in the Daily Telegraph Novices` Chase and from that point was always going to win. Exit To Wave looked booked for second spot but unshipped Richard Johnson after the last, leaving Crocadee to finish runner-up.
