Ulundi for Galway after Sandown win

Paul Webber scooped the biggest Flat success of his training career when Ulundi held the late thrust of Thundering Surf to land the Stg#100,000 Tote Exacta Handicap at Sandown today.

Ulundi has proved a real money-spinner for Webber since - on the advice of Maxine Cowdrey - the gelding was switched by owner David Heath to Webber from his previous trainer Lady Herries.

Connections reasoned that the six-year-old would benefit from a location on its own, well away from other yards, and Webber`s Banbury base fitted the bill perfectly. Since then, Ulundi has triumphed in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr as well as a valuable handicap at Goodwood.

In today`s mile-and-a-quarter contest, Richard Hughes gave the 10-1 chance a peach of a ride to lay down a challenge to Riberac well over two furlongs out and then, having shaken off that rival, hold Thundering Surf in a driving finish.

Hopes are high in the Webber camp that Ulundi can make an impact against the cream of the hurdling crop next season and owner Heath is clutching vouchers at fancy prices for next year`s Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

More immediately Ulundi is to be sent to Ireland for the #110,000 Galway Hurdle and looking ahead to that race on August 2nd, Webber enthused: 'Providing he has quick conditions there he`s got to go well and of course we`ll be hoping beyond hope that we also get fast ground at the Festival next March.'