Soccer

Farinet finds cruise control to win Sandown contest for Hammond

TV presenter Richard Hammond knows all about speed and the former Top Gear presenter was delighted when Farinet, a horse co-owned by wife Mindy, had too much of it for his opponents at Sandown on Satu

The seven-year-old was sent off as the 5-4 favourite to win the Read Nicky Henderson's Unibet Blog Handicap Chase and did not disappoint, jumping well on the way to a decisive five and a half length win.
In conditions that would doubtless have tractor drivers hopeful of a good pay-day pulling cars out of the quagmire, Hammond looked every bit the part, as the did the Venetia Williams-trained gelding, who added to the Listed chase he won over course and distance last March.
"I love a day like this," said Hammond. "My loyalty is such that I am here to very much support my wife Mindy - she is one of the owners of the horse and I love a day out. It's exciting."
The 52-year-old presenter, mechanic and writer is still wet behind the ears when it comes to horses.
Betting is not a strength, either, but he did admit to backing the 5-4 favourite.
"It did have a bet and it was the first bet that I've ever won!
"We come racing a lot. Generally speaking, I'm scratching my head trying to work out how it all works.
"But on this occasion, I just put it to win on our horse."
"But I love a day out and the atmosphere, and love the intensity of it, and love watching anybody do anything that they are enthusiastic about and they love. That's satisfying."
One thing he has learned about racing?
Back Venetia Williams horses when the deep winter ground arrives.
"Generally, that is a good idea," he added. "I do know that much - and I was concentrating on that."

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