Perfect start for Hills
by S.G.R.BRacing News: Charlie Hills had a dream debut to his training role when his opening runner Blaise Chorus won at Kempton.
After his dad Barry signed off on his last day as a handler with One Lucky Lady at Bath on Saturday, the changeover of the reins at Faringdon Place could hardly have gone any better.
Just to make it a complete family concern, Blaise Chorus was piloted by Charlie’s sibling Michael.
She had failed to triumph in any of her previous few starts, but had finished second in the Cheshire Oaks and run in the Investec Oaks at Epsom.
However , the reduction in class for the 32 For Slots Maiden Fillies ‘ Stakes worked the oracle. Sent off the 11-4 market choice, she made all of the running and, after besting her only real challenger Ecossaise, got home by five lengths from Sweet Lavender, who got up for 2nd place by a neck.
“That was great. The best way to start,” claimed the new handler. “Michael gave her a fabulous ride. She's got masses of toe. She travelled well and has done it well. I was happy with her. “.
There are likely to be further horse races won by both Blaise Chorus and Charlie Hills. The horse was rated ninety when winning at Kempton, and is probably going to rise at least eight pounds for such an unambiguous verdict. However, this being a non-turf race, her grass mark is unlikely to be changed, suggesting she may have chances when changing back to that surface.
For Charlie, the future is exciting. He has the tutelage of his dad in the ‘board room’, the jockeyship of his brothers, Michael and Richard, on the horses, and the patronage of many of the world’s leading owners in his barn. With a team like that supporting him, he must be licking his lips in expectancy at what is to follow. Lucky chap!
Matt Bisogno is a big horse racing fan and he and his team write every day on Irish racing and more general horse racing news.