Menzies records landmark winner at Musselburgh

Up-and-coming trainer breaks £1million barrier.

County Durham-based trainer Rebecca Menzies broke the the £1million barrier in prize-money earned during her fledgling career when Tabou Beach Boy won at Musselburgh on Friday.

Sent off a 10-1 chance on just his second outing for the yard since being bought out of Oliver Greenall’s stable, the winner got the better of Titus Bolt to score by three and a quarter lengths.

Menzies, 30, who learned her trade with the late Ferdy Murphy before striking out on her own in 2013, holds a dual licence but has trained more of her winners over jumps.

“It was nice such an important winner came in John Wade’s colours, as he’s our landlord and he’s shown faith,” said Menzies.

“When we started out I’d never have thought I’d get anywhere near £1million, but it’s important.”

Micky Hammond was singing the praises after Emma Smith-Chaston rode the 10th winner of her career from just 56 rides on High Noon (11-2) in the Betway Novices’ Handicap Chase.

“Emma’s doing well, we’re pleased with the progress she’s making, she works hard and she’s getting results, which is terrific,” said Hammond.

“We’re fortunate as we’ve got Becky Smith, who claims three, Billy Garrity, who claims five, Emma is claiming seven and Adrain McDonald, who has ridden a winner, claims 10 – as well as Alain Clawley and Joe Colliver backing them up.

“They all work hard and get their chances.”

He added: “High Noon has an entry at Sedgefield next Friday, I think, so we’ll have a good look at that.”

Lucinda Russell was in double form, with Order Of Thistle justifying 9-4 favouritism in the Betway Maiden Hurdle, and Blooriedotcom (3-1 joint-favourite) landing the second division of Tabou Beach Boy’s race.

Brian Hughes teamed up with Nicky Richards to win the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Hurdle on Petite Ganache (7-2), while Richards also took the closing bumper with the Ryan Day-ridden Elios D’Or (12-1).

Keith Dalgleish’s I’m To Blame (5-6 favourite) was made to work hard to land the odds by Mahlervous in the Betway Beginners’ Chase.

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