Watcha Matey Storms to Victory in Ripon Rowels Handicap as Mulrennan Shines

Watcha Matey returned to winning form with a commanding performance in the Ripon Rowels Handicap, giving Hugo Palmer and jockey Paul Mulrennan a standout win at the North Yorkshire track. The three-year-old, who had started the season with back-to-back victories at Newmarket and Musselburgh, showed his class after a few challenging outings at higher levels.

Watcha Matey had performed creditably in the ultra-competitive Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot and at Newmarket’s July meeting but struggled with the step up to 10 furlongs at Goodwood. Back over his preferred mile and in a slightly easier grade, the 7-2 shot looked right at home as he swept to a comfortable two-and-a-half-length victory over Barley.

Mulrennan, who guided Watcha Matey to success earlier in the season, praised the horse’s adaptability and balance: “I won on him at Musselburgh, and he ran a cracking race in the Britannia, which is always tough. He probably just didn’t stay the 10 furlongs at Goodwood.”

He added, “Coming back to a mile on a track like this suited him perfectly. For a big horse, he’s very well balanced, and once he got into a rhythm, he was never in doubt. He handled the undulations beautifully and showed his class even off a career-high mark.”

Mulrennan’s successful day continued as he secured a double aboard High Opinion, who dominated the Theakston’s Beer Festival Handicap. The 9-2 chance cruised to victory, making the most of his jockey’s local knowledge and adding another win to his record.

In other races on the card, Sir Edward Lear made a memorable debut in the Harrogate Theatre Panto Tickets Now On-Sale Restricted Maiden. Under the guidance of Sean Dylan Bowen, the 5-4 favorite displayed maturity beyond his years, threading through a gap on the rail to pull clear by two and a half lengths.

Trainer James Owen was delighted with the performance: “This was a lovely introduction for him. Ripon’s undulations can be tricky for a first-timer, but Sean gave him a great ride. We’ve been patient with him, and it’s paid off. He’s a horse for the future, so we’ll keep taking our time with him.”

Meanwhile, Huscal, the 5-6 favorite, lived up to expectations in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes, though it wasn’t without drama. The Charlie Hills-trained juvenile showed signs of inexperience, getting worked up in the paddock and racing greenly during the contest. However, James Doyle’s skill in the saddle saw Huscal overcome his wayward tendencies, pulling away late on to win by a length and three-quarters.

Doyle acknowledged the colt’s raw talent: “He ran well at Goodwood in a tougher race, and today was another learning curve for him. Ripon can be tricky for inexperienced horses, but he handled it well enough despite hitting a few ridges. He’s still learning, but there’s plenty more to come from him.”

Overall, it was a day of impressive performances, with horses showing promise for the future across the Ripon card.