Reveley makes Right choice on Town Moor

JAMES REVELEY is emerging as the North’s most improved jockey because of his fine horsemanship and judge of pace – two characteristics that were to the fore as he won the Coral Grimthorpe Chase on Always Right.

Backed into 9-2 favouritism in the Doncaster feature, the John Wade-trained former point-to-pointer is Scottish National-bound after this eye-catching win.

Biding his time, Reveley managed to dodge the melee when Presenting Forever crashed out at the fifth last. While the jockey admits that it left him in front too soon, Reveley used his strength to hold off the late challenge of Lothian Falcon – with Character Building, John Quinn’s Grand National prospect, an encouraging third.

“James gave him such a super ride,” said County Durham-based Wade. “We’ve always thought he was decent, but this was a big ask with his lack of experience.

“We’ll have a look at the Scottish National but the ground might be too fast for him by then. We were a bit worried bringing him to Doncaster but the rain in the morning helped. James is the perfect jockey for him because he needs someone who can sit quietly.”

Reveley, who primarily rides for his Saltburn-based father, continues to mature as a result of his summer riding stints in France with Guillaume Macaire.

A tall rider, his style meant that he did not look out of place on Ferdy Murphy’s small mare I’m Delilah, who was only denied by Malton trainer Brian Ellison’s Elite Land in the finale.

“Always Right feels like a nice horse,” observed Reveley. “He’s a very nice horse to look forward to.”

On a day where Doncaster’s 6,500-strong crowd – 20 per cent up on last year – showed, again, that Yorkshire racegoers will support high quality racing, Alan King’s Montbazon looks an exciting prospect after his win in the £50,000 DBS Spring Sales Bumper.