All-Weather Bonus - February Update

Al Najashi, Beauzon and Wicksey share February bonus

February’s AW Bonus competition produced a three-way tie for first place, with Al Najashi, Beauzon and Wicksey each receiving a cash prize of £23,330.33, while the stable staff associated with the trio share £10,500.

Seven-year-old Beauzon reached maximum points on February 16 thanks to three victories in a week at Wolverhampton and Lingfield Park. Ian Williams’ sprinter is on a roll for the aptly named Beaunus Hunters, having won his final two starts in January as well.

Al Najashi equalled Beauzon’s tally three days later following wins at Lingfield Park, Wolverhampton and Newcastle. Trained by Ollie Sangster for owner-breeder Ziad Al Galadari, the three-year-old climbed 26lb in the handicap to a mark of 85.

Five horses had the opportunity to draw level across the final week, although the Ben Haslam-trained Wicksey was the only contender to capitalise. Following two successes at Newcastle, the three-year-old scored at Southwell to continue an excellent season for Middleham Park Racing.

Tim Palin of Middleham Park Racing said: “Ben has done a fantastic job with Wicksey, although the improvement he has shown since stepping up in trip has pleasantly surprised us, hence why he was a 20/1 outsider for his first win in February.

“I would love to say it was a brilliantly executed plan but, to be honest, we arrived at the bonus almost by accident. Following his first win, we had him entered under a penalty, so it made sense to go there, and then after that we noticed there was a suitable race at Southwell. It all just fell into place thanks to brilliant work from Ben and his team.

“The All-Weather Bonus is a massive fillip for the industry during the winter months and adds another layer of excitement for owners and staff. Watching Southwell on Saturday afternoon was nerve-racking because you had four other horses trying to equal us with three wins, so the whole team was avidly tuned in. I would not like to share what we were thinking during the races!”