FORTUNES MELODY SCORES AGAIN THIS SEASON

The late decision to keep Fortunes Melody in training for another season has paid handsome dividends over the past month.

She won nicely over hurdles on her return to action at Uttoxeter on September 13 and finally came good over fences in a valuable EBF Mares’ Novice Chase Worcester on Thursday 6 October.

Fortunes Melody finished second in five of her six starts over fences last season but made no mistake this time with the help of a positive ride by Daryl Jacob who sensibly made the most of her experience and race fitness.

Her purse for a solid round of jumping was a first prize of £13,722 plus a further reward for her connections of £20,000 as it was a GB Bonus race.

At one stage this spring Fortunes Melody was booked in for a mating with the Golden Horn at stud but that plan was shelved after she ran so well when finishing second in the final of the the Challenger Mares’ Novice Championship at Haydock in April. She has been in great heart this autumn after her summer holiday and is likely to be seen next at Uttoxeter on November 12 in a Mares’ Novice Handicap Chase which is also a GBB race.

Photo Credit: Nigel Kirby