RACING: Longsdon's mixed day (From Witney Gazette)

RACING: Longsdon's mixed day

6:32pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport

Charlie Longsdon saw his 1-6 favourite Spirit Of Shankly turned over at Market Rasen on Sunday – before Little Chip and Topazes Collonges gave him a double at the Lincolnshire track.

Longsdon reported that Spirit Of Shankly had broken a blood vessel after the five-year-old could finish only a six-lengths second to Gee Hi in a novices' hurdle over two miles and a furlong.

However, together with jockey Noel Fehily, he enjoyed better fortune with Little Chip (6-1), who opened his account in a handicap chase over an extended two miles and six furlongs, before Topazes Collonges (7-2) made all the running to land a handicap chase over two miles and two furlongs.

Longsdon said: “I would have exchanged those two winners for Spirit of Shankly winning.

“He has been very difficult to train this season and has had endless feet problems, which I think we have sorted out, but then to bleed and, therefore, get beaten was extremely frustrating.”