New number one for Geri as Halliwell lands winner at Newbury
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell celebrated a different kind of number one on Friday when the horse she owns with her husband and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner won at Newbury Racecourse.
Lift Me Up, named after Halliwell’s 1991 solo chart-topper, was racing under rules for the first time and finished a length clear of Drop Flight to win the final race of the afternoon as part of Newbury’s two day Jumps season finale.
It wasn’t a perfect performance from the seven-year-old, who appeared to jump left at times, but he came on strongly after clearing the last and stormed home in the final 150 yards to win for trainer James King.
“He’s been amazing, he’s really young as well,” Halliwell told BetVictor.
“This is his first race under rules, so we are just delighted.
“He is such a beautiful personality as a horse, he’s like a gentle giant and we’re so proud.”
Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson celebrated a triple on Friday thanks to wins from The Carpenter, Russian Ruler and On The Blind Side.
The Carpenter set off as 15/8 favourite and always looked to be in control as he won for the second time in two months following a 23 month absence while Russian Ruler finished four lengths clear of Lucy Wadham's Arqoob despite a mistake at the last.
The standout performer was On The Blind Side who set off as a 50/1 outsider but made most of the running and held on to finish a neck clear of Anthony Honeyball's Kilbeg King.
Joe Tizzard's Ilovethenightlife won the feature Grade 2 National Hunt Mares' Novices Hurdle on Saturday, finishing two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Mel Rowley's Blue Beach.
The Flat season begins on April 21.