Caerwent trainer Chris Mason (photographed) came close to success at Ascot on Friday, but had already got off the mark for 2026, when Solar Edge did the business at Bath last week.
Mason does not have a huge string of horses but has enjoyed a productive time of things in the last two seasons. He had 14 winners in 2024 and 12 last term but had yet to strike this year.
However, in Solar Edge he has a likeable and consistent gelding, who had won three times prior to appearing in a 5f handicap at Bath. Ridden by Gina Mangan, the four-year-old was sent straight into the lead but needed encouragement in the final furlong when challengers arrived. To his credit, he kept on pleasingly to win by a nose.
Things could have become even better for Mason had All Ways Glamorous followed suit at Ascot. He was a good second at that venue in September and lined up with a decent chance under Mangan. Blessed with a good draw, All Ways Glamorous pressed the leaders and, despite hanging right, led with a furlong to go.
However, he could not sustain that effort late on and was collared by Far Above The Law and Emperor Spirit. There was little wrong with that third, though, and Mason can be optimistic about the son of Cable Bay collecting a good pot at some point over the next few months.
As well as racing last Monday, Bath also staged a fixture on Wednesday, when Moe’s Legacy went close for Ron Harris, who trains near Chepstow in Earlswood.
His other three runners on the card did not fare so well, but his daughter Grace was smiling thanks to Oasis Sunrise. A useful filly, Oasis Sunrise was partnered by Rossa Ryan in a mile handicap, for which she started the 2-1 favourite.
Ryan had her well placed near the pace early on, although the pair were short of room two furlongs out. That was only a minor bump in the road as the four-year-old was able to power away once clear and record a cosy four-and-a-quarter length success.
There is no racing at Chepstow until May 21, when the track opens its doors for the 2026 flat season, but Ffos Las is in action on Tuesday (May 5th), hosting a six-race card that starts at 2.48pm.
Gates open at 12.45pm and the meeting marks the achievements of the Bowen family, who had a fine time of things last season.
Sean was crowned champion jockey for the second time, while youngest brother James reached the 100-winner mark for the first time.
Their other sibling Mickey, who took over training duties from their father Peter 12 months ago, sent out 51 winners and all three are represented on the bill, while the Grace Harris-trained Lion Of The Desert should go well in the handicap hurdle at
4.48pm.
Robert Stephens, another local Chepstow trainer, could also be celebrating as he runs Uncle Remus in the opening race.
