Cameron is Just the ticket as Hammond seeks Sandown joy

MICKY Hammond is thinking of bringing stable star Just Cameron back in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 5.
Just Cameron ridden by Joe Colliver.Just Cameron ridden by Joe Colliver.
Just Cameron ridden by Joe Colliver.

The eight-year-old made incredible progress last season and ended the term competing at the highest level.

He got to within three lengths of Arkle winner Un De Sceaux at Punchestown, closer than any other horse managed all season, and has helped to launch the career of Sheffield-born rider Joe Colliver.

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However, the Tingle Creek could be one of the races of the season – possible opponents include former Champion Chase winners Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy as well as the former Arkle winner Simonsig who is on the comeback trail.

“I’m thinking it could possibly be the Tingle Creek where we run him first,” said Middleham-based Hammond.

“There’s such good prize-money available in those Graded two-mile chases and you are almost guaranteed a small field.

“In all honesty, there isn’t much choice for a horse like him.

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“I was thrilled with him at Punchestown, nothing got as close to Un De Sceaux all year and his jumping was excellent.

“He’s summered great, showed at Punchestown that he can handle better ground, but we also know he’s very useful when the mud is flying.

“He’s certainly an exciting prospect.”

Malton jockey Dale Swift has been suspended for six months by the British Horseracing Authority after he failed a drugs test.

Swift produced a “sample irregularity” and was stood down indefinitely by the BHA during the meeting at Nottingham on September 30.

The Flat rider’s suspension will run until March 29, 2016.

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Swift won the 2011 Ebor at York aboard the Brian Ellison-trained Moyenne Corniche and also claimed the 2013 Superior Mile in 2013 with Top Notch Tonto for the same handler.

Tom Scudamore has been cleared to resume riding after suffering a twisted knee in a fall at Huntingdon last month. His exciting book of rides at Cheltenham’s three-day Open meeting, which begins today, is headed by Kings Palace in tomorrow’s feature Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Cheltenham Gold Cup third Road To Riches made a winning comeback at Clonmel yesterday for trainer Noel Meade and jockey Bryan Cooper.