SPRING ROMANCE, bounced right back to form yesterday at Nottingham with a battling 25/1 success by a neck, although he had to survive a lengthy Stewards Enquiry.
Solario Racing’s flagship bearer last year with four wins from seven races, ran well on his reappearance at Lingfield when fourth before disappointing in two subsequent runs at Chelmsford and Salisbury.
Dean Ivory and the team, gave him plenty of time to come to himself and indeed it was eight weeks since his last race. Despite his big (and some might say, rather insulting price!) there was quiet confidence among connections that he would run a big race despite him being one of the rank outsiders.
Twelve went to post and the going was Good To Soft, which was going to be an unknown for “Spring” or Neville, as he is affectionately known by his lass, Alex Humphries. Another unknown for the horse was jockey, Joey Haynes who was riding him for the first time in public but he did get the leg up at home the day before and reported him to be in fine shape. Solario Racing had no doubts about Joey’s ability as he rode Dancinginthewoods to a 50/1 victory at HQ last month
Spring Romance jumped from the stalls well and went straight into the lead. Headed by Zumurud at the two furlong pole, the stable runner showed great battling qualities to get his head back in front a furlong out. He did drift right a little, carrying the eventual runner-up off a true line but there was no contact and at the line there was a neck between them with the running-on Zeyzoun, a further neck back in third.
The stewards deliberated for what seemed an age but the placings remained unaltered and a huge roar went up from Solario Racing (Berkhamsted) as the result was confirmed.
It was great to see “Neville” back to his old self…and back in The Winners Enclosure!
