It’s been very pleasing to see Sergeant Fury run so well under Paul O’Brien this summer – not many land a hat-trick.  The pair started with an impressive 9L Maiden Hurdle win at Huntingdon where ‘Sarge’ saved his best jumping for the last three flights. Harry Derham then took aim at a Stratford Novice where Sergeant Fury carried a ‘winners penalty’ which is never easy.  Paul bounced ‘Sarge’ out the gate, skillfully managed to get an uncontested lead and then quickened away from the closing pack turning for home. Jumping fluently in the latter stages the victory never looked in doubt. 

 

Typically well placed by Harry we then headed to Newton Abbot where ‘Sarge’ faced just one rival in a handicap. Once again Paul set his own gallop and controlled the race beautifully from the front in winning by three lengths.  After a 32 day break ‘Sarge’ found himself back at Newton Abbot and again covered himself in glory with a fine 2nd in a really competitive race.  

Despite having plenty of racing ‘Sarge’ remained in great form at home so Harry took him to Ludlow on October 8th for a 2m Conditional Jockeys Handicap under Jack Hogan. He again ran a very solid race (2nd beaten 6L) but was always flat out on this sharp track which in turn had a negative impact on his jumping.  A couple of early mistakes and a nasty slip on the paddock turn didn’t help his cause.  Positively there could be another race in him this autumn, there is no rain in the forecast for the next 14 days.