Certain Lad returns to winning ways at York
A terrific win for a consistent campaigner at York saw Chris Hirst’s CERTAIN LAD record his first win since 2020. As a bare fact that may seem a paltry return but when taking into account his rise to a rating of 112, it’s understandable that it has taken his time to get back to winning ways.
He’s been mixing it in the higher echelons but on Saturday, having come down to a mark of 100, George Bass positioned the seven year old just off the pace before heading for home two furlongs for home.
Always consistent and always willing, CERTAIN LAD responded with tremendous tenacity to stay on well in the closing stages to recall a two length victory ahead of La Yakel, with Killybegs Warrior three quarters of a length further in arrears.
Jack was delighted to see an admiral campaigner back in the winner’s enclosure.
“He was due that because he’s been running so well in defeat of late and it was only a matter of time really.
“He goes very well at York and always gives you everything. He’s come down in the weights and probably paid the price for his consistency because we had to wait for a bit of leniency from the handicapper.
“George gave him a great ride and the old boy did the rest.”