OXFORD owners and trainers are celebrating a fantastic double with Jolly Poacher and Spen-cers Lad landing the Swindon Arc and Fair-view Kennels Trafalgar Cup in great style.
First to strike was Witney-based owner Shane Lee and co-owner Mel Shorter as the popular Jolly Poacher (5-1) blew away his rivals in the £7,500 Swindon Arc over 550m at Swindon on Wednesday.
Now with Oxford trainer Nick Colton, who holds a dual attachment with Swindon, Poacher romped to his 20th victory from 46 races.
Poacher, who has the unique record of landing the three main Oxford open races in 2009 and indeed remains unbeaten in eight starts at Cowley, got off to his customary flying start.
It gave his rivals little chance as he came home by three-quarters of a length from Glenard Sunrise in 28.50secs.
Market leader and Oaks victor Freedom Emma (9-4) was never at the races for Oxford trainer Richard Yeates after a poor start and crowding at the first and third bends.
Thursday proved a great night for the connections of Spencers Lad at Oxford.
Trainer Angie Kibble had the brindle dog at concert pitch as the 5-1 shot showed lightning pace from the traps to upset his more fancied rivals.
Briefly headed in the run to the first bend, he displayed good track craft to cut inside and make the best of his way home to collect the £1,000 booty.
Spencers Lad had two and a half lengths to spare over the fancied Zodiac Zeus, while the 6-4 favourite Droopys Tsonga ran on well after trouble at bends one and three to take third.
The winning connections were delighted as joint owners Michelle Holifield and Geoff Jackson, along with several family members, including young Spencer Holifield, who the dog is named after, celebrated with Kibble.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here