THE West Wilts Hockey Lads syndicate are hoping that they’ve hit the target once again after their second horse tasted victory on its debut in their colours last week.

The 12-strong group, made up of veterans from the Warminster-based club, teamed up with Staverton trainer and former West Wilts player Michael Blake to snap up seven-year-old mare Basle in 2012, who romped home to win the Stay At The Marriott Hotel Lingfield Park Handicap over seven furlongs in her first run in December that year.

The group parted company with Basle last summer before trainer Blake picked out Able Dash at Newmarket sales in October, with the syndicate securing the four-year-old gelding for 4000 guineas (£4,200).

And after jockey Richard Kingscote rode the 11-1 sixth-favourite to victory in the one mile and four furlongs BetVictor.com NonRunner Free Bet at Cheltenham Handicap at Kempton last Thursday, the West Wilts Lads are hoping that they’re on to another winner.

“After an amazing start, Basle started to not do so well, so we decided to keep hold of our gains and sell her on,” said syndicate member Rob Robson.

“Michael went to Newmarket sales and liked the look of this horse that had been sold for £100,000 as a three-year-old – I guess that just shows that some of the rich owners and trainers sometimes don’t have any patience.

“Michael had to pretty much teach him how to run again but we went to Kempton last week pretty hopeful.

“We all went over there and a few of us had a little bit of cash on him at decent odds.

“To see another horse win their first race with us was amazing and we’re all extremely lucky.

“It was also great for Richard Kingscote because he rode three winners on the same day.

“It does make you wonder if the previous trainer did a bad job or if Michael just trained the horse so well. It’s probably the latter.

“It’s great to have a laugh with some mates, with very little outlay, and we’d love to get more members involved.

“Hopefully our good luck carries on and we’re in for an interesting year.”

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