Trainer Jedd OKeeffe waselated to watch stable celebrity Sam Spinner make a winning debut over fences in Wetherby.
The seven-year-old enjoyed a huge effort – landing a handicap hurdle at Haydock and the Long Walk before completing fifth when favourite for the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
He was disappointing for much of last year, but proved his ability stays intact when submitting a nice effort to meet with the runner-up place behind celebrity stayer Paisley Park on his own return.
Together with all the Dan Skelton-trained Beakstown the marginal favourite making his first appearance since finishing down the field in the Grand National meeting at Aintree in April, Sam Spinner was a 5-4 shot under associate Joe Colliver.
Despite not persuasive in the jumping section, Beakstown looked set to prevail after regaining the lead rounding the home turn – at which point Sam Spinner had lots to do and apparently has been ridden together in fourth.
The further he went the greater OKeeffes charge looked and he powered clear about the run-in to get a three-length triumph.
OKeeffe was Tattersalls in Newmarket, in where he said:I have not talked to Joe or my helper yet, but my first thought is I am elated.
He took him some time to heat up, but he showed he could do whatever – he got in tight at some fences and created a nice contour in others. Hopefully he has a great prospect of creating the grade.
He finished strongly and we know hes going to be better over a longer trip. I am so pleased he has made a great start and it seems like he is the complete chaser.
Considering future targets, the coach added:I believe we will probably stay up north for the time being.
I think there is another rookie chase for him at Wetherby on November 1, but that might come too soon.
We will get him home and make a program.
Sam Spinner to 16-1 cuts out of 25-1 for your RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival of the next year – and now Colliver is excited about seeing him step up in trip.
We went a great gallop, but that suited him know he needs three miles really, said the jockey.
He got in tight to a couple fences, however it did him the world of good and itll help him learn his job.
It looks like he is going to make it like a chaser and using a little bit of luck he might be better than he had been hurdles.
Thanks to Jedd and also the owners for keeping faith and to Sam Spinner, since you cant do it with no horse.

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