Mercer makes his homework pay off
KEITH Mercer made the five-hour drive to Somerset from Richmond and steered Brian Ellison's Cheltenham Festival hope Bothy to success in division one of the Thurlbear Novices' Hurdle at Taunton.
Malton-based Ellison sent the even-money favourite on the long journey south to gain experience ahead of the Fred Winter at the Festival and he obliged on the even-money favourite.
Mercer walked the track ahead of his maiden ride at the course and his homework paid off.
"I set off at 5.30am – I wanted to be here early to walk the track. He is a nice horse and is certainly nicer than he looked as he had plenty in the locker."