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Lamlash Bay finally pieced it all together at Ripon last night, producing a sharp, front‑running performance in the David Chapman Memorial Handicap over six furlongs. The son of Harry Angel was providing the Mick & David Easterby 50 Club with their second winner of 2026 following Trucial Pearl's victory last month, meaning that both horses have now got their heads in front this year.
After a slightly awkward start after ducking right, Lamlash Bay was immediately sent forward by Lewis Chalkley and never looked back. Despite being pestered early, he travelled with purpose, kicked on when asked over a furlong out, and then asserted inside the final strides, pulling clear to win by a length and three‑quarters.
Lamlash Bay had been unplaced in all four previous starts and arrived with modest form figures. His Doncaster run last month hinted at improvement, but this was a decisive leap, showing both pace and resilience on good ground. Chalkley's positive ride suited him perfectly, and the team's decision to call in Craig Witheford to help with stalls training has paid off.
Brash chased him throughout but couldn't land a blow late on, while Soul Warrior stayed on for third. Lamlash Bay was returned at odds of 9/2 and scored off a mark of 62.
We're all delighted to have provided the winner of the The David Chapman Memorial Handicap, a race named after our late great friend who trained locally and was a master at winning races with his band of sprinters.
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