Alfred Wincham wins the November Handicap

Alfred Wincham followed up his York success in the November Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday, winning by a length from Too Soon despite a 13lb rise. Patrick Neville’s four-year-old was ridden by Oisin Orr and started 3-1 joint-favourite in a field of 23 for the final major handicap of the British turf Flat season.

Orr secured a position close to the pace from stall ten and brought Alfred Wincham into contention on the far side. The gelding went clear before the closers could reach him. Too Soon, ridden by Toby Moore, made ground to finish second, with Real Dream third and Solarize fourth. Nobody Knows, the other joint-favourite, finished fifth.

Alfred Wincham ran from a mark of 94 after his win over nearly a mile and three-quarters at York in October. He had already finished second over the November Handicap course and distance in September, so the return to a mile and a half was familiar ground. Doncaster was his third win from five appearances on the Flat.

The Dubawi gelding began his career in a Down Royal bumper for Anthony McCann in May, winning on his only start for the yard. He was subsequently bought for £80,000 at the Goffs Horses in Training Sale and joined Neville with hurdling in mind. His work at home prompted a change of plan, and he won on his Flat debut at Pontefract in June. Wins at York and Doncaster in the autumn have since established him as a progressive handicapper on the level.