King extends lead in William Hill Each Way Challenge Series Daniel King extended his lead in the jockeys’ section of the series as Mount Frisco readily justified favouritism in the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. The John Ryan-trained gelding was following up a recent win over fences at Gowran and was supported from as big as 3/1 this morning to go off the 10/11 favourite. The son of Kalanisi was travelling well when left clear after Is Charlie Around fell two out and King’s mount kept on strongly to beat Political Stance by 20 lengths. There was a yawning gap of 53 lengths back to Free Flowing in third as just four of the eight runners completed the two-mile event. King is over 30 points clear of Tiernan Power Roche in the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series, while Philip Rothwell still holds a commanding lead in the trainers’ section. Ryan said, “I thought we had Courtney's horse (Is Charlie Around) well stuffed at the second-last, and Dan said he hadn't moved on him. He said he thought he'd have won anyway. He stays and I'd say he needs three miles, and every yard of it. "We nearly lost him in Listowel (in September 2024) and he was on three legs for six months afterwards. He is back to himself now, though, and will go for a Listed chase at Gowran next month, in which he finished second in 2024. He'll take beating in that race as he loves the heavy ground, but he also goes on good ground. "He is a huge horse. His dam is a half-sister to Commanche Court and I love those Kalanisis." Quotes by Tom Weekes
