Matt Batchelor was only third choice for the mount on Super Nomad but he gave the Mick Easterby-trained gelding a splendid ride to take the Selby Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Doncaster today.
Super Nomad was sent into the lead from the outset, but it looked all over for him when Barrelbio headed him on the run-in. However, Batchelor rallied the five-year-old in good style to get up close home and win by a neck.
Batchelor was having his first ride for Easterby whose assistant Dilys Sigsworth explained: 'Jim Crowley was initially booked but then got injured so Alan Dempsey was going to ride but he was claimed by Mary Reveley so we got Mattie.'
Easterby added: 'He gave the horse a good ride and I'm delighted for the three owners, Barry Hooper, Brian Hutchinson, who is the newest owner to the yard, and Tol Hughes who is the oldest.'
Tom Siddall was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary 'for observation' after a fall on Michael Finnegan.
