Sweet night for Choc-aholics at Fontwell

Thornton, a regular winner at the track, was celebrating back-to-back victories for trainer David Bridgwater as a biggish crowd braved gloomy weather to see Fontwell’s last card before its two-month summer break.

First up was his six-length success on 2/1 favourite Double Chocolate in the Darren Crabb Wealth Management Supporting Dizzy Handicap Chase, which he followed 35 minutes later with a win on 11/2 shot Dirty Bertie in the Join 888sport, Get £88 Freebets Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

Thornton was the second jockey of the night to notch a double after Marc Goldstein kicked off the action with back-to-back wins of his own.

Goldstein guided Venetian Lad (7/2) to an easy triumph in the [email protected] Handicap Chase and followed up with Ray Diamond, who went off at 14/1 in the Platinum Lace Gentlemen’s Club - Brighton Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Those victories were both for local trainers - Chichester’s Lydia Knight and Denmead’s Michael Madgwick.

There was a familiar tale of Fontwell success for another Sussex handler Gary Moore, whose son Joshua rode Lajidaal to an 11/2 victory in the 1/4 Final Bets With 888sport Mobile Handicap Chase.

Presenting Paddy (4/1) took the Hardings Catering Novices’ Hurdle under Jack Doyle, while the last - the 888casino Free Spins To Win £1M Handicap Hurdle - saw a thrilling finish in which 5/1 contender Romney Marsh, ridden by Dave Crosse, edged out 3/1 favourite Marju King by three-quarters of a length.

Sadly there were no wins on this occasion for this website’s tips.

Fontwell’s next racing is Ladies’ Evening on Thursday, August 16.

STEVE BONE