Brave Vickers Firing Again on 100-1 Shocker

Lee Vickers, who suffered a severe back injury in a fall at Southwell in July 2006, rode his first winner since returning to action in October when Anchors Away took a handicap hurdle at Catterick yesterday. While many punters will have appreciated the jockey's bravery and resilience, however, the gelding's starting price of 100-1 suggests few expected the same from his horse.

Bafana Boy was odds-on to win the race, but he had no answer to the winner's stamina in the final furlong and went down by three lengths. The few punters who did back Anchors Away appear to have done so on the Tote, since he paid a relatively meager 41-1 for the win. On Betfair, however, where SP betting was launched last week, Alan Brown's runner was returned at 179-1.

"It has been a long time out, but I never thought of giving up," Vickers said. "I came back on October 19 and have had about 30 rides since, so it is great to ride a winner. It is nice to be back in the routine of racing again."

Brown said afterwards that the victory was far from unexpected. "I really fancied Anchors Away," he said. "We bought him out of Tim Easterby's stable on the recommendation of his father Peter and I am glad that I took his advice."

Folkestone's meeting yesterday succumbed to the frost, while today's card at Bangor is subject to a 7am inspection.

Ron Cox's tip of the day

Flintoff 2.25 Bangor

Blinkers proved the making of this six-year-old last season, sharpening him up to win two races over fences in fine style. Flintoff found things too tough in the Agfa Diamond Chase at Sandown on his final start, but he was racing off a mark of 135 and, reappearing 15lb lower over hurdles here, he looks well in. His trainer, Venetia Williams, is a past master at exploiting such opportunities.