Business As Usual for Moore and Beadman
After a month of 'riding freelance' for opposition stables, it was back to Business As Usual for Darren Beadman, as he partnered a horse of that name to a long-awaited victory for John Moore.
Beadman is the retained stable rider for the reigning champion trainer, but has spread his talents, filling in for the suspended Douglas Whyte on John Size-trained runners and grabbing three wins.
He hadn't ridden a winner for Moore since Captain Sweet saluted on international day. Adding to the tension have been occasions when Beadman has been on stablemates when Moore has prepared the winner. But this time the old firm was back in force as Business As Usual ground his way to a gritty half-a-length win in a Class Two.
A private purchase rated on 85 when he arrived, Business As Usual took his time to acclimatise, but broke through with two Happy Valley wins over 1,650m and 1,800m late last season.
This time he showed tenacity on a rain-affected track.
Beadman said the five-year-old had turned into 'a real racehorse' as the experience of racing at Happy Valley had accelerated his development.
'His whole demeanour has changed,' he said. 'He used to work himself up before a race, but with a bit of racing and travelling around to the Valley, it has settled him right down. It just makes them think that little bit more, they're there half a day for the float trip - it does tend to help them mature.
'I think John will just bring him along and find another nice race for him. He was rated 88 before today, so he'll stay in the grade, in another 80-100 staying race. He has shown he can win at both tracks, both of his wins were at the Valley. He has won here now so that is a bonus.'
