Bumpy ride turns to winning formula

Bumpy Evans, who found his racing legs in the point-to-point field and then topped a sale at Doncaster, makes his debut for his new trainer this afternoon.

The seven-year-old carries the colours of Will Roseff when running in a handicap chase at Worcester (3.40) from the stables of Kerry Lee. She purchased him at Goffs UK’s Summer Sale where he headed trade when selling for £60,000.

That was another step in a tale of rejuvenation for the gelding, who was beaten out of sight in three hurdle races as a four-year-old. He then joined South Wales trainer Tim Vaughan, who elected to run him in point-to-points as a mount for his son Ed, who at 16 was about to make his debut in the sport. Ed and Bumpy Evans (no.3 pale blue colours) are pictured above.

Even then it took Bumpy Evans a while to find his stride, for he fell in his first two point-to-points before finishing second in a maiden race at High Easter. He then won under Vaughan Jnr at Godstone in Surrey and Cherrybrook in Devon.

Given a summer break he reappeared in handicap chases while still in Vaughan’s yard, and from January to July this year won four times and was placed second from five starts. The transformation was complete, and went one stage further when he proved popular at the sales.

Richard Patrick takes the ride this afternoon when Bumpy Evans faces six rivals.