Tag Archive for: Doncaster

No fairytale farewell as Jimmy Quinn bows out

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Jimmy Quinn brought the curtain down on his long career at Doncaster on Saturday.

The 57-year-old announced his intention to retire earlier in the year but was persuaded to continue until the end of the season by fellow weighing room veteran John Egan.

Many thought Quinn may call it a day after recording his first winner of the season at Yarmouth last month but he stuck to his original plan.

The rider of well over 1,000 winners, with one of those coming in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes on Kingsgate Native in 2007, he made his name as a lightweight jockey and won several major handicaps.

Jimmy Quinn's weighing room colleagues helped him celebrate
Jimmy Quinn’s weighing room colleagues helped him celebrate (Nick Robson/PA)

He claimed the John Smith’s Cup on Sir Henry Cecil’s Porto Foricos in 1998, the Lincoln on both High Low for William Haggas (1992) and the Mark Tompkins-trained Smokey Oakey (2008), while he also rode several big-race winners in Germany.

His most successful season was in 2002 when he rode over 100 winners.

“This is definitely the last day. I made a decision and I’m sticking to it. I’ve totally enjoyed it the whole way, there’s been a few hiccups here and there but on the whole I’ve had a great career and I’m very pleased with it,” said Quinn.

“There was no real temptation to quit at Yarmouth the other week. I did say to a few of the lads if I won I’d call it quits, but more fool them for believing me!

“To end it at Doncaster, where I had my first ever ride here almost 40 years ago, it’s nice to finish here as I’ve also had success here, winning two Lincolns. I won at the first ever Sunday meeting here and I also won a Portland – although it was at York, it’s still Doncaster’s race.”

William Buick (right) and James Doyle (left) were among those to pose with Jimmy Quinn
William Buick (right) and James Doyle (left) were among those to pose with Jimmy Quinn (Nick Robson/PA)

He went on: “The Nunthorpe has to be my favourite memory. I’ve won a couple of Chester Cups, all those big handicaps are special for lightweight riders, they are like our Group races, as we don’t get to ride in many.

“I rode for Michael Jarvis, Henry Cecil, Luca Cumani, William Jarvis – I rode for some lovely people. Going right back to the start, Hugh Collingridge was great for me, Paul and Jo Howling, Jack Banks, Jeff Pearce – they were all very loyal to me, as was Julie Cecil.

“I went to Newmarket when I first came over with Richard Fahey, he went north jumping and I never really left. I had stints away in Germany, Hong Kong and Bahrain and I had some success, so it’s all very good.

“People ask me if I would change anything and I wouldn’t.”

Kevin Ryan provided Quinn with his final mount, Dark Moon Rising in the November Handicap – who finished down the field in 21st.

Ryan said: “He’s actually tortured me for a month now! Just like a boxer, I had to give in. I’ve known Jimmy for a long time and he’s had a great career. He’s collared me at the sales about giving him a ride in this for a long time. I’ve known Jimmy a long time, he’s a great bloke.”



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Lord Melbourne caps excellent campaign for Beckett

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Ralph Beckett ended what has been a memorable season in terrific fashion by saddling Lord Melbourne to win the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster.

Beckett won the 2005 renewal with Come On Jonny when it was one of the highlights of his year but such has been his success this term, the trophy will be struggling for space on the mantlepiece.

He began the campaign with a gap to fill as Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Westover had been retired to stud, but winning a couple of Classic trials in May and the Middleton Stakes with Bluestocking signalled what was to come.

Bluestocking went on to win the Pretty Polly in Ireland before landing the Prix Vermeille and the Arc, while You Got To Me claimed the Irish Oaks and Starlust was on target in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Jack Doughty and Lord Melbourne return
Jack Doughty and Lord Melbourne return (Nick Robson/PA)

Having had over 40 juvenile winners too, next season looks bright, just as it does for the winning jockey Jack Doughty, who may have come up short in the apprentice title race but advertised his talents once again with a nerveless ride.

Sent off at 14-1, Doughty smuggled Lord Melbourne into contention before seeing off Waxing Gibbous and Oneforthegutter by a length and a head.

Beckett also fielded the better-fancied Valvano, who ran on into fifth.

“Jack gave him a lovely ride. He’s a push-button ride, which is why he’s suited (amateur jockeys) Serena Brotherton and Simon Walker this year,” said Beckett.

“He didn’t really travel today but Jack kept him in the hunt and he kept finding.

“I won the race 19 years ago – I haven’t actually won that much more today – but it’s lovely to win it again.

“Valvano was a bit gassy early and didn’t really get the breaks. Hector (Crouch, jockey) thought he’d go close a furlong down but he’s still learning his job. He’ll be a nice horse next year.”

Doughty said: “It’s a great way to end what has been a good season.

“Before the race, Mr Beckett told me he could hit a flat spot but once I got him back on the bridle, he was very game and kept finding.

“That’s the highlight of the season for me, on the last day!”

There was no fairytale ending for Jimmy Quinn, who finished well down the field on Dark Moon Rising on his final ride.



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Estrange bounces back for Gillies glory

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Estrange got her career back on track in no uncertain terms when running out a decisive winner of the Virgin Bet Irish EBF Gillies Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster.

Trained by David O’Meara and owned by Cheveley Park Stud, the striking grey failed to make it to the track until the August of her three-year-old career.

She made a fair impression though, bolting up by five and a half lengths at Goodwood in testing ground.

Turned out again less than three weeks later at Yarmouth in a Listed race, she failed to strike a blow and had not been seen since.

Ridden by James Doyle, Estrange was niggled along with half a mile to go as Diamond Rain moved menacingly into contention on her first run since the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.

When Estrange hit top gear, there was an inevitability about the result and she beat 7-4 favourite Danielle by a length and three-quarters.

Doyle said: “She didn’t do a lot wrong at Yarmouth. The ground was probably quicker than she wants and she ran into a wall of horses two out.

“She’s got the ability to switch off which is key in this deep ground, so I put her to sleep early and was able to ride a race on her.

“I think there’s plenty to come. She stays well and next year she’ll have plenty of options. She’s got a good engine.”

James Doyle returns on Estrange
James Doyle returns on Estrange (Nick Robson/PA)

Matthew Sigsworth of owner Cheveley Park Stud said: “Obviously we’re delighted, she’s always shown a lot of ability but it didn’t really work out for her at Yarmouth.

“We’ve been waiting for this race knowing the ground would be ideal and she’s had plenty of time since Yarmouth.

“She’s still learning and she’ll be a better filly next year when she’ll have plenty of options at home and abroad.”



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Room Service delivers for Ryan at Doncaster

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Kevin Ryan’s Room Service signalled he could be a force to be reckoned with next year when signing out for the season with a win in the Livescore Bet Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster.

The three-year-old landed a valuable sales race on Town Moor last term and Ryan thought enough of him to start his campaign in a Guineas trial.

While he failed to cut much ice in his first two runs in the Greenham and the Carnarvon Stakes, he bounced back to win after a small break at Pontefract, after which he had a wind operation.

He then finished midfield in the Ayr Gold Cup before running a stormer in second at York in a valuable race and stepped back into Listed company, his class shone through.

Ridden confidently by Tom Eaves, he had the whole field covered as he made his run in the middle of the track, and the 100-30 chance held off the late thrust of the rapidly-improving Balmoral Lady by a neck.

“He’s a very talented horse and that’s a great way to finish,” said Ryan.

“There’s a Listed race next week at Newcastle we were looking at but I think he’s crying out for seven furlongs really. I just thought they might go slow and sprint at Newcastle, which is how they tend to be run there, so we came here instead.

“I’ve always thought plenty of him, he started out in a Guineas trial and he’s still got improvement in him.

“We sorted his wind out in the summer and that has made a big difference, I think we can have some proper fun with him next year.

“He’s lightly raced, he’s got a touch of class and he should get further.”



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Valvano backed to show true worth in November Handicap

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Valvano will try to make up for lost time and end his season on a high note in Saturday’s Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster.

Trained by Ralph Beckett, Valvano was a six-length maiden winner last year and finished second to subsequent 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner Notable Speech on his seasonal bow.

A setback then saw him miss a significant part of the campaign, but his two runs since returning in September have resulted in encouraging third-placed finishes behind horses who have gone on to strike at Listed level.

“We thought he was going to be a very good horse at the start of the year, but he’s had an interrupted season,” said Alex Elliott, racing adviser to owners Valmont.

“This is a race we’ve always had in the back of our minds, I think conditions should suit.

“Stretching him out for the trip should suit him, Hector (Crouch, jockey) thought that the last time, so we’re looking forward to it.

“He’s a Night Of Thunder and they seem to appreciate a bit of juice in the ground, so that should help him.

“We thought he was going to be a better horse than his official mark would suggest, so hopefully he can prove that to be true.”

Beckett has a second runner in Lord Melbourne, due to be ridden by 5lb claimer Jack Doughty, while David Menuisier also has two chances, in the shape of Waxing Gibbous and Master Builder.

Minstrel Knight in the winners enclosure at York
Minstrel Knight at York (Molly Hunter/PA)

Ed Bethell is another double-handed with the hat-trick-seeking Minstrel Knight and Chillingham.

Minstrel Knight was five lengths too good for Filibustering over a mile and three-quarters at Haydock in September and franked that form by again beating the Tim Easterby inmate into second in the William Hill Finale Handicap at York last month.

Bethell is expecting a big race from the well-handicapped three-year-old, who is dropping back in trip.

He said: “He’s a progressive horse. He’s done nothing wrong this autumn.

“We gave him a break mid-summer with this autumn campaign in mind. I think he’s very well weighted off a low weight to run a big race.

“Whether dropping back to a mile and a half is the right thing I’m not sure, as he’s looked like an out-and-out stayer in the races he’s won recently at Haydock and York, but he goes there in great nick and I’m really looking forward to running him.

“Ending the season on a high with 23 runners is going to be difficult and he’s got Chillingham in there as well, who is not a walkover.”

Chillingham is likewise back in trip after a smart effort when second to the evergreen Not So Sleepy over an extended one mile and five furlongs at Newbury last time out.

Bethell added: “We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed. He ran a blinder (at Newbury) and he ran well for a very long way in the Ebor.

“He’s been trained for this race and he’s in really good nick. It would be very hard to split the two of them, to be honest, and I wouldn’t want to put my neck on the line to say which one would win, because I think they’ll both go very well, hopefully.

“We’ll see how they get on on Saturday and then take things from there, but I’d imagine they’ll have a winter off and then come back for next year and there are races in France. The staying programme in France is possibly the strongest, so we might look at that next year.”

Gary Moore trains Miller Spirit alongside his son, Josh
Gary Moore trains Miller Spirit alongside his son, Josh (John Walton/PA)

Miller Spirit, meanwhile, is on a four-timer for Gary and Josh Moore, following a successful campaign that has included a notable Epsom ‘Derby’ double in the versions for jumps jockeys and apprentices, although he would prefer softer ground on Town Moor.

Josh Moore said: “He’s done remarkably well, he’s won five races this season from good ground to heavy ground. As his mark’s gone up, it’s mostly gone up when it’s been on the heavy ground. That’s probably why it has gone up so much, but he’s become a consistent horse.

“It’s going to be hard work for him, but he’s in good form. He’s working well, so hopefully he can give a good account of himself.”



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Miller Spirit out to extend winning run at Doncaster

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Josh Moore is hopeful Miller Spirit can give a good account of himself in the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster despite the ground being less than ideal.

The gelded son of Australia won the Jump Jockeys Derby under David Noonan on soft ground at Epsom in September and went on to complete a double in the Apprentices’ Derby in the hands of Alec Voikhansky on heavy going later that same month.

He followed that up, again on heavy ground, by landing a Newbury handicap late last month.

The four-year-old has been kept busy this season and has got his nose in front on five of his nine starts.

While he has won on ground with good in the description, Moore would prefer to run him on a slower surface.

Moore, who jointly holds the training licence with his father Gary, said: “He’s rated 97 and he’s gone up (7lb from the win at Newbury). He’s in great form, so we’d like to think he can run well.

“The negative is that he has enjoyed running on bad ground; he has won on decent surfaces but his best performances are when the ground is bad. It’s soft there but it’s not going to be terrible ground.

“He’s done remarkably well, he’s won five races this season from good ground to heavy ground. As his mark’s gone up, it’s mostly gone up when it’s been on the heavy ground. That’s probably why it has gone up so much but he’s become a consistent horse.

“It’s going to be hard work for him but he’s in good form. He’s working well, so hopefully he can give a good account of himself.”

The Moores are contemplating a campaign over obstacles, as Miller Spirit has shown a talent for jumping when working at home.

Moore added: “We know he jumps well, so we’ll have a talk with the owner to see if we might run him in a novice hurdle, because he does jump well.

“I remember basically he had been frustrating all season long last year, he was obviously just a bit immature and we schooled him thinking maybe we might run him over hurdles.

“And he went and won after we schooled him at Sandown and we thought well maybe we’ll just leave him on the Flat. He’s had a good season this season after jumping, so maybe jumping is what he needs.”

Moore is hopeful that stablemate Kotari can take his place at Town Moor.

The five-year-old has won three times this year but needs three to come out at the declaration stage to earn a place in the maximum 23-runner race.

He will be stepping back up to a mile and a half at Doncaster after running over 10 furlongs last time out at Leicester.

Moore said: “He ran well at Newbury first run back after a break in the Autumn Cup. He didn’t run bad and (jockey) Hector (Crouch) was happy with him at Leicester as well.

“He thought a step back to a mile and a half would be what he needs, so hopefully he gets in and he’s working well, so all being well he gets in the race.

“He’s won on heavy, he’s won on good to firm but we’d rather it was on the slower side for him if I’m honest, but he’s versatile.”



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Thunderbear heading for Wentworth challenge at Doncaster

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Jack Davison’s Thunderbear will be partnered by man of the moment Rossa Ryan when he lines up for the Livescore Bet Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday.

The four-year-old has been in good form of late, placing second in the Listed RFS Steels Stakes when beaten only three-quarters of a length last time at Naas.

Prior to that he was runner-up at the Curragh when contesting a five-furlong handicap in which he was defeated by just half a length.

The son of Kodi Bear is now coming towards the end of a busy season in which he has run 12 times so far, with Ryan set to take the ride in the Listed feature on Town Moor this weekend.

Ryan has enjoyed a superb season and seems to have developed the Midas touch this autumn, winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aboard Bluestocking and the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Starlust.

“I’m very happy to be putting him up and the horse won’t want for anything in the saddle,” said Davison.

“The horse has been great, he put in a great run last time behind My Mate Alfie and he’s been in super form since.

“We’re hoping he can round off the year on a high now, he’s been busy enough but he perhaps comes to hand at this time of year.

“He enjoys a bit of ease in the ground and six furlongs should be well within his compass, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The County Meath handler added: “He’s been a Group Three winner in England and he’s won at Nottingham, he doesn’t mind the travelling at all. We’ve a very good jockey booked, so that’s an obvious help.”



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Nicol backing Wise Eagle to soar in November Handicap

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Adam Nicol’s Wise Eagle is being lined up for a Virgin Bet November Handicap bid at Doncaster on Saturday.

The contest, worth over £36,000 to the winner, will be a step back down to a mile and a half for the gelding, who has competed over trips as much as a mile further in the past.

He was last seen in the Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes at Pontefract, where he was beaten a length and a quarter into second place by Ralph Beckett’s Oxford Comma.

Wise Eagle was competing on soft ground on that occasion and conceding a stone to the winner, with Nicol hoping the step back in trip will suit him when combined with the slow surface expected on Town Moor at the weekend.

“We’re planning to run, I see they’ve got soft ground, which I don’t think will be a problem,” he said.

“He ran a good race the last day at Pontefract, which was nearly heavy. We always wonder how soft he really wants it but I think he ran a really good race that day.

“The filly that beat him is now rated 101, he’s rated 103 and he had to give her a stone with the fillies’ allowances and the three-year-old allowance.

“They went no gallop at all, so he ran very well, he’s in good form.

“He’s looking very well considering he’s been in training all year, he probably came back in in January but he’s taken it really well.

“I think with him being a bit older now, the soft ground is probably going to suit him a bit more, as they start to appreciate things happening a bit more slowly.

“We’re stepping back in trip but on a big, galloping track like Doncaster and on soft ground, I’m hoping it plays to his advantage.”

Also entered is William Haggas’ La Yakel, third at Listed level when last seen in the Stand Cup Stakes at Chester.

Raphael Freire’s Maxi King has his name on the list and so too does Archie Watson’s Beamish, with Ralph Beckett having entered both Lord Melbourne and Valvano.

Gordon Elliott has two in the mix in Omniscient and Royal Eagle, with the other trainers well represented including Alan King (Insanity and Loughville), David Menuisier (Master Builder and Waxing Gibbous) and Ian Williams (Dream Harder, Gallant Lion, Oneforthegutter).



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Buick times Cover Up challenge to perfection

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William Buick may have lost his title to Oisin Murphy this season but he managed to get one over on his weighing room colleague when Cover Up pipped Jer Batt on the line in the Join Century Racing Club Today Handicap at Doncaster.

Having looked a promising sprinter earlier in the year on the all-weather – he was sent off favourite in the Sprint on Finals Day – he has failed to trouble the judge since, admittedly in some of the most competitive races of the season.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, he looked to have a mountain to climb in the closing stages as Murphy burst clear on Jer Batt, trained by David and Nicola Barron.

But Buick had timed it perfectly, getting the 10-1 shot home by a head with Solar Aclaim a length back in third.

The Godolphin-owned Cover Up has a date at the sales next week and could be heading for pastures new.

“I suppose he could be one for Dubai or something like that but let’s be honest, sprint handicappers are not usually Godolphin’s thing,” said John Gosden.

“He has raced this year but they don’t tend to hold on to horses like that.

“I don’t think that ground is his favourite and I think they went a bit quick up front in the ground and he enjoyed them coming back to him. He handles most ground.”

Laafi ridden by Callum Rodriguez on their way to winning
Laafi ridden by Callum Rodriguez on their way to winning (Mike Egerton/PA)

William Haggas fielded the 5-2 favourite The Reverend in the William Hill Proper Betting Handicap but he was his unconsidered 33-1 shot Laafi who came out on top.

Fitted with first-time blinkers and given a chance by the handicapper after several lifeless runs this season, Callum Rodriguez sent him clear of the field with well over a furlong to run.

Another outsider, 66-1 chance Iron Lion, burst out of the pack to give chase but could only get within a length and three-quarters.

Rodriguez teamed up with Haggas to win a Group Three at Ayr’s Western Meeting on Sky Majesty and has an impressive strike-rate when teaming up with the Newmarket handler.

“He’s proven in these conditions and he had first-time blinkers on today,” said Rodriguez.

“It was very straightforward, we hit the gates so I got a nice pitch and I got it easy in truth.

“I’ve been getting some nice opportunities this season, it’s been a brilliant season, high on numbers with some quality in there as well.”

James Owen had to settle for third with his stable star Wimbledon Hawkeye in the day’s feature, the Futurity Trophy, but he left Town Moor with a winner courtesy of Pellitory (7-2) in the Caseih & Paxtons Supply Tractors To Arc Nursery Handicap.

“We’ve always really liked him and he works with Wimbledon Hawkeye. He’s a big frame of a horse who we thought wanted stepping up in trip, but we were wrong as he over-raced,” said Owen.

“He switched off lovely today and he’s come home well, he’s a nice horse for the future, he might be one for something like the Britannia.”



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Hotzahell prevails in Futurity Trophy duel

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Hotazhell outbattled Delacroix to claim the William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.

Jessica Harrington’s colt was ridden by Shane Foley as an 11-1 shot in a field of eight for the Group One.

He always looked a threat and began to lock horns with the favourite Delacroix in the final furlong, putting his head down to claim victory on the line as the first two pulled clear of the rest.

Hotzahell shaded Delcroix by a nose, with four and three-quarter lengths back to Wimbledon Hawkeye in third.

Coral make both colts 25-1 shots for next year’s Derby, while Hotazhell is 25s from 33-1 for the 2000 Guineas with Betfair.

The two main protagonists got close in the final furlong
The two main protagonists got close in the final furlong (Mike Egerton/PA)

The testing ground soon found plenty out, with the John and Thady Gosden-trained pair of Nebras and Detain beaten a long way from home.

Seaplane travelled well for Paul and Oliver Cole, but the Irish pair had it to themselves throughout the final furlong.

Harrington said: “He’s very tough and he loves a battle, I don’t think he’ll ever win by a large margin – he loves just looking at the other horse and saying ‘I’m better than you’.

Trainer Jessica Harrington was on hand at Town Moor to greet her winner
Trainer Jessica Harrington was on hand at Town Moor to greet her winner (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s a little bit feisty, he isn’t called Hotazhell for nothing!

“I think he might get 10 furlongs next year but we’ll start off over a mile. I’m not sure he’ll get a mile and a half but he is a very relaxed horse.

“He’s won a Group Three, a Group Two and now a Group One and this is just the start of his career, hopefully. We hope he can go on next year and get better.

“He’s in the Irish and he’ll be in the English Guineas, so we’ll see how the spring unfolds.”

Harrington last saddled a winner at the highest level in 2022 and added: “It is very special to win a race like this, it’s always special to win any Group or Grade One. We are mainly Flat now, we’re down to about half a dozen jumpers.

“I did a lot of shouting in the final furlong – I’ll get sent back to the National Hunt for doing that!

“I thought he had won but then I thought he hadn’t. He had to battle back twice, he’s very, very tough.

“It’s very exciting for next year.”

O’Brien said of Delacroix: “He’s run a stormer. We hope that bodes well for next year.”

James Owen said of Wimbledon Hawkeye: “He was lost in the ground. He showed his heart and how good he is in the way he battled on to finish third.

“James (Doyle) said it’s a lot softer here today than it was at Newmarket. He was struggling in it but he’s a lovely horse for next year. I’m thrilled to be here mixing it at the top and he’s done us proud.”



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La Bellota digs deep for Prospect prize

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John Ryan’s La Bellota saw off the might of Wathnan Racing and Coolmore to win the William Hill Prospect Stakes at Doncaster.

Ryan is down to a string of just 10 horses these days but La Bellota had already finished second in the Mill Reef and run in the Prix de l’Abbaye this season.

The Newmarket handler was forced to draw stumps halfway through the season due to the ill health of his string but they are ending the campaign in top form.

Fourth in the Cornwallis Stakes two weeks ago, Oisin Murphy set a searching gallop on the 13-2 shot, despite the testing conditions.

Anything that did not race down the centre of the track seemed beaten at halfway but Wathnan’s Diego Ventura and Aidan O’Brien’s Bounty were giving chase.

La Bellota provided John Ryan with a welcome Listed winner
La Bellota provided John Ryan with a welcome Listed winner (Mike Egerton/PA)

Having only his second run over six furlongs, his other being the Mill Reef, La Bellota saw it out well to hold Diego Ventura by a neck.

“He’s been a busy horse but unfortunately for him, he keeps trying so we’ve got to keep going,” said Ryan.

“We were probably unlucky going to France, he missed the break and in a race such as that, you are not going to get away with it.

“He didn’t run too badly last time at Newmarket when he got caught in the middle and I knew there was a decent race in him. It’s good for the owner who has been a great supporter of me.”

He went on: “I don’t think I took a breath in the last half a furlong but Oisin said he broke well and in that ground he didn’t want to take a pull on him and disappoint him.

“He’s so game. We put blinkers on today to help him concentrate as despite all his runs, he’s still very green.

“It’s nice for a small yard to have a good horse to carry us through, we’re down to 10 horses now, we need horses like this.

“Hopefully Manaccan will be back in the new year, he’s back in full training now so it’s exciting for next year.

“We had a problem in the yard in the beginning of the year, a lot were sick so we had to lay off them but a bit of time cures most things.”



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Zoum Zoum does just that in Doncaster victory

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Ralph Beckett’s Zoum Zoum struck on his handicap debut at Doncaster after a season spent in Listed and Group company.

The chestnut, who was unbeaten as a two-year-old, finished second in the Greenham on his debut this year and has collected minor place money in the Surrey Stakes, the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and the City Plate at Chester.

Most recently he was a good third in the Listed Prix Matchem at Saint-Cloud and on Town Moor he lined up for the William Hill More Top Prices Handicap as a 4-1 shot under Rob Hornby.

Over the six-furlong trip he stayed on best of all to hold off a challenge from John Ryan’s The X O and prevail by half a length.

“He’s a lovely horse, he had a great two-year-old campaign and was unbeaten,” said Hornby.

“He’s not done a lot wrong all year and a step back to six (furlongs) was always going to suit him in the conditions.

“I was pretty keen to press on early and keep it sustained because he was always going to see out the six well. He’s a really fun, pleasant horse and he’s great for the owners.

“He’s always been a really nice horse and we came out this year thinking he could be anything and he’s not done a lot wrong.”

Janey Mackers showed significant promise when powering to victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

This race has produced some smart fillies in the past, most recently acting as a first port of call for John and Thady Gosden’s subsequent Oaks winner Soul Sister in 2022.

The same stable had an entry with an eyecatching pedigree this time in Queen Of Thieves, a full-sister to Cracksman who was making her debut, but it was David Menuisier’s Janey Mackers at the head of the market.

Third on the first run of her career at Yarmouth earlier in the month, the two-year-old daughter of New Bay was ridden by Oisin Murphy again and started as the 7-4 favourite.

On soft ground she always looked a threat over the one-mile trip and as the race reached the final two furlongs she was clearly not for catching as she pulled away to a five-and-a-half-length success.

“She worked really well before her first run, she ran pleasingly at Yarmouth and today she stepped forward,” said Murphy.

“We went a nice even pace, we didn’t waste any energy.

“The trainer is having a great year so it’s nice to partner the likes of her now, she’s one to look forward to.”

Glittering Legend came out on top with a tough victory in the William Hill Offers Proper Prices Nursery Handicap.

The well-bred two-year-old did not take to the track at Epsom last time, but has a prior win at Goodwood to his name after a gelding operation seemed to serve him well on his second career start.

At 13-8 under Harry Davies the James Fanshawe-trained bay was always handy in a small field and held off the Gosden-trained Attack to prevail by a neck.

“He went to Epsom the last day and didn’t handle the track, back on a more conventional track he has gone and franked his Goodwood win,” said Tom Fanshawe, assistant to his father.

“It’s worked out very well and looking at the family, they tend to get better with age.

“He is still quite immature, he’s been growing up the whole time. On his debut here he was a real handful so we gelded him after that and he’s learning with each run.

“It’s quite exciting when they’re still immature, he’s won off a mark of 90 today and he’s still immature so the future looks quite bright for him.”

Charlie Appleby’s Music Of Time made an impression when landing the Join Century Racing Club Today EBF Maiden Stakes.

The Dubawi colt was third on the all-weather on Kempton on his debut earlier in the month and was backed to take a step forward from that effort when facing a turf surface for the first time.

Under William Buick he was the 15-8 favourite and his key rival looked to be the Gosden-trained debutant Kaleido, a full-brother to the Clarehaven star Mishriff.

Their rivalry in the market was replicated on the track and after making all of the running it was Music Of Time who came out on top as Kaleido was beaten a length and a quarter in an effort full of future promise.



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Appleby looks to Anno Domini for Futurity double

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Charlie Appleby feels Anno Domini is worthy of a step up to the highest level as he bids to give the Godolphin handler back-to-back victories in Saturday’s William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.

Appleby has assembled a crack team of juveniles this term and having won both two-year-old Group Ones at Newmarket recently with Desert Flower and Shadow Of Light, the unbeaten Anno Domini will now put his own top-level credentials to the test on Town Moor.

Appleby saddled Ancient Wisdom to pick up this prize 12 months ago and his latest contender heads to South Yorkshire with a perfect record having won at Newbury on debut before comfortably accounting for a cast that included Beresford Stakes third Windlord at Sandown in July.

“He’s two from two and he’s a breeze-up horse who won well on debut and went and backed it up with a cosy performance at Sandown,” said Appleby.

“I think he might appreciate slower conditions as long as it’s not heavy, because he is a horse I’m stepping up in trip and coming off the back of a bit of a lay-off.

“It’s always a race where you need to see it out well in conditions, but his homework has been good and we’re going there with a bit of confidence behind him.

“He beat some nice horses at Sandown and as I say, he’s a breeze-up horse who had those two runs and everything came quite quick, so he deserved to have the break and he’s done very well physically for it.”

No one can match Aidan O’Brien’s record in this particular contest, with the likes of High Chaparral (2001), St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Camelot (2012) and more recently Auguste Rodin (2022) on the roll of honour.

Delacroix (left) is Aidan O'Brien's Doncaster representative
Delacroix (left) is Aidan O’Brien’s Doncaster representative (Brian Lawless/PA)

The master of Ballydoyle now bids for a record-extending 12th win with Autumn Stakes victor Delacroix, who proved too strong for Stanhope Gardens at the conclusion of that recent Newmarket Group Three.

One of the likely favourites is James Owen’s Wimbledon Hawkeye, who split O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter and Appleby’s Ruling Court in the Acomb at York before serving up an ace in the Royal Lodge.

The son of Kameko was a length and a half ahead of Andrew Balding’s reopposing Royal Playwright on that occasion and has the chance to provide his trainer with a first Group One success under rules if following in the footsteps of his sire who won this in 2019.

Owen said: “I’m excited and nervous at the same time and it’s a massive race for us. It is lovely to have a runner in a Group One during our first season, especially a homebred of the Gredleys.

“He looks a hugely exciting horse with a bright future and not only were we thrilled with him in the Royal Lodge, but thrilled with him all season and how he has progressed.

Wimbledon Hawkeye (right) was a taking winner of the Royal Lodge
Wimbledon Hawkeye (right) was a taking winner of the Royal Lodge (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s training great and we couldn’t be happier with him at home. He’s drawn in the middle and the ground is looking like it could be on the better side of soft – I can’t see it being any worse than soft – and we handled soft well at Newmarket.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed for a big run and if he can put up the same performance as he did at Newmarket, then hopefully he will have a good chance.”

John Gosden has yet to win this race and now training alongside son Thady, he will launch a two-pronged attack as he looks to right that statistic.

Wootton Bassett colt Detain cost owners Juddmonte €340,000 as a foal and is now given the chance to confirm the promise of his opening displays at Kempton at the highest level.

“He’s done nothing wrong in his two novices and has been impressive,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

Detain has looked smart in two Kempton victories
Detain has looked smart in two Kempton victories (Adam Davy/PA)

“It looks a cracking renewal of the Futurity with a deep field. James Owen’s horse and Aidan O’Brien’s horse both looked good when winning at Newmarket and I thought Andrew Balding’s horse was a big price the way he finished off behind Wimbledon Hawkeye the last day.

“It’s a deep race but we’re happy with Detain and looking forward to seeing what he can do at this level.

“I think his future probably is ahead of him, he’s a big horse and physically he was a little weak during the year.

“John and Thady have brought him along slowly, hence they went for the second novice rather than jumping into stakes company and I just think the manner of it and the way he won the last day, it gave us the encouragement to give the Group One a try.”

Detain is joined in the line-up by stablemate Nebras – a half-brother to the recently retired Nashwa, and a taking winner on debut at Newmarket.

Nebras won well on debut at Newmarket
Nebras won well on debut at Newmarket (Joe Giddens/PA)

Like Nashwa, the son of Dubawi will be ridden by owner Imad Al Sagar’s retained jockey Hollie Doyle, who said: “It’s exciting, he’s got so much ability but obviously this is a big step up into Group One company.

“It won’t be easy to win but it will be very interesting as I think he’s got a big engine. It’s just whether he can apply himself at that level at this stage of his career after just one run.

“He’s taking on horses with more experience but I think he’s got so much ability and he’s definitely one to look forward to next year.”

Doyle’s anticipation is matched by the owner’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe, who added:” The important thing is that Imad is very excited about his prospects, not only this year but next year as well and he could be a nice horse.

“Given his pedigree, if he could get some Group One black type at two, or Group One black type at any time, it is a big help.

“We think he’ll handle the soft. There’s rain forecast and it doesn’t take much at this time of year to turn it testing, but you’d expect it at this time of year. The main thing is to go into it positive.”

Jessica Harrington’s Beresford Stakes winner Hotazhell is another to make the trip over from Ireland, while Billy Loughnane is handed the ride on Paul and Oliver Cole’s ready Newmarket scorer Seaplane.

Loughnane said: “He was good when winning his novice and is stepping up in grade, but we’ll see how we go.

“He was very impressive here last time and will have to step up given the tough company, but hopefully he can do.”



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Regally-bred newcomers put Friday focus on Doncaster

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A full-sister to the mighty Cracksman will be in action at Doncaster on Friday as Queen Of Thieves makes her racecourse debut.

Cracksman, who now stands at Dalham Hall Stud, is an eight-time winner with four Group Ones on his CV including the Prix Ganay, the Coronation Cup and two renewals of the Qipco Champion Stakes.

He is by Frankel and out of the mare Rhadegunda, making him a full sibling to British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes entrant Queen Of Thieves.

Both Cracksman and his younger sister are owned and were bred by Anthony Oppenheimer, with John and Thady Gosden’s Clarehaven Stables the base responsible for both.

The Gosdens have used the race to good effect in the past, winning with subsequent Oaks heroine Soul Sister in 2022 and French Oaks winner Star Of Seville in 2014.

Oppenheimer has enjoyed a victory in the Town Moor contest also as Domino Darling took first place in 2019.

The owner said of Queen Of Thieves: “It will be an exciting day.

“She is a full-sister to Cracksman, and I have another Cracksman running on Saturday at Newbury, Danielle, though that meeting may be cancelled but we’ll see.

“We have won this race before and it has produced an Oaks winner (Soul Sister), so that’s quite something.”

Another Doncaster debutant with a notable pedigree, again for the Gosden team, is Kaleido in the Join Century Racing Club Today EBF Maiden Stakes.

Owned by Prince Faisal, the colt is by Make Believe out of Contradict and is therefore a full-brother to Mishriff – winner of the Prix du Jockey Club, Saudi Cup, Sheema Classic and the Juddmonte International.



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Jessica Harrington hoping it will be Hotazhell at Doncaster

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Jessica Harrington is excited about the prospects of Hotazhell in the William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Too Darn Hot colt has won three of his five juvenile starts thus far, must recently claiming Group Two honours in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.

Having already proven his stamina over a mile and with soft ground not expected to be a problem, Harrington is hopeful Hotazhell can sign off for the year with a Group One victory on Town Moor.

Jessica Harrington with Hotazhell
Jessica Harrington with Hotazhell (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Everything is looking all right, he came out of his last race very well, he’s had plenty of time and we’re happy with him,” she told Sky Sports Racing.

“I was delighted with him (in the Beresford Stakes). He got a bit of hassle from the (Aidan) O’Brien horses, but he didn’t turn a hair getting bumped coming down the hill. When he turned into the straight it looked for a second that he was slow to pick up, but when he did pick up he stayed on very strongly.

“He’s been very good to us. He was unlucky not to win the first time, he got trapped on the rail at Leopardstown and couldn’t get out, but in a way it probably was a great thing as it taught him to relax and his head has been very good ever since.”

She added: “He wears a red hood in the parade ring and going down to the start, but that’s just to keep him relaxed. I think he’d probably be all right without it now, but it’s a big day on Saturday at Doncaster and there’ll be a fair buzz going on, so I think we’ll keep it on him.

“It’s a big, wide, galloping track. He’s won at the Curragh and I think he’ll be fine. I think the ground will be grand for him as it’s going to be soft.

“I think he probably will stay a mile and a quarter at three, but we’ll start him off over a mile. He’s got an entry in the English and the Irish Guineas and it will just depend how he is in the spring.”



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