Already a subscriber? Log in
Every day was full of sights which will linger: jumps trainer Nicky Henderson’s hurdler Ahorsewithnoname, in foal to Cracksman, winning what was to be her last race, a beaming Ralph Beckett rushing around two sets of exultant owners after performing the remarkable feat of training the first two home in the Royal Hunt Cup with the 22-1 Jimi Hendrix and the 25-1 Sonny Liston. Then there was John Gosden wryly noting of Mostahdaf, who had become visibly excited in the parade ring before trouncing a quality field in the Prince of Wales Stakes: ‘He’s going to enjoy being a stallion.’
Sometimes courage is rewarded: Newmarket trainer Tom Clover secured his first Royal Ascot victory with Rogue Millennium after the Rogues’ Gallery owners agreed to spend £13,000 supplementing the horse to run in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes.
Sometimes it isn’t: it has been brave of Godolphin to campaign Derby winner Adayar as a five-year-old in a quest for a Group One victory over the shorter ten furlongs, which will increase his stud value, but his third behind Mostahdaf will have done the opposite.
Sometimes it is nice to see recompense too: jockey Jack Mitchell was jocked off Rogue Millennium in favour of Ascot specialist Danny Tudhope but he got on the winner’s rostrum anyway, riding Royal Champion for Roger Varian. And one magic moment? For me it was the sight of 66-1 Derby second King of Steel, a magnificently muscled and imposing grey, confirming his powerful quality with jockey Kevin Stott in the King Edward VII Stakes. With him I truly believe we ain’t seen nothing yet.
The string of long-priced winners at Ascot this year, including 150-1 shot Valiant Force, Khaadem and a string of 25- or 20-1 shots had professional punters moaning how hard it was to find winners, but for the first time in my life I made a profit every day. This was partly because after recommending him to readers I took an interest in Neil Callan’s mounts and he obliged with victories on Triple Time at 25-1 and Burdett Road at 20-1 (I got 33s) but also because I share Jim Hay’s approach: ‘Don’t imagine you are going to back a winner in every race because you won’t. Try and bet something that will finish in the first three, four or five and get bookies offering six places. That’s a good bet.’
I raise the subject only because our Twelve to Follow have been a little slow into stride this summer. Some have achieved promising places (which gallingly will trim their prices next time out) but until Saturday the win count was nil. Zilch. Nada. All was gloriously changed though when Hollie Doyle charged home on Saint Lawrence to win the Wokingham at 22-1 for trainer Archie Watson. Thanks too to previous trainer Roger Varian advising owners the Deers that the horse would benefit from changing yards. Off we go…
Because you read about frankie dettori
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in