Levey makes Classic history on 66-1 winner
SEAN LEVEY became the first black jockey to win a British Classic as 66-1 shot Billesdon Brook came home the longestpriced filly to ever lift the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Levey pounced on the Richard Hannon-trained horse to pull a length and three-quarters clear of front- running Laurens. Half a length further back in third was 11-4 favourite Happily, the first home of Aidan O’Brien’s quartet.
Thirty-year-old Levey, who also became the first black jockey to ride in the Derby when he partnered Hannon’s Humphrey Bogart two years ago, said: ‘I have had opportunities to ride in big races but to win one is everyone’s dream.’
Levey was born in Swaziland after his father Mickey, a former apprentice jockey in Epsom with trainer Ron Smyth, moved to Africa. The jockey learned the basics at a riding school in Ezulwini before his family moved to Ireland when his father got a job with O’Brien.
Levey started going to the stable and riding as a 13-year-old. He was part of O’Brien’s team of riders but moved to Britain in 2011 seeking greater opportunities. Levey said: ‘Aidan was always very good to me. He gave me opportunities. I rode in the Arc when I was still in my teens.
‘But it is finding opportunities yourself and working hard to get there. That is what I have done, moving around England and coming to work for Richard.’
Despite being a Group Three winner as a juvenile, Billesdon Brook had only finished fourth in last month’s Nell Gwyn Stakes behind Soliloquy, who was beaten over three lengths in sixth yesterday.
Hannon, winning his second Classic and first since Night of Thunder won the 2,000 Guineas in 2014, admitted to being shocked that the filly who races for the 23-strong Pall Mall Partners syndicate had won.
‘It was a surprise but there was nothing flukey about it,’ said the trainer. ‘You are defined not by how many winners you ride or train but by the good ones and the Classic winners, so I will sleep well tonight.’
The French Oaks (Prix de Diane) looks like being the next race for runner-up Laurens. Trainer Karl Burke reckoned if the rain forecast earlier last week had actually arrived to ease the ground slightly, he might have been celebrating a first Classic win.