ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

Rookie bags Stewards’ Cup

RISING star Jason Watson showed his class by steering Gifted Master to a brilliant victory in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.

The young apprentice is taking the sport by storm and gained his biggest success on Hugo Palmer’s speedster.

The five-year-old defied top weight as he edged out Justanotherbottle in the final stride to bag the £155,000 pot by a short head.

Palmer’s decision to take 5lb off by using Watson’s claim paid dividends especially as the success meant the rider now drops to a 3lb claim.

Growl, in his third run in the race, was third with Solar Flair fourth.

Watson said: “A year ago I was watching this race on the telly. Now I’ve won it and it is pretty special.

“I wasn’t sure I’d won. On form he was the best horse and I’m absolutely delighted. I walked the track earlier and the ground is pretty much untouched in the middle, so I just went for the better ground and he loved every minute. It’s a great feeling.”

Palmer said: “This is a Group Three/ Group Two horse and a really solid 110-112 performer.

“He was headed and looked beaten for a couple of strides but he came back. A winner at these big meetings is worth 20 anywhere else.

“When you think he was our first two-year-old winner and has won at three, four and now a Stewards’ Cup at five, it’s really incredible.

“A huge word for the jockey, too, as it’s been the plan for a long time.

“I spoke to his agent three weeks ago about booking him but I was getting nervous as he edged towards a 3lb claim. I’d probably have let him ride still but he clearly wouldn’t have won with 2lb more.”