Raja rules for underdogs
RAJASINGHE’S victory in the Coventry Stakes was a celebration for the little guys.
Trained by Richard Spencer – only in his second season with a licence – and partnered by Stevie Donohoe, both were celebrating their first success at Royal Ascot.
Donohoe was fortunate to be riding as he dislocated his fingers on Monday night and only removed the tape from his hand at the start.
“This is one of the highlights of my career – just having a ride on the big day is hard enough, let alone a winner,” said Donohoe.
“For the lower lads, who work hard all winter, it’s nice to prove we can do it on the big days.”
Spencer, a former point-to-point rider, said: “Two years ago I broke my back in a hunter chase fall at Warwick, so from that to be standing here is just amazing.
“I’m lucky to be training in Newmarket for Phil Cunningham, ® the winning owner, and this has been a great day.”
Rajasinghe, an 11-1 chance, recovered from a slow start and came home with something in hand from Headway with Murillo taking third place. The winner set a new course record for juveniles.
William Haggas, trainer of the runner-up, said: “That was nearly very good. Headway ran a fantastic race and it was a great thrill.”
Jessica Harrington, searching for her first success at the meeting, was pleased with Brother Bear, the 4-1 favourite, who finished fourth, saying: “The race collapsed around Brother Bear and he was left a bit on his own. But he still ran a great race.” Rajasinghe is now 20-1 from 66-1 for next year’s 2,000 Guineas with Paddy Power. Willie Mullins won the Ascot Stakes for the third time with Thomas Hobson, who had been sent to him for a hurdling career. Ryan Moore, who partnered Mullins’ two other winners in the race, was in the plate once again. Sound And Silence, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, took the finale, the Windsor Castle Stakes, beating stablemate Roussel.