LERENA’S HOPEFUL OF MORE JOY RIDES
SOUTH AFRICAN ace Gavin Lerena stole the show from comeback queen Hayley Turner as the Rest Of The World landed the Shergar Cup team title at Ascot.
Lerena showcased his talents with a superb 285- 1 double on veteran stayer Arch Villain, trained by Amanda Perrett, and Richard Hannon’s three-year-old Danehill Kodiac.
Both horses had disappointed on their previous starts, but their new jockey got a real tune out of them and can expect to be busy fielding trainers’ calls during the remainder of his short stay in Britain.
“It’s just beautiful when days work out like this,” he said.
“I’m here for another week so will head to Newmarket to see if I can pick up some more rides.”
Lerena’s tally was matched by Thierry Jarnet. Representing Europe, the Frenchman notched a first- and- last- race brace with In Salutem (9-2) and Kadrizzi (6-1).
But it was also another memorable Shergar Cup day for Turner, who came out of retirement to ride at her favourite meeting and punched the air in delight when scoring on Harry Dunlop’s 6-1 shot Early Morning.
The UK’s most successful female rider, awarded an OBE in June, committed early in the straight on the grey, who held on by half a length from a closing pack.
Turner, riding for The Girls, said: “It’s so special to do it here. It was an easy decision to come back for this meeting and I’ve worked hard in the gym to get properly fit again.
“But it’s only a brief return. If every day was like this, I’d be back like a shot. But it’s the day-today- grind that puts me of f and I don’t regret the decision to retire.”