MASTERCLASS IN GIVING GIFTS

GIFTED MASTER gave rising star Jason Watson the biggest triumph of his going-places career with a short-head verdict in Glorious Goodwood’s Unibet Stewards’ Cup.

Watson, 18, and the pacemaking Hugo Palmer-trained 20-1 shot looked booked for second when headed by Justanotherbottle on the run to the final furlong.

But the top weight, twice a winner in Group 3 company, fought back tenaciously to snatch the £155,625 first prize on the line.

Growl finished a lengthand-a-half back in third with 9-2 favourite Foxtrot Lady, saddled by Watson’s boss Andrew Balding, finishing sixth.

The Brighton-born apprentice, cheered on by parents Tim and Jenny, beamed: “This time last year, I was at home watching this on the TV – I never thought I’d win, or even ride at a day like this.

“I wasn’t too sure whether I had got it. I’m in shock!” Watson, whose 5lb allowance was the difference between victory and defeat, will claim 3lb in the future after registering the 50th win of his career.

“I’ve been very fortunate to get good rides – I can’t believe how well it’s gone,” added the jockey, locked in a battle with Rossa Ryan for the apprentice title.

Palmer, whose gelding is now two from two in handicaps – he scored on Newmarket’s 1000 Guineas undercard in May – said: “What is amazing is that he has come back and done it each year.

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

Godolphin’s Cross Counter received a quote of 20-1 for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 6 after posting a four-and-ahalf-length supremacy in the Group 3 Qatar Gordon Stakes.