Haggas’ Sinjaari strikes in Cup
SINJAARI gave trainer William Haggas his third win in the John Smith’s Cup when storming home in the 61st running of the big mileand-a-quarter handicap at York.
Haggas, successful with Green Destiny in 2011 and Danchai 2103, also had Desert Icon in the 22-runner contest – but it was Sinjaari who lifted the prize.
It was a good training performance by the Yorkshire-born handler as Sinjaari had been off for 281 days and was returning to action after being gelded.
Jockey Steve Donohoe brought Sinjaari (11-1) through the pack in the final furlong, with the field spread right across the course.
The Camelot four-year-old showed a decisive turn of foot to head 66-1 outsider Certain Lad and land the spoils by a length. Fifth Position (6-1) was three lengths away in third place, with Dark Jedi (28-1) fourth.
Haggas said from his Newmarket base: “I’m thrilled to bits he’s come back to himself as he lost his way last spring having looked a bit useful.
“What he loved today was the fast pace and I’m sure he appreciated the drop of rain.
“I’m not sure what happened last season. I gave the jockey the wrong instructions at Royal Ascot and after that he wasn’t the same.
“We had him gelded but not because he was naughty in any way, he’s a lovely horse. I wasn’t sure he was coming to himself in time, but just in the last two weeks I thought we were getting him back.
“I wouldn’t know where we’d go with him. I won’t go back over a mile and a half, though – what he wants is a fast pace over 10 furlongs. I’m a bit taken aback by that to be honest to be thinking of what next.
“It’s just great to win a race to win with him – it’s a great race, a race we try to find one for every year.”
It has not been a bad weekend for owner Steve Parkin, who saw his beloved Leeds United confirm promotion to the Premier League and then cheered home Eagles By Day in the John Smith’s Silver Cup at York.
Parkin, whose Clipper Logistics firm is a sponsor at Elland Road, confessed he had barely had any sleep having spent the night celebrating – but he was given a real boost watching Eagles By Day return to form on his first run for David O’meara.
Always held in high regard my Michael Bell, it was thought a change of scenery would do him good after disappointing at Royal Ascot and despite being sent off the outsider of five at 14-1,
Danny Tudhope nursed him home to beat Communique by half a length.
Parkin said: “I haven’t slept all night, but with Eagles By Day winning and my football team getting promoted I’m high on euphoria.
“Michael is part of my team of trainers, but this horse just went sour in Newmarket. I brought him home, let the vet have a look at him and sent him to David, who is a genius at these kind of things.
“What he’s done with him in three weeks is unbelievable. But hats off to Michael, he could have thrown his toys out, but he didn’t.”
William Haggas’ well bred My Oberon opened his account at the second time of asking to give Tom Marquand a quick double.
Fifth in a hot race on debut, the 10-11 favourite scooted clear of Tasaamuh to win by six lengths, with even further back to the third.
Adam West is not a name familiar to York racegoers but when they return to the Knavesmire they may give his runners a second glance given the way Live In The Moment won the William Hill-sponsored five-furlong handicap.
Based at Epsom, West had built up a decent sized string but it has been almost cut in half due to the pandemic crises.
J R Cavagin caused a 22-1 shock in the four-runner William Hill EBF Novice Stakes.
Paul Midgley’s youngster, ridden by Graham Lee, had finished sixth behind subsequent National Stakes winner Ubetterbelieveit on debut.