The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lightning Spear strikes Sussex Stakes gold
Emotions ran high for Newmarket trainer David Simcock after he witnessed a day he thought might never happen with the victory of Lightning Spear in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
After 15 previous failed efforts at the top level, the seven-year-old finally claimed the Group One success he deserved when bursting through late on in the mile prize, before clearing away to score by a length-and-a-half from Expert Eye.
Simcock said of the Oisin Murphyridden 9-1 winner, who had gone so close in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May: “That’s good. At last.
“As a trainer you have got to be optimistic and positive. We’ve been close several times and he is just a lovely horse to train. He has never really let us down.”
The Newbury defeat to Rhododenron was particularly tough for Simcock to take, and he admitted: “I think the horrible thing is when you think you have won before and after the line, and half a furlong out - it sort of takes the wind out of your sails.
“We get attached and we want them to win. It’s important and if you didn’t feel aggrieved or emotional in one way or another there is something wrong.
“He races properly now. Three years ago I would have been really worried (about the lack of pace), but he races properly and you can put him where you want.