Currie is just Champion

Scottish apprentice jockey Nicola Currie is set to ride at QIPCO British Champions Day after it was confirmed she will partner Raising Sand, one of the leading players in the Balmoral Handicap that closes the glittering card at Ascot on Saturday week.

The one-mile event is open to all jockeys and boasts a giant £250,000 prize, making it the richest mile handicap in Europe. However, Lambourn trainer Jamie Osborne feels Currie’s 3lb apprentices’ allowance, which she is close to losing by virtue of her success this season, could be invaluable after the combination tasted victory in the Bet With Ascot Challenge Cup at the same course last weekend. “To be riding big winners at Ascot is what it’s all about,” the 24-year-old Currie from the Isle of Arran said.

“It’s exciting to be going back there with a ride on QIPCO British Champions Day.”

Meanwhile, the curtain came down on the 2018 Flat season at Ayr yesterday and Keith Dalgleish celebrated by saddling a first and second race double to clinch the trainers’ title at the track.

First up was Epona, the 15-8 favourite, in the opening novice stakes. Ridden by Rowan Scott, the two-year-old filly established a commanding lead and repelled the challenge of the heavily backed Pendleton to win by two and a quarter lengths.

Iconic Code, ridden by Joe Fanning, was Dalgleish’s second winner at generous odds of 18-1, getting the better of Remember Rocky and County Fair in a thrilling three-way finish to win by a neck.