‘Dream come true’ as De La Savette lands Lincoln

APPRENTICE jockey Benoit De La Sayette ensured the spotlight already on him will shine even brighter with a win on Haqeeqy in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster.

The 18-year-old only made his race-riding debut late last year and his chance on Haqeeqy was a first outing on turf for the rider, who has now chalked up 10 winners from just over 30 mounts.

De La Sayette’s win was part of a magnificent day for his boss John Gosden, who now trains in partnership with son Thady.

As well as wins at Kempton with Otyrar and Global Giant, the Gosden team landed two massive prizes on the Dubai World Cup card courtesy of Lord North, ridden by Frankie Dettori, in the Dubai Turf and Mishriff, ridden by David Egan, in the Sheema Classic.

De La Sayette will be handed some big opportunities by the Gosden team this summer. Yesterday he had to sit and wait for a gap to open for 9-2 shot Haqeeqy, who ultimately won with plenty in hand. De La Sayette said: ‘It’s a dream start to win the Lincoln on my first ride on turf. The Gosdens are so supportive, any slight mistake I make he’ll run me through it. I couldn’t ask for a better boss.

‘My father was a champion amateur in France and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He came over to ride for Godolphin. I’ve been pony racing since the age of nine.’

American challenger Mystic Guide provided Godolphin with victory in the landmark 25th edition of the Dubai World Cup.

Mystic Guide recorded a third successive victory in the Meydan showpiece in the owners’ blue silks.