Foxes gives Probert a major victory

WELSH jockey David Probert landed his fourth Group 2 of the year when riding The Foxes to victory in the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The winner is owned by Leicester FC supporters King Power and they had reserved the club’s nickname, The Foxes, for a horse they considered special.

That plan seemed to go awry somewhat when he was only fourth and ninth in his first two outings, but a much-improved performance when winning a Goodwood maiden began to offer hope to his connections.

He was pitched into this much more prestigious race, but only faced three opponents as the favourite Flying Honours had scared off many others.

Understandably, he was the outsider of the party at 17-2, but a muddling pace led to a sprint in the last few furlongs and a blanket finish, in which The Foxes came out on top.

It will be interesting to see if he progresses to better things as the Royal Lodge has a rich history. Frankel is among its former winners.

On Sunday Probert chose Epsom in preference to Ffos Las, and he steered Ndaawi – another Andrew Baldingtrained two-year-old – to win by a neck.

It was the colt’s second success, both by narrow margins, but the form is useful as he had three previous winners behind him.

Meanwhile, at Ffos Las John Flint’s With Pleasure excelled himself by deadheating for second place in the final of the Bath Summer Stayers Series, only to be disqualified and placed third for interfering with the other runner-up.

Flint gained quick compensation when stable companion Rival won the next race at 18-1.

He was ridden prominently and appreciated the good to soft ground.

The trainer, who is based in Kenfig Hill, has run 12 horses on the flat this year and nine have won.

One of Rival’s part-owners, Viv Williams, is the brother of ex-jockey John Williams, who remarkably rode in three Grand Nationals and three Epsom Derbys.

The jumps season is about to get into full swing and we are now preparing for the £50,000 Dragonbet Welsh Champion Hurdle fixture on Sunday, October 9.

The meeting also has a Gentleman’s Day theme, so please dress to impress!

Details are available on the racecourse website.