Alpha bet pays off for Smart
Stradivarius becomes a millionaire at York
STRADIVARIUS did not need to answer Chris Tarrant’s questions to make himself a millionaire yesterday after landing the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup at York. The four-yearold had put himself in line for yesterday’s £1million bonus after victories in the Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup, but success had looked in doubt over a furlong from home. Count Octave set sail for victory with Frankie Dettori and Stradivarius struggling on his tail but after a couple twirls with his whip, the win was quickly sealed. No sooner had Dettori snatched the race than he was he shouting: “Show me the money!” But he admitted that Stradivarius was not at the top his game. “I didn’t feel he was the same horse today as he was in the Ascot Gold Cup,” said Dettori. “Only his courage and class got him through.
“I’m worried sometimes as he can take a hold, but today he was very quiet, he didn’t carry me with his usual enthusiasm.
“He’s had a hard season, being in every two-mile championship race from the start of the season.
“It can take its toll, but his class and courage saw him through.”
Winning trainer John Gosden shared Dettori’s opinion.
He said; “I think it must have felt like he’s just done 30 rounds with Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali but he got here and did it in a race not run to suit.
“It’s a phenomenal achievement from a gritty, tough horse.”
Winning owner Bjorn Nielsen pockets £700,000 of the bonus and the remainder is divided between Gosden, Dettori and the stable staff.
Dettori made it a double when he took over from the unwell Jamie Spencer on Emaraaty Ana in the Gimcrack Stakes for trainer Kevin Ryan. IN their past lives they battled for top honours over jumps but yesterday it was about celebrating in a five-furlong dash for two former National Hunt jockeys after capturing the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Graham Lee, successful with Amberleigh House in the 2004 Grand National, partnered Alpha Delphini to a 40-1 victory for trainer Bryan Smart, winner of the Midlands Grand National with Bueche Giorod.
Crossing the line it looked as if Alpha Dephini had dead-heated with Mabs Cross but after several minutes Lee’s mount was announced the victor.
Victory was expected for Battaash, the 4-5 favourite, but he failed to last home and eventually finished fourth.
Smart said: “That was the longest five minutes of my life!
“I backed him this morning, I had a tenner each-way at 80-1 because I thought that was an insulting price.”