Fran’s Silver lining
★ FRAN BERRY bagged the Silver Saddle for best individual jockey as team Great Britain and Ireland scooped the Shergar Cup at Ascot.
★ The rider notched a double on the day and sealed victory for his team by steering Golden Apollo to success in the closing sprint.
★ Berry left it late on Tim Easterby’s 4-1 northern raider to collar Lualiwa, who was representing the Rest of the World team, by a length.
★ Megan Lily, ridden by Jamie Spencer, was third for the Great Britain and Ireland team, which ensured the home side claimed the team prize.
★ Berry said: “It’s a fantastic win and it’s been a great competition.
★ “It was a great buzz to cross that line in front. You’ve got to keep yourself in the shop window. I’ve had a great week and this caps it all.”
★ Berry’s first winner was on Great Hall, trained by former footballer Micky Quinn.
★ Quinn was thrilled with the performance of Great Hall.
★ He said: “Great Hall is our first winner at Ascot but we don’t have many. I hate saying it, but we are only a small yard.
★ “He had a nice pace, liked the ground and came there to win his race.
★ “Fran’s had three rides for me – two winners and a second – so there were three Hail Marys and two Our Fathers when the draw for the jockeys came out. I had a few quid on at 20-1.”