LANE TAKES CLASSIC FOR APPLEBY

UNLIKE the lashing rain at Doncaster on Friday the only storm in sight yesterday was Hurricane Lane knocking his rivals flat when taking the Cazoo St Leger.

Hollie Doyle bravely attempted to become the first female to partner a classic winner as she cut out the early running on Interpretation but, turning for home, Hurricane Lane picked off his rivals with contempt in the hands of William Buick.

Mojo Star ran his heart out to take second, with The Mediterranean third and Interpretation and Doyle taking fourth.

It was third victory in the oldest classic for Buick, adding to his success with Arctic Cosmos (2010) and Masked Marvel (2011) and a first for winning trainer Charlie Appleby.

“He’s a jockey’s dream, he’s a lovely horse to ride,” said Buick. “You can put him anywhere in the race and he relaxes, which is obviously vital in a race over this distance.

“What’s impressed me in his last two or three runs is that he quickens towards the end. He really did put the race to bed then. “He’s a fantastic horse and I’m sure there’s more room for improvement.”

Victory was yet another addition to a stellar season for Appleby.

The Newmarket trainer has celebrated victory in this year’s Derby with Adayar and the Irish Derby with Hurricane Lane, enabling him now to top the trainers’ table.

“It was a fantastic performance,” said Appleby. “It’s great to win any classic, but to win the final one and such an historic race is extra special.

“The great thing about this horse is he quickens. For a staying horse he has a gear change.

“I thought it was a great performance and the Derby form has held up as well, with Mojo Star running a great race in second.”

As for Hurricane Lane taking on Adayar in next month’s Arc de Triomphe, Appleby added: “Adayar missed a couple of gallops and missed this weekend but he’s back on song and looked great this morning.”