LIGHTNING BOLTS HOME
LIGHTNING SPEAR and jockey Oisin Murphy captured the Qatar Sussex Stakes on their third try at sun-soaked Glorious Goodwood.
After finishing sixth and third respectively in the last two runnings of the mile event, the seven-year-old was rewarded for his consistency with a first Group One success on his 16th attempt at that level.
Murphy, adding to his recent success with Roaring Lion in last month’s Coral-Eclipse, admitted to rare big-race nerves.
“I never get nervous before Group Ones like the Derby and I make fun of the other jockeys,” admitted Murphy. “But I was nervous today and I was trying to hide it down at the start.
Celebrated
“I’m lucky I have a good boss in Sheikh Fahad (winning owner) and a supportive trainer in David Simcock.”
Like Murphy, Simcock is enjoying his best season. He celebrated his first Classic success with Teppal in the French 1,000 Guineas.
Of Lightning Spear’s rivals, Expert Eye, the second home, had every chance. And Lord Glitters posted his best effort to finish third.
But Without Parole, the 7-4 favourite having won the St James’s Palace Stakes, was a bitter disappointment, finishing seventh of the eight runners, after making the early running.
“At Ascot, there was a strong pace,” said his trainer John Gosden. “There was no pace here and that’s not his style of racing being in front.”
Newmarket trainer Richard Spencer was hoping to celebrate with a free meal last night after Rumble Inthejungle landed the Molecomb Stakes under Tom Queally.
“There’s a fish and chip shop in Newmarket called Rumbles,” said Spencer. “I regularly visit it, so I’m hoping they backed the horse and I can have free fish and chips.”
The popular National Hunt performer Lil Rockerfeller successfully returned to the Flat after an absence of three years to take Matchbook Betting Handicap. Given an enterprising ride by Silvestre De Sousa, he galloped his rivals into submission.
“This is one of the few Flat races we can run him in because he failed a stalls test and this race is started with a flag,” said winning trainer Neil King.”
The Goodwood plan was hatched a year ago by Andy Smith, one of the gelding’s owners.
But as much as connections would like another crack on the Flat, the gelding will now embark on a chasing career in an attempt to add to the £400,000 winnings he has pocketed as a hurdler.
Trainer George Baker had a surprise 53rd birthday present when 125-1 shot, the aptlynamed Feel Glorious, landed the Victoria Racing Club Stakes under Pat Cosgrave.
After a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ in the winners’ enclosure, Baker said: “I really fancied her! No, I felt that if she finished in mid-division I would be delighted.”