Probert’s cup win amid sad time for sport

THE belated conclusion of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster resulted in David Probert’s third Group 2 victory of the year.

The Doncaster Cup – founded in 1766, and therefore even older than the Leger – went to his mount Coltrane.

The slow pace didn’t favour the 2-9 favourite Trueshan, and Coltrane capitalised on it, just holding on in a driving finish.

However, a Group 1 remains frustratingly elusive for Wales’s leading flat jockey. Hoo Ya Mal, his ride in the world’s oldest classic, finished unplaced at the end of a messy race.

Chepstow’s Sunday meeting, a transfer from Bath, got under way with a winner on the flat for local trainer Deborah Faulkner. Fossos, who was having his 10th run over Chepstow’s five-furlong course this year, had finished third there on Thursday.

But this time he made all the running and was well on top at the end.

The final race of the flat season at Chepstow went to John Flint’s Lilandra, who bolted up. She’s not a frequent winner, but the result was in no doubt from halfa-mile out when she galloped clear of the field and stayed there.

The Queen’s interest in racing dates back to 1942, when she accompanied her father King George VI to see his horses exercising at Lambourn. Her final winner as an owner was Love Affairs on Tuesday, but her last at Chepstow was Kiteflyer, on May 10 this year.

Highly regarded by trainer Sir Michael Stoute, his debut came at Newmarket. He finished third there and was unextended to win that Chepstow novice stakes by four lengths. He was third in a similar race next time and hasn’t been seen since.

Her Majesty’s previous Chepstow winner was Natural History, who in August 2018 won a mile-and-a-half handicap by eight lengths under David Probert.

The Queen’s record at Ffos Las is three winners from four runners. The last of them was Take To Heart on in June 2017, who landed a novice hurdle for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson.

Our next meeting at Ffos Las is on Sunday, September 25. It’s our first Community Race Day where we are inviting nonprofit making organisations to promote themselves.

Please email khire@ffoslas-racecourse. co.uk for further information.

The first race is at 1.32pm and tickets are just £10 in advance – and £15 on the day – with children 17 and under free.