DANNY’S SUMMER JOY
LOCAL lad Danny Tudhope became the first Scottish-born jockey for 50 years to triumph invirgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup after snatching victory on Summerghand.
Tudhope, who grew up at Irvine in Ayrshire, was matching the
1972 achievements of Richard Hutchinson, who was successful on Swinging Junior.
“He’s an absolute star,” said a delighted Tudhope.
“But I had a feeling he’d run a big race.
“He needs a bit of luck in running but that’s the way he likes it. Once you get it right, he’ll deliver the goods.”
Victory looked in the bag for the Stewards’ Cup hero Commanche Falls before he was mugged on the line.
Commanche Falls had also come off second best behind Summerghand when they fought out the finish at York last month.
Juan Les Pins took third, with the 9-2 favourite Khanjar out with the washing, finishing 20th of the 24 runners.
Summerghand’s victory was deserved after his 11th in 2018, fourth in 2019 and eighth last year.
Victory was a second success in this helterskelter sprint for trainer David O’meara following Louis The Pious in 2014.
“He’s been with me a long time and he’s an old legend,” said O’meara (below).
“He’s run here a good few times and hit the woodwork a fair bit.
“Liam Heard rides him out every day but I don’t really gallop him.
“Like a lot of these good sprinters, they don’t need a lot of work.
“He runs quite frequently and sort of looks after himself.
“He loves the game, and it was a great ride by Danny.”
Earlier in the day,
Paul Mulrennan continued his impressive strike rate for owners Helen and Norman Steel after making it four winners from four rides when partnering Barefoot Angel to victory in the Firth Of Clyde Stakes.
“We call him the 100 per cent kid,” said Norman Steel.
Hollie Doyle also continued her excellent strike rate at Chantilly when partnering Eddie’s Boy to victory in the Group Three Prix Eclipse for Archie Watson.
In June, Doyle wowed the racing world when making history at the track after becoming the first European female to ride a classic winner with Nashwa in French Oaks.