Brae Hill holds on to give Fahey first Lincoln win
Report: Doncaster, Saturday
William Hill Lincoln (Heritage Handicap) 1m str, 4yo+
BRAE HILL just saw off the late challenge of Mull Of Killough to give Richard Fahey a first win in the Lincoln.
The six-year-old, who finished second in thisrace last year, went one better as he scored by a short head at odds of 25-1.
Mull Of Killough, who was having his second start since leaving Fahey, returned at 10-1, a length in front of Fury with Edinburgh Knight finishing fourth. Favourite Eton Forever was fifth.
As was the case in the Spring Mile earlier in the afternoon, the jockeys elected to go to the middle of the trackas they jumped from the stalls with the winner tracking the trailblazing Clockmaker from the off.
Tony Hamilton, on board Brae Hill, took it up over two furlongs from home and his mount showed plenty of guts and determination to see off the challenge of Edinburgh Knight in the final furlong before sticking his neck out when Mull Of Killough flashed home.
Despite his long service with Fahey this was the first time Hamilton had ridden Brae Hill and after his big-race win the jockey said: "He is still very wooly to look at but he stuck his head down all the way to the line.
"I did think I had won, even though it was only a short head.
Richard Fahey: first Lincoln winner
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker"I've been with Richard forten years and with Paul [Hanagan] getting a big job there might be more opportunities now."
Fahey said: "I've been trying to win this race for years and never thought I would. I've been second, third and fourth in it so many times so it's nice to win it. This is a prestigious handicap and a nice one to have on your cv.
"It's fantastic for Tony. Everyone keeps asking me who'll be my new stable jockey but I've already got some very good jockeys at home. Tony Hamilton is as good a rider as you'll get so I've got no worries about jockeys."
Shane Kelly, who rode the second, said: "If I'd had something to carry me into the race I think I would have won, but all creditto the winner."
Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, owners of Fury, said: "The ground was a little too lively for him but he has run a very good race. With a bit more cut in the ground I think he will improve again."
Underfoot conditions were also blamed for the defeat of Edinburgh Knight whose trainer Paul d'Arcy said: "I am thrilled with Edinburgh Knight's great run under top weight. Pat Smullen is convinced over-watered ground did not help."
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