First Group race winner for Johnson Houghton
Report: Haydock, Saturday
Timeform Jury Stakes (Registered as the John of Gaunt Stakes) (Group 3) 4yo+, 7f
THE CHEKA notched his first win since 2009 and his first ever Group victory when holding off Regal Parade in the John of Gaunt Stakes.
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It was also a debut Group victory for Eve Johnson Houghton, who has been training since 2007.
The Cheka had come close to recording a Pattern success in the two years since his last win and was four times placed in Listed or Group races, including his last two races.
Ridden by Tom Queally, he finally brought up that elusive victory in good style, tracking Kakatosi through the opening stages before readily taking up the lead and holding off the one-paced drive of Regal Parade.
Eve Johnson Houghton: Group win
PICTURE: Mark CranhamJohnson Houghton said: "That's unbelievable. He really deserves it as he has been there or thereabouts in good races, so I am chuffed for the owners and with the horse who I have always said is a good horse and now he has proved it."
The Cheka returned 6-1 and Regal Parade 7-4. Doncaster Rover made good ground late on to secureeach-way backers a healthy payout after going off at 33-1.
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