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'A special day for us' - delight for Dow as town native Arenas Del Tiempo scores

Arenas Del Tiempo after her poignant victory
Arenas Del Tiempo after her poignant victoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

The 1m2f handicap had Epsom stamped all over it, so much so that the runaway winner Arenas Del Tiempo was born in the town.

The filly races in the colours of owner-breeder Robert Moss, which was a special touch in itself for local trainer Simon Dow, who was also thrilled to win a race that remembered late colleague John Benstead.

"It's wonderful for Rob given all the support he's given the industry and particularly Epsom," Dow said. "And it's very important to win this race, especially as John did so much work to ensure the continuity of training in Epsom – he actually worked on the parliamentary act that now works for the Downs and the future of training here. It's a special day for us."

New Mission gallops to victory in the maiden to complete a double for William Buick
New Mission gallops to victory in the maiden to complete a double for William BuickCredit: Edward Whitaker

Buick up for title tussle

The betting suggests Oisin Murphy has secured a third straight jockeys' title, but Godolphin ace William Buick is not chucking in the towel after enjoying a double on the card.

Buick rode his 100th winner of the season at Epsom on Monday and is 5-1 with Betfair to overhaul red-hot 1-8 shot Murphy, trailing his rival by 18 at the start of play.

He ate into that deficit by winning the first two races on Epsom's card with the success of Smooth Talking in the nursery and New Mission in the maiden, and said: "We're in the title fight. We're working hard and trying to make every race count.

"I can't see me going somewhere for six minor rides if I had a good ride at a big meeting. The big days are the most important and I'm very privileged in my job, so they come first but the other winners in between count, absolutely."

Murphy snapped back later by winning the 1m4f handicap on Hey Teacher.

Ray Dawson (right) enjoys a joke with Andrea Atzeni before winning on Recon Mission
Ray Dawson (right) enjoys a joke with Andrea Atzeni before winning on Recon MissionCredit: Edward Whitaker

Millen quids in

The most valuable race on the card was the 6f handicap run in memory of larger-than-life local trainer Terry Mills, and was won by 11-4 favourite Recon Mission for his trainer Tony Carroll and owner Brian Millen

Millen joked that the winning prize of £7,560 would help pay for the rest of his string. He added that he would love to win the Dash at Epsom on Derby day, which Recon Mission has twice been beaten in, but he was still delighted to toast this victory.

He said: "I've owned horses for about 12 years and still get the same thrill, particularly as it helps pay all my training fees! It puts something in the kitty and he'll be back for the Dash next year – I'm an Epsom boy and have lived here for 60 years so it's the one I want."

The runners in the John Akehurst handicap race down towards Tattenham Corner. The winner was Sir Oliver (2)Epsom 31.8.21 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Runners gallop towards Tattenham Corner in the John Akehurst HandicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cherchi's perfect start

Stefano Cherchi landed the 7f handicap on Sir Oliver, and the top apprentice can now boast something which even Derby king Lester Piggott failed to achieve – a 100 per cent record at the track.

"It's my first ride here and it's lovely to make it a winning one," he said.

"It's the home of the Derby and not an easy track to ride, but I came in the car with Andrea [Atzeni], who gave me some advice and it's a pleasure to have a winner here."

The race commemorated John Akehurst, another great local trainer who died in 2012.


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James BurnLambourn correspondent

Published on 31 August 2021inReports

Last updated 18:13, 31 August 2021

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