Great White Shark sinks rivals to give Mullins third straight success

Great White Shark landed a great big gamble to give Willie Mullins a record third successive victory in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

The dual-purpose performer was backed into 9-2 favourite from 7-1 in the morning before scoring decisively under Jason Watson, who was completing back-to-back wins of his own in the 2m2f contest.

Off a pace set by eventual fourth Not So Sleepy, Great White Shark was put to sleep by Watson before the race began in earnest three furlongs out and she began moving through the field at the Bushes.

The six-year-old could have been called the winner entering the Dip, where she took the lead off the Mark Johnston-trained runner-up Summer Moon before going on to score by three lengths.

The winner was improving on her tenth place in the race a year ago. She was well backed that day as well but her chance was done no favours by unseating rider William Buick on the way down to post.

Mullins kicked off his remarkable winning sequence in the race with Low Sun in 2018, before striking with Stratum last season.

Great White Shark starting to stretch clear under Jason WatsonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Winning jockey Watson said: "I was a bit worried I was too far back early doors but I knew she liked passing horses so I kept pushing her along into the bridle. I knew from Willie Mullins that she would be fit and handle this type of ground and I had the horse for it.

"I hit a bit of a flat spot four out but in the end I was always the one going forward and she finished off really impressively. I know connections were very confident today but when there are 34 runners it's never that easy. It's satisfying to win these big races – I just wish Willie had more horses on the Flat."

Watch the Cesarewitch replay

British-based owner Malcolm Denmark is unable to travel to Ireland to see his horses due to the current Covid-19 restrictions but was more than happy Great White Shark was able to come to him.

He said: "Winning a Cesarewitch is something I never expected as I'm mainly a jumps owner, but I did used to come and see the race from the Silver Ring here as a kid. I never dreamt then that I would have a winner of the race and it's great for me and my son Callum."

The latter added: "Willie was quite bullish that she would go close. It didn't happen for her here last year and we've campaigned her quietly this season, although she did win a big hurdle at Galway last time. We've protected her Flat mark since then and it's paid off."

The runner-up Summer Moon was going one spot better than last year and his jockey Joe Fanning said: "He's run another great race but it's very difficult for him carrying top weight."

Third was filled by 50-1 shot Takarengo and his jockey John Egan said: "He's run a cracker and he'll win the race next year. I just hope they let me keep the ride."

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