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Roy Rocket: the white wonder who loves Brighton and happily rules Berry's yard

Lee Mottershead spends some time with the people's favourite

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JULY 10:  Trainer John Berry with Roy Rocket Brighton Racecourse on July 10, 2018 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
John Berry with Roy Rocket at the horse's second home, Brighton racecourseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

A white horse full of flair and character, a prolific winner and loved by the British racing public. It all sounds rather familiar.

There will never be another Desert Orchid but, wonderful as he was, the ghost of winters past was never tested galloping down a seaside mountain. Few great horses are, for few great horses ever run at Brighton. Roy Rocket is not a great horse, nor is he even really a very good one, but he has become something of a cult hero, both at Brighton and beyond.

Many factors have contributed to his widening appeal, not least the fact he is trained by former Newmarket mayor John Berry, who most mornings puts on his wellies, gets on the back of the gelding he bred and then hopes for the best.

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Published on 16 July 2018inFeatures

Last updated 17:07, 16 July 2018

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