Lord Glitters sparkles in delivering dramatic last-to-first success

A pulsating Qipco British Champions Day was given a fitting finale as Lord Glitters put up a sensational last-to-first display to snatch the valuable Balmoral Handicap.

On a day when the punters handed the bookies a bashing, Lord Glitters was perhaps the best backed of them all, being sent off 3-1 favourite, but those who piled in will have had their hearts in their mouths for much of the mile trip.

Lord Glitters and Danny Tudhope had passed only one rival with two furlongs to run and, despite seemingly travelling very well, his chances looked like being scuppered by severe traffic problems.

Tudhope was forced to switch out closest to the stands and Lord Glitters responded with a devastating run to grab veteran GM Hopkins on the line.

Winning trainer David O'Meara said: "He was bought to fill the boots of Mondialiste, who we retired this week, and to keep his owner Geoff Turnbull's colours flying and hopefully he will do that.

"I went over with Jason Kelly to buy him after watching his races in France and he cost €270,000. But to win like that on Champions Day he has repaid that already. I hope he's a Group horse as he's got an amazing turn of foot."

Wind beneath their wings

Despite an ominous forecast beforehand based around the imminent arrival of Storm Brian a crowd of breezed into Ascot 31,187, compared to last year's turnout of 28,989.

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