Chesham owner 'didn't have a penny on' but revelling in shock 40-1 success

Owner Nick White was still buzzing a day on from Holloway Boy's shock success in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, even though he had to find time to do the staff rotas at the garden centre he owns near Southend.

Trained by Karl Burke, Holloway Boy was making his debut in the Chesham and was largely a social runner for White, who used to be part of syndicates run by Henry Ponsonby and became smitten with the late Sir Henry Cecil – "a real gent" – when visiting their horses.

He decided to strike out on his own and also has a juvenile filly with Kevin Ryan, although he joked the 40-1 success on Saturday would be hard for her to top.

"I'm still on cloud nine," said White on Sunday. "My head is pretty clear and I actually went to work this morning for three or four hours. I'm just catching up on the missed calls, messages and Christ knows what else."

Explaining why he has his horses with North Yorkshire-based trainers, the Arsenal fan from Holloway in North London – hence the name, said: "Even though Newmarket is only an hour or so away from me Karl and Kevin came across as people I could talk to, more regular Joes.

"Kevin was thrilled and gave me such a big hug, but I told him he was ruined because he'd never be able to match that! We were hoping to beat three or four home – that was the big hope. It's still a blur and the crowd I was with – family and friends – were shouting their heads off.

"I started screaming when I thought he'd get second and then he flew home."

A delighted Karl Burke after Holloway Boy's shock Chesham Stakes victory on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Group races at Newmarket's July meeting and Glorious Goodwood will be considered for the Ulysses colt, who was not backed by his owner.

"I'm a big betting man and had a bet in almost every single race at Royal Ascot," he said.

"I booked the week off, read the Racing Post every morning and I haven't got any betting apps on my phone so have to go to the bookies.

"I went to Ascot loaded to have lots of bets and backed Stratum, the last winner, but didn't have a penny on our horse. Members of my family won thousands, though. Other people rang me up saying they'd won £6,000 or £4,000 – they were on at 100-1 and 80-1. There was no encouragement from the yard; like I said, we'd have been happy to beat a few home.

"I know lots of people and my message to everyone was, 'The boy's running on Saturday – don't go mad because it's first time out in a tough race'. But people were having £100 on just because they know me and wanted to follow the horse."

White, whose late father Jack was a bookmaker and then full-time gambler, revealed his phone had been red hot with offers for the exciting juvenile.

"We've had a few calls from Hong Kong this morning," he said. "But I'd be very reluctant to sell it; I'm in it for the fun."

Watch a replay of Holloway Boy's victory in the Chesham

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