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'I've dreamed of this day for a long time': emotional Loughnane salutes Santosha

Santosha: holds on bravely to win the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes
Santosha: holds on bravely to win the Group 3 Princess Margaret StakesCredit: Getty Images

Jockey Tom Greatrex and trainer David Loughnane earned the biggest wins of their careers when Santosha stayed on strongly in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Betfred Stakes at Ascot.

The Coulsty filly showed a good attitude to repel Hala Hala Hala and Paddy Power and Betfair quoted her at 33-1 for next year's Qipco 1,000 Guineas.

Russian Rhythm was the last horse to complete that double in 2003, but Greatrex and Loughnane will not be forgetting this weekend in a hurry.

The son of Lambourn trainer Warren, Greatrex, whose twin Eddie rides for Joseph O'Brien, used to be an amateur over jumps, but made the switch to the Flat two years ago and has thrived, while Loughnane, who trains in Shropshire, is a hands-on operator who started in 2016.

His progress has gone well and he said: "I've dreamed of this day for a long time and I'm quite emotional.

"I've done this interview in my head 100 times and I'm completely lost for words. I'm very grateful to the owners, who have given us a chance and that lad on her back is as good as there is riding.

"It's unbelievable and a massive credit to the team at home."

Loughnane met his wife Sarah - a key part of his business - when he was working in Australia and he also honed his education with David Elsworth, Sir Mark Prescott, John Quinn and Tom Dascombe among others.

"It's a massive credit to the team at home," he added.

"All the staff, the vets and farriers – myself and Sarah are so grateful. We've worked very hard to get here; it's amazing.

"We moved into our yard four years ago with just seven horses, but we've been adamant from day one we could compete with the best if we were given the ammunition and we've proved that today."

William Jarvis top of the pops again after Lady Bowthorpe blitzes Ascot rivals

William Jarvis, whose biggest victory came in the 1994 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot with Grand Lodge, was back among the Group winners at the course when Lady Bowthorpe produced an electric turn of foot to win the Valiant Stakes.

Jarvis, one of Newmarket's longest-serving trainers, last landed a Group 3 when Gravitation won the Lillie Langtry at Glorious Goodwood 12 years ago and he was celebrating another thanks to the daughter of Nathaniel, who impressed under Kieran Shoemark.

William Jarvis: nominates the Hall family as his Yorkshire heroes
William Jarvis: trainer is based in NewmarketCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A half-sister to smart sprinter Speak In Colours, Lady Bowthorpe boosted her paddock value when tearing away from Farzeen and Look Around to land the prize, which has been upgraded this year from Listed level.

Jarvis, who has always rated the 12-1 winner, trains her for talent agent Emma Banks, whose clients include megastars Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry.

He said: "She's got a bit to do to get to where Grand Lodge got, but she's pretty good. I was very impressed with her today - she quickened up and showed a good turn of foot.

"She's smart, but we always thought she was good. I was wobbling about running her in this, but James Toller, who bought her, said you must have a go, so we'll give him the credit.

"The game is very difficult - there's no question about it - but we keep on tipping away and we've good staff and great owners, so I'll still enjoy the job. It's not hard getting up in the morning for a filly like this."

Lady Bowthorpe shoots clear at Ascot
Lady Bowthorpe shoots clear at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Shoemark added: "The plan wasn't to sit last, but she just half-reared leaving the gates. I had to sit and accept rather than force anything and they went a nice even gallop.

"I knew she'd stay the mile trip well as she's by Nathaniel and she liked that good ground.

"She's a progressive filly, who has been a bit unlucky on her last few runs. I thought I'd keep it simple and she wasn't stopping at the line."

Franconia fires for Enable outfit

The Enable camp of Khalid Abdullah, John Gosden and Frankie Dettori enjoyed another success 24 hours after their mighty mare captured the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes when Franconia continued her rise in York's British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Fillies' Stakes.

The 1-3 shot did not win as easily as her stablemate or starting price might suggest, but it was only her third appearance and there is likely more to come from the daughter of Frankel whose Dansili half-sister Winsili was winning the Nassau Stakes seven years ago.

Walker in wonderland: dream day for owner after York double

Richard Walker, whose horses running in distinctive white-and-green silks, enjoyed a red-letter day at York when seeing his horses win two races at the track.

First up was 100-30 favourite Firmament, who proved too good in the 7f handicap before Musicka made it a dream afternoon by winning the 5f handicap at 10-1.

The pair are trained by David O'Meara and were ridden by Danny Tudhope, who was competing a treble after winning on Oti Ma Boati for William Haggas.

Born and bred in Yorkshire, Walker, who was present on course, founded Gallop Racing in 2015 and the syndicate, according to its website, has nine horses in training.

Tone The Barone: a heartwarming winner at Ascot
Tone The Barone: a heartwarming winner at AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Poignantly named Tone The Barone a tasty winner for Kent cherry farmer

Owner Brian Piper was grinning from ear to ear after Tone The Barone – named after his brother who has been ill with cancer – struck in the 5f handicap at Ascot.

The 18-1 shot, who was ridden by Harry Bentley for Newmarket trainer Stuart Williams, went off an 18-1 shot, but came home strongly to deny stablemate Equitation and Konchek.

The Kent-based cherry farmer was savouring the sweet success and told ITV via a video link: "That was brilliant – absolutely brilliant. What can you say?

"I'm sure that will give Tony a lift and I hope he had a couple of bob on. I think in his last race he had a poor start – even today he did – but he seemed to like the conditions.

"I think Stuart is a class act and it's a pity he doesn't get many of the well-bred horses because he's an excellent trainer. I've known and have had horses with him for 30 years; he's a good, honest man."

Williams enjoyed his best campaign last term when bagging a brace of Group 3s with Keystroke and Breathtaking Look.


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James BurnLambourn correspondent

Published on 26 July 2020inReports

Last updated 16:17, 26 July 2020

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