'I didn't know whether to laugh or cry' - jockey's joy after riding first winner

Tuesday: Lingfield

Jockey Bradley Furniss could not hide his joy as he returned to the winner's enclosure after riding the first winner of his career aboard Central City for Gay Kelleway in the opening 1m4f apprentice handicap.

The 21-year-old may have thought his luck was out after a winless first 22 starts. He had come closest in January when runner-up aboard Moveonup at Chelmsford, but he made the breakthrough here after Central City mowed down the Michael Attwater-trained Savoy Brown.

"That was ride number 23," said Furniss. "Most of them have been on this lad here thanks to my dad. It's great to get some experience. I was confident and it's great to get the first winner out of the way.

"I didn’t really know whether to laugh or cry. When every other horse was off the bridle and I was travelling, I thought we were going to do it. I can't believe it really, it hasn't settled in and I don't think it will settle in for a while."

The 7lb claimer was introduced to racing by his father Craig Furniss, who runs the Moorgate Racing syndicate, owners of Central City, and who was unable to be at the track to watch his son partner his first winner.

"Before I shot up and became five foot nine, I was actually quite small for my age." said Furniss. "I never really knew what I wanted to do when I grew up, and my dad sent me over to the British Racing School and I decided to give it a go. I've been working in the industry for just over four years and I've loved every minute of it.

"Dad's currently working, he's been very busy. I can't say thank you enough to him really, he's done absolutely everything for me. I'm very lucky to have someone like that."

More success for Doyle

Everything James Doyle has touched has turned to gold during the last few days, and his red-hot streak continued on the all-weather with success from his only ride on the card.

After taking both the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, his first and second British Classics, Doyle won the mile novice aboard the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Awaal, fending off the late challenge from the odds-on favourite Thesis.

James Doyle: rode another winner at LingfieldCredit: Edward Whitaker

The son of Lope De Vega, who is a half-brother to Group 2 Lennox Stakes winner Breton Rock, had looked slightly unlucky on his debut at Wolverhampton when finishing a close third, but he gamely kept his head in front under a bold front-running ride here.

"He was willing," said Doyle. "It didn't really suit him having to make the running, but he broke nicely and no one seemed to take me on.

"I was left in front. He had his ears pricked the whole way round, taking in all the surroundings, so we've probably gone a touch slow and it's turned into a speed duel down the hill and up the straight.

"It probably hasn't played to his strengths, but the fact that he's kept his head in front is testament to his ability rather than anything else. The turf tracks will suit him much better."

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