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'I knew we'd either won or it was a dead-heat' - three-way photo-finish drama

The official photo-finish print showing the three-way go in which Thorn and Highway One dead-heated at Lingfield
The official photo-finish print showing the three-way go in which Thorn and Highway One dead-heated at LingfieldCredit: RaceTech

There was a dead-heat in the 1m4f handicap as Thorn and Highway One narrowly held off the challenge of Rakematiz in a thrilling finish.

The front three finished two lengths clear of the field but there was only a short head between the winners and runner-up at the line.

"I've not seen the print yet but I thought we got there on the nod," said Thorn's trainer John Gallagher. "It was unlucky really. Hector [Crouch, jockey] said we should try blinkers on him next time.


2.00 Lingfield: full result and race replay


"He thought he should have won by a length but Thorn ran a nice race. It took a while for the decision but I'm happy to share it."

On Thorn, Gallagher added: "The trouble had been getting him to settle but he's relaxing more and a couple of runs over hurdles has done him good. We'll stick with this trip and try different headgear."

Highway One's jockey Pat Cosgrave was confident they had not been beaten into second and said: "I knew we'd either won or it was a dead-heat. He stuck his neck out well and should stay further, too."

Off the mark

Hollie Doyle rode her first winner for Mark Johnston when Andonno justified odds-on favouritism to land the 1m4f seller and Doyle doubled up when For Richard stayed on gamely to win the 1m2f handicap.

"It's been a pretty straightforward day," said the jockey, who rode a four-timer at Leicester on Saturday. "Andonno was a bit of a steering job for me and For Richard is well handicapped and probably bumped into improvers last year. He's improved since his wind operation."

Doyle stole the show on British Champions Day last October and returns to Ascot on Wednesday, when she will ride Stag Horn in the Longines Sagaro Stakes and Mighty Gurkha in the Pavilion Stakes.

"Stag Horn was progressive last year," said Doyle. "He's really matured and beat some nice horses at Pontefract last time.

"We were pleased with Mighty Gurkha's second here this month. He's got good turf form and it'll be exciting to see what he can do."

Promising start

Juddmonte's Tangelo left it late under a well-timed ride by Martin Harley to score on her debut for John and Thady Gosden.

The daughter of Nathaniel was switched out by Harley late on in the 1m4f fillies' median auction stakes and quickened well to beat Atacamena.

"She's well bred and travelled well," said the winning jockey. "She needed every yard but I can see her going further in time. She showed a good attitude and hopefully the world is her oyster."

In-form trainer

Sir Michael Stoute is better known for his exploits on the turf but the trainer has enjoyed a remarkable run on the all-weather this year and recorded his eighth winner from 13 runners with Dollar Bid.


Replays, results and analysis


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Windsor dispute over dog leaves owner-breeder couple on verge of quitting

'We'll take it on the chin' – Ripon disappointed with poor Saturday field sizes


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Published on 26 April 2021inReports

Last updated 17:43, 26 April 2021

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