Nicola Currie hits new heights as progressive Princess proves hot stuff

Sunday: Pontefract

Nicola Currie enjoyed the biggest success of her career as she continued her successful liaison with the progressive filly Princess Shabnam in the 6f Listed race.

Currie made the most of the favourable number one stall and had the 11-2 chance in front from the outset, keeping enough up her sleeve to hold the challengers at bay in the final furlong and score by a length and three-quarters from Gale Force Maya.

“Nicola has struck up an excellent relationship with the horse and I never contemplated changing the jockey for this race,” said trainer Sean Woods.

“The draw was a help as Princess Shabnam has natural gate speed, so she didn’t have to do anything to hold her position. It looks as though the ones behind ran their race and this is a career best for my filly. We’ll take her home and have a think about her next race."

Gale Force Maya’s trainer Michael Dods said: “She’s run a blinder and was trying to give weight to the winner. As long as the ground remains fast we'll be looking for another Listed race for her.”

Wee Willie wonder

Dods did not go home empty-handed as he was on the mark earlier with Wee Willie in the 1m4f handicap.

“He’s a nice staying horse in the making and he’ll probably do even better when stepped up to a mile five furlongs or a mile and three-quarters,” he said.

Glory And Honour escaped unhurt after appearing to stumble and falling to the ground after passing the post in third in the same race. The gelding’s rider Danny Tudhope was not seriously hurt but gave up his remaining rides on the card and hopes to resume later in the week.

Results and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Members' Club Ultimate subscriber? Click here to join today and also receive our Ultimate Daily emails plus our full range of fantastic website and newspaper content