'He's only just getting going' - Quickthorn storms to stunning 14-length win

Friday: Lonsdale Cup, York

Who needs Stradivarius or Trueshan? Even without the two supposed superstars, racegoers were still treated to something sensational in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup.

Tom Marquand set off in front on Quickthorn, soon set up a clear lead and never looked like losing it.

Lady Blyth's progressive stayer, who had won his two previous starts by a combined total of three lengths, passed the post a remarkable 14 lengths clear of Coltrane, who short-headed Reshoun for second.

"I was pretty blown away by him," admitted Marquand, who had been happy to let the winner bowl along in front.

"You could break his stride but what's the point?" the jockey said. "He's an exuberant stayer with a full tank underneath him. He's sensible enough that he doesn't overcook it, he's just bowling.

"I knew I'd stretched away from them down the back. He never really took a breather and at the two I gave him a couple of flicks because he had a look at the crowd, but I heard the commentary and looked up at the big screen and took a bit of a sit."

Tom Marquand on Quickthorn: 'He's really coming to the fore now as a top stayer'Credit: Edward Whitaker

The winner had finished second in the Ebor Handicap at this meeting last year and has now won a Group 3 race and two Group 2s this term.

"I was really impressed," Marquand said. "You almost wish the big guns had run today just to see what might have happened.

"He's done that on ground that's probably a bit quicker than ideal. He definitely felt better on slower ground, which leaves you excited for what the future may hold – he's only just getting going."

Trainer Hughie Morrison was equally impressed and said: "He just keeps galloping. Most horses when they go off in front like that die three furlongs out. He obviously didn't, he'd won the race four out.

"He's an improving five-year-old, he's probably improved a stone this year. I'm disappointed the other two didn't turn up. He'd certainly have given them a race today."

'The damage was done early'

ITV Racing pundits Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan agreed the race was won in the early stages of the contest, while Andrew Balding had expressed concerns as to whether Coltrane would be able to run as well as expected after a busy season.

Mulrennan said: "It's always difficult at the time to know whether he’s going too quick. He jumped out and hit the brakes to give the indication he was going to go steady but then from the first bend he got him into a perfect rhythm and they couldn't go with him."

Weaver added: "He's very quick, this horse. The damage was done early and they couldn't go with him."

The clock proves that Quickthorn did do something special on the Knavesmire (Members' Club)

How the race unfolded

It didn't take long for Tom Marquand and Quickthorn to build up an easy lead, with their rivals happy to let the pair go

Quickthorn's advantage begins to grow midway through the Group 2 contest

As they turn for home, Marquand's fellow jockeys are busy at work on their charges but there is nothing they can do to eat into Quickthorn's huge lead

Quickthorn and Marquand cross the line in splendid isolation, 14 lengths clear of the field

Read these next:

Alan King 'sorry for everyone' after ruling Trueshan out of Lonsdale Cup

'He's never missed a dance' - Stradivarius ruled out of Lonsdale Cup

Sign up here. Place a minimum £10 bet on the Sportsbook at odds of minimum 1/2 (1.5) and get £30 in free bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.