Another boost for the Three Lions as 22-1 Mr McCann scores for Jordan Henderson
England midfielder Jordan Henderson's winning run continued when Mr McCann, the progressive two-year-old he part owns with Liverpool teammates past and present, added to his fine week by running out the easy winner of the 7f novice (2.45) at odds of 22-1.
Trained by Tom Dascombe, the juvenile is owned by Henderson and Liverpool players Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as well as former Anfield star Adam Lallana.
Named after Matt McCann, Liverpool's press officer, last month's Lingfield winner made it two in a row by making all under Jane Elliott to score by two and three-quarter lengths.
Henderson has come on a substitute in England's wins over the Czech Republic and Germany at Euro 2020, and Dascombe expressed his delight at being able to hit the ground running for the new ownership group. He said: "We were looking for a horse that would hopefully go out and give them a pretty instantaneous result.
"Eddie O'Leary said to me, if you buy this horse you will not be disappointed.
"It was disappointing none of the owners could make it here, but then at the same time it's not disappointing as some are still competing at the European Championships!"
Dascombe trains out of former England striker Michael Owen's Manor House Stables in Cheshire, and the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner was on hand to collect the trophy.
Owen, speaking to Racing TV, said of the colt's owners: "They're new into the game and wanted an early, sharp two-year old, but he looks more than that.
"He was pretty impressive there giving a penalty away and a good beating to his rivals. It's the perfect start to racehorse ownership for them so hopefully they get the bug and will be here for a long time."
Dapper delivers again
Saffie Osborne was reunited with the horse who provided her with her first winner back from injury in April as the Roger Fell-trained Dapper Man took the 5f apprentice handicap for the third year in a row.
Fell was quick to praise the role of Osborne, who was taking her seasonal tally to 30. He said: "Saffie really helped him get over the line – she was really good as he only does it when he wants to."
Read more of the day's top stories:
Wesley Ward celebrates royal win again as Dragon Symbol team fail with appeal
Confirmed runners and riders for Saturday's Coral-Eclipse – plus an early tip
High Court urged to award £286,000 to punter in Paddy Power disputed wager case
Jim Bolger tells committee he will not attend key hearing on doping allegations
For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets
Published on 1 July 2021inReports
Last updated 19:34, 1 July 2021
- Punchestown: 'She was foot perfect' - delighted Gavin Cromwell hails Brides Hill at end of unbeaten season
- Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle: Willie Mullins becomes the winningmost Irish trainer as Ballyburn scores
- Newmarket: Outbox shows he still packs a punch at the age of nine to spring 50-1 shock in Group 2 feature
- Punchestown Champion Hurdle: 'He’s a star, isn’t he? I love riding him' - Paul Townend thrilled as State Man seals tenth Grade 1
- Musselburgh: 'He felt unreal' - age no barrier to success as gallant eight-year-old The Dancing Poet lands feature
- Punchestown: 'She was foot perfect' - delighted Gavin Cromwell hails Brides Hill at end of unbeaten season
- Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle: Willie Mullins becomes the winningmost Irish trainer as Ballyburn scores
- Newmarket: Outbox shows he still packs a punch at the age of nine to spring 50-1 shock in Group 2 feature
- Punchestown Champion Hurdle: 'He’s a star, isn’t he? I love riding him' - Paul Townend thrilled as State Man seals tenth Grade 1
- Musselburgh: 'He felt unreal' - age no barrier to success as gallant eight-year-old The Dancing Poet lands feature