Big Mojo latest to spring another sprint surprise with 16-1 success under William Buick

Big days are becoming more and more frequent for Mick Appleby. Less than two years after winning at the highest level for the first time at the Breeders' Cup, the trainer reached the pinnacle on home soil when, in this season of sprinting lottery, his number came up with Big Mojo.

Racing in the same colours that Big Evs carried to victory in the 2023 Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, Big Mojo became the latest surprise winner of a British Group 1 sprint this year, returning at 16-1 as the heavily backed even-money favourite Lazzat could manage only fifth.

Drawn near the stands' side in a maximum 17-runner field, William Buick kept Big Mojo close to the rail and, after taking up the lead going into the final furlong, the three-year-old powered home in a course-record time.

For Appleby, who cut his teeth in low-grade all-weather races before gradually increasing the quality of his team, this was the zenith.

"It's a big moment and it does mean more this time," he said. "It's absolutely great for the whole team to get a Group 1 over here as well.

Big Mojo returns to Haydock's winner's enclosure after winning the Betfair Sprint Cup under William BuickCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We were disappointed with his last run at Goodwood and there were a lot of question marks by his name, but we put it down to the ground. He's gone and proved he's still at the top.

"Everything went to plan, it took William half the track to pull him up. It's great for the owners, we all get on well together."

Appleby was flanked by owner Paul Teasdale, who races his horses under the banner RP Racing and has provided the trainer with his two greatest victories.

Before his fifth in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, Big Mojo was beaten only a neck in the July Cup, which gave his connections plenty of confidence.

"We knew we just needed another July Cup performance when we were only inches away from winning," said Teasdale. "We knew he was capable; we've just hit the bar a couple times and been unlucky. He was right on the day and William gave him a fantastic ride, and it's all down to Mick."

Big Mojo was chased home by Wathnan Racing pair Kind Of Blue and Flora Of bermuda, with the favourite Lazzat only fifthCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

With Big Mojo's regular jockey Tom Marquand required to ride the supplemented Sky Majesty for William Haggas, Buick made the most of the opportunity.

"It's a brilliant spare ride; it's all come together," he said. "I was happy with the draw, but the track can play differently here sometimes. The race panned out well and he put in a big performance. He was very smooth and I didn't have a moment of worry.

"It was well deserved and I'm delighted for the owners and Mick. It's huge. These are the days we all do it for."

Big Mojo was cut to 6-1 (from 16) for next month's Champions Sprint at Ascot by Paddy Power and all options remain open, including a return trip to Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup.

"He came fourth there last year when he handled Del Mar really well and we wouldn't be scared to go back," said Teasdale.

"We think he's equally good over five or six and we've got a few options as he's got an entry on Champions Day and we might even consider the Abbaye."

Big Mojo: struck at 16-1 in the Sprint CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

For the second time since Lazzat's dazzling Royal Ascot success, Jerome Reynier was left disappointed with the four-year-old, who got a good early position but did not pick up as the race developed.

"It was too sharp for him," the trainer said. "It was my fear because he likes to be in front and at the three-furlong marker, he was already asking him to keep up. He stayed on well, he was fighting and he wasn't beaten far.

"Hopefully, next month there will be a bit more cut in the ground for the Champions Sprint over six furlongs or the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs."

Appleby will be mulling over options at the same major meetings too, but even in the midst of his biggest success, he is not the type to forget his roots.

"It's great to have these nice horses, but we'll be back on the all-weather this winter," he said.

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