Charging Thunder makes successful stable debut for James Owen

James Owen: won at first attempt with recent purchase Charging ThunderCredit: Alisha Meeder

Hollie Doyle rode her first winner for James Owen as Charging Thunder made a successful stable debut in the 1m6f handicap.

The six-year-old once contested Meydan Group 3 and Listed races but had been winless in 19 starts since scoring for David O’Meara at Newmarket in July 2022 and was bought for 20,000gns at the Tattersalls September Sale last Tuesday.

After Charging Thunder capitalised on a 13lb lower rating than his last winning mark in Owen’s own silks, the trainer told Sky Sports Racing: “I bought him on spec and sold him about an hour before the race, so it’s all gone well.

“He was a good horse back in his day and has slipped into the lowest grade he’s run in for a while. We’ve schooled him and he’s taken to that quite well. He was going to go hurdling next, but after today we might change our mind, although he'll see a hurdle at some point.”

Environment Amigo, beaten three-quarters of a length in second by Charging Thunder, is owned by the Gredley family, who will be represented by Owen’s Wimbledon Hawkeye in the Royal Lodge Stakes on Saturday week.

On the Acomb runner-up’s preparation for the Newmarket Group 2, Owen said: “Physically he’s come on and in his work he’s come on as well. Hopefully he has improved and I think a mile will help as well.”

Doyle was denied a double when 13-8 favourite Glitterati chased home the Rossa Ryan-ridden Redorange in the 6f nursery.

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