East India Dock ready to take summer by storm for James Owen after giving Harry Davies back-to-back Chester Cups

For a young jockey making his way in the sport, Harry Davies has caused quite a stir in the historic Chester Cup.

The record books show that you need an experienced rider to successfully negotiate one of the most tactical races of the season, but Davies ripped up the manual last year, and here at a sunbaked Chester he became the first jockey in 20 years to win the £170,000 marathon back-to-back on East India Dock.

The 20-year-old, riding this year's Triumph Hurdle third for the first time, timed his winning run to perfection in the closing stages to provide rising training force James Owen with his biggest success.

Davies, who won the race 12 months ago aboard this year's third Zoffee, said: "I'm very lucky and he won a shade cosily in the end. Every year I've ridden in this race I don't think I've had a bad ride.

"He had the perfect profile coming into it and I was really excited when I got the ride on him. 

"A good draw always helps round here and he jumped well and I was able to hold my pitch. I got a great lead off Caballo De Mar and got out at the top of the straight when it mattered."

For a moment turning in it looked like Caballo De Mar was on course to bring up a remarkable six-timer before the extra staying power displayed by East India Dock over hurdles during the winter came into play.

East India Dock hits the frontCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The well-backed 9-4 favourite, twice a Grade 2 winner over hurdles, finished strongly to win by a length and justify the decision to switch codes.

"To win the Chester Cup is massive – this is our biggest win," beamed Owen. "Tim and Mr [Bill] Gredley had this plan, it was the right plan and we pulled it off. He travelled through the race lovely and then he hit a flat spot, which he usually does, and then stayed on well.

"He looked well in off his hurdles mark and before that he was progressive on the Flat. There are some big pots on the Flat and he's a lovely dual-purpose horse. 

"He'll go to Royal Ascot now, where the Ascot Stakes could be the race for him. I don't know the races, but I'm learning them quickly."

Harry Davies has won the last two Chester CupsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Owen only started training on a full licence at Green Ridge Stables in Newmarket at the start of 2023, but has quickly developed into one of Britain's leading trainers. 

"I've got a lot of support from a lot of owners," he said. "We've now trained 100 Flat winners and 100 jumps winners in two and a half years. We're getting there and it's nice to have these big winners as well."

On the direction of travel for his ever-expanding yard, Owen added: "I want to remain dual-purpose. We'll switch to be stronger with more Flat horses in the summer, but I love the jumping and the Gredleys love the jumping. There are horses who like switching between codes and hopefully they can pay their way." 

A delighted James Owen with East India Dock and groom Kim MasonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Fellow Newmarket trainer George Scott was left to reflect with pride as Caballo De Mar's winning spree just came to an end.

"He didn't really love the track, but he ran a monster race," the trainer said. "He's got his whole future ahead of him in this sphere and he'll go to Royal Ascot now."

Hugo Palmer was equally pleased with Zoffee, who finished in the first three in the race for the third year in a row.  

"It was a huge run," Palmer said. "We've been beaten by two better handicapped horses on the day. He's getting older and we don't want to overrace him this year, and I expect he'll be back here next year."

Read more:

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‘Who is everyone going to pick? I knew it wouldn’t be me’ - the sharp reality check that led to Hollie Doyle’s incredible rise 

‘I’ve got to keep on going’ - Kieran Shoemark keen to focus on exciting Classic rides after losing position with Gosdens 

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