Grocer Jack camp 'gobsmacked' by stunning success for enthusiastic front-runner

Saturday: Newbury

Grocer Jack, a big-money buy who had not yet delivered for William Haggas, did his best Secretariat impression by bolting up in the Listed bet365 Stakes.

Formerly trained in Germany, Grocer Jack now runs in the colours of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled having been bought for 700,000gns in October.

He had shaped okay in two starts for new connections, but shot to a stunning nine-length victory under Tom Marquand, whose skills and strength in the saddle may have been tested by the free-going five-year-old.

"I'm gobsmacked," said Haggas's wife Maureen, who hailed Sergiy Barvinko for his role in the success.

"He's enthusiastic at home, but Sergiy does a great job on him and is a brilliant guy who has obviously got him in really good shape to keep going like that on a hot day like this.

"The performance was amazing because I thought he carted Tom and would fall in a big hole. He likes to be in front, but isn't that quick out of the gates, so you've almost got to get him going, and then he gets going too well."

The yard doubled up when Morgan Fairy sparkled in the mile handicap for fillies and mares.

Minzaal gets right back on track in the HackwoodCredit: Edward Whitaker

Burrows beaming

Owen Burrows is getting used to big-race success and was thrilled to see Minzaal shine in the Hackwood Stakes – seven days after the yard won the John Smith's Cup with Anmaat.

The four-year-old flopped in first-time cheekpieces in the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot and the Lambourn trainer said: "We'd be geniuses if we could turn back time. We tried something and it didn't work, but you live and learn."

Reshoun and Jim Crowley hit the front as a big crowd watches onCredit: Edward Whitaker

Burrows last month won his first Group 1 when the now-sidelined Hukum landed the Coronation Cup and he added: "We had a slightly quiet month after Hukum and I wouldn't say I started panicking, but then Anmaat won and we also had another winner at Ascot that day and then a nice two-year-old win here yesterday. Things are going well, so long may they continue."

Crowley delight

The old gang of Marwan Koukash, Ian Williams and Jim Crowley, who also rode Minzaal, were back together for the 2m½f handicap, which went to Reshoun.

Hectic (Pat Dobbs) streaks clear in the sunshineCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I actually got Marwan his first horse," said Crowley. "I found Bulwark, who was one of my first big Flat winners in the Chester Cup, for Ian and Marwan and we don't see these colours that much these days, but it's always nice to ride Marwan a winner."

The jockey was recording his fifth victory on Reshoun and added: "Horses like him are honest and try hard. As long as they do that, it doesn't matter what level they're at and you enjoy riding them."

Classic clue

Hectic earned a quote of 50-1 from Betfair for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas after winning the 6f novice in the familiar pale blue silks of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

Pat Dobbs rode the colt, whom trainer Richard Hannon thinks a bit of.

"You know me, steady Eddie," he said when asked about plans before – barely a second later – adding: "You might look at something like the Acomb at York and he's very nice – Dobbsy loved him."

Results, replays and analysis

Read this next:

'We voted with our feet' – Ralph Beckett doubles down on criticism of Newbury

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday