'He's a proper horseman' - Tommie Jakes impresses Brian Meehan as apprentice continues his great month

Tommie Jakes: recorded his 15th winner of 2025 at EpsomCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Apprentice Tommie Jakes was hailed as a rider to watch by Brian Meehan after continuing his fine run aboard Gascony in the 7f nursery.

The 5-2 shot was slowly away and towards the rear in the early stages, but the 5lb claimer did not panic and timed his challenge perfectly in the home straight. The son of Pinatubo pulled two and three-quarter lengths clear of favourite Who Is Alice.

The victory was Jakes's third in August from just 14 rides, his second at Epsom and took his tally this year to 16 winners.

Meehan said: "Tommie is a good lad, he comes and rides work for us and we've had quite a bit of luck together.

"He's a proper horseman and a good rider, and he showed it there. The horse was a bit slow away so he rode him well to get him back on the right leg and I thought he used the track and the cambers to his advantage. It was a great ride.

"We've always liked Gascony and the 5lb claim helped. He's been progressive and he seems straightforward. I'm delighted we've won with him and we'll kick on over a mile with him now."

Major surprise

Huggable caused a major shock in the 1m2f handicap with an impressive win for Morgan Cole and Dylan Cunha.

The three-year-old was last of 13 runners on her handicap bow at Doncaster last month, but stormed to a six-length success at 20-1.

'I’m a bit nervous to make sure everything’s all in one piece' - Rod Millman among the winners as he prepares stable star for Ebor meeting