'I didn't know we'd won until I got a text'- pleasant surprise for Micky Hammond
Thursday: Newcastle
Micky Hammond's unintentional decision to miss Dragons Will Rise's engagement proved a blessing in disguise after he made it seven wins from his last 11 starts with an impressive victory in the 1m2f handicap.
The six-year-old scored by two and three-quarter lengths under Rab Havlin to maintain his fine record for his delighted trainer, who found out about his success only when he looked at his phone.
He said: "I'll be honest with you, I didn't watch the race at all because I was watching the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick, even though I didn't have a runner in it.
"I didn't know we'd won until I got some text messages, so I'll make sure to watch it back tonight. He's a pleasure to train and gets on really well with Rab. He may not be Enable, but he wins his share for him."
Watson targets winter riches with new recruit
Al Zaraqaan made the perfect start for Archie Watson and maintained his unbeaten record on synthetic surfaces in the 1m2f conditions stakes, which left his new trainer keen to tackle loftier targets.
"That was a good performance by making his own running in a strong headwind. Danny [Tudhope, jockey] was delighted with him," Watson said.
"We'll see how he comes out of the race, but the Winter Derby Trial and the Winter Derby itself would be nice options I'm sure."
New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets. New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 2 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.
Published on 13 January 2022inReports
Last updated 17:38, 13 January 2022
- Coolmore see another juvenile champion humbled as William Buick's winter warmer becomes an unconventional Guineas hero
- Newmarket: Seven Questions has all the answers after springing 33-1 shock in Palace House Stakes
- Punchestown: 'That was a tremendous performance to come back and win here' - tough Kargese gains her just reward
- 'He got upset in the stalls which is not like him' - Aidan O'Brien shocked by City Of Troy's performance as hot favourite flops
- Goodwood: 'We used to be the bosses but it's different now!' - Mick Channon deputises for son Jack for Listed success
- Coolmore see another juvenile champion humbled as William Buick's winter warmer becomes an unconventional Guineas hero
- Newmarket: Seven Questions has all the answers after springing 33-1 shock in Palace House Stakes
- Punchestown: 'That was a tremendous performance to come back and win here' - tough Kargese gains her just reward
- 'He got upset in the stalls which is not like him' - Aidan O'Brien shocked by City Of Troy's performance as hot favourite flops
- Goodwood: 'We used to be the bosses but it's different now!' - Mick Channon deputises for son Jack for Listed success