'I was nervous' - landmark Listed winner for Tom Ward as Roman Mist prevails

Monday: Kempton

Up-and-coming trainer Tom Ward underlined his potential by recording a first Listed winner with Roman Mist, who was too game and gutsy for her rivals in the Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes.

Lambourn-based Ward got his licence in 2019 and Richard Hannon's former assistant, who has also worked in the States, Australia and France, had long had the Snowdrop in mind for Roman Mist, who runs in the colours of Hot To Trot Racing.

The success meant a lot and he said: "I was pretty nervous, I'm not going to lie. The last furlong was probably the longest I've watched in my life. I'm absolutely delighted for the team at home and the owners and Kildaragh Stud, who bred her. She's been amazing.

"I thought it was going to disappear again, but she hung on gamely. She had every chance to throw in the towel, but she's not a filly who will ever do that. She always tries very hard."

Gay Kelleway is all smiles at KemptonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ocean up for sale

The 'for sale' sign is up for Ocean Cloud, Gay Kelleway's Royal Ascot prospect who made it two wins from as many starts in the 5f novice.

A winner at Kempton last month, Ocean Cloud was not booked in for a return to the track, but jockey Luke Morris intervened.

"The moment she came into the yard she was a natural athlete," purred Kelleway. "She has got natural talent. Luke told me to declare her as I had no intention of coming here but it is horses for courses. She had to give the colts a few pounds but that didn’t bother me.

"The key to a good horse is one who travels and quickens and that is what she does."

A trip to Chester for the May meeting may be next and Kelleway added: "The Queen Mary at Royal Ascot would be the main aim. She is for sale as well as she runs in my name."

Plenty of promise

Three-year-old conditions events at this time of year are often worth paying close attention to and Al Husn, who won the mile race for fillies, and Maljoom – on top in the mile version for colts and geldings – are two names to note.

Al Husn runs in the Shadwell colours and the outfit's assistant racing manager Richard Hills is eyeing up a crack at Royal Ascot for the daughter of Dubawi.

"She could be a Sandringham filly over that stiff mile and then we could step her up," he said.

Maljoom and Tom Marquand before their successCredit: Edward Whitaker

Maljoom is trained by William Haggas, whose wife Maureen was on hand for the post-race debrief.

"He wasn’t out last year as he just needed to fill out and he wasn’t ready," she said. "Giving him that bit of time and attention to fill out is helping him turn into a nice horse. He has got a beautiful attitude and is an easy chap to deal with."

Results, replays and analysis

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