Jack Doughty keeps alive champion apprentice hopes as Pique' returns to winning ways

Pique' returned to winning ways in the 1m6f fillies’ handicap for trainer James Fanshawe, her first victory since landing the corresponding race last year.

The four-year-old had been winless in her last six starts but took advantage of runner-up Personal Best hanging left, staying on strongly under Jack Doughty to win by a length and a half.

Doughty told Racing TV: “It was a little easier today compared to last year. Mr Fanshawe felt something needed to change and it was her first time without a hood.

“She’s a very relaxed filly. She had her ears pricked in the paddock so I wasn’t worried about the sweating. She really likes heavy ground, which we’ve been waiting for. There'll be a nice handicap for her before she goes to stud.”

Doughty has ridden 59 winners this year and is second in the apprentice jockeys’ championship, which concludes on British Champions Day at Ascot next Saturday.

“I’m only five behind Joe Leavy and I’m getting plenty of support. I've got a nice couple of rides coming up but I'll keep my head down and just see what happens," he added.

Smart debut

Wise Prince made a stylish debut in the 1m½f novice for John and Thady Gosden. 

The son of Ghaiyyath made strong headway three furlongs from home under Robert Havlin and stretched comfortably clear to win by three and a quarter lengths.

Read more here

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