Owner Phil Cunningham scores Giant win on his way back from World Cup final

Monday: Chelmsford

Essex owner Phil Cunningham had a good reason to miss the win of his homebred Giant in the 7f two-year-old maiden at his local track on Monday night as he was flying back from the World Cup final in Qatar.

The Rebel Racing supremo was evidently in prime position to witness the 4-2 shoot out win of Argentina as he was at the end where the spot kicks were taken.

In his absence, Giant scored at the second attempt when overcoming Ray Vonn by a length under Danny Tudhope to justify strong morning support into 5-6 favourite.

Newmarket trainer Richard Spencer said: "Phil booked to go to the World Cup Final a while ago, probably expecting England to be in it. He flew out on Saturday and is in the air on his way back as we speak, which is probably why I can't get hold of him on the phone.

"I spoke to him this morning though and he said it was an unbelievable experience and he and his son Aidan were right behind the goal where the penalties were being taken."

As to the win of Giant, Spencer said: "Phil will be chuffed as he's by his stallion Rajasinghe and I believe he's named after a song by Calvin Harris. Danny said he was trying to teach him something during the race as he was still pretty green as he had been on his debut at Newmarket."

Cunningham had been hopeful of a double but it was derailed when Maharajas Express was unable to peg back front runner Galaxy Gazer in the opening 6f novice.

100 up for Hart

Jason Hart hit 100 winners in a calendar year for the second year running when Lord Rapscallion landed the feature 7f Handicap.

The 9-4 favourite, trained by Stuart Williams, overcame fellow Newmarket raider Maysong in a driving finish to register back to back course wins.

Hart said: "It's nice to get the 100 winners up for the year but the main objective was a Group 1 win this year, which is a box I ticked earlier this year."

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