Pool player Gillen pockets the cash as Winnetka wins owners-sponsored race
A plan very much paid off for the International Racing Club when the owners landed the 6f handicap they sponsored with previous 21-race maiden Winnetka.
Apprentice Mollie Phillips steered home the consistent four-year-old, trained by Tony Carroll, much to the delight of syndicate leader Joao da Mata and a number of other members, who were on course following a local pool tournament at the weekend.
One of those completing the pool and punting double was quadriplegic Frankie Gillen, who backed four winners on his first day at the races.
Gillen, who lives in north London, said: "I’m really enjoying it and it’s my first time. I know very little about the horses but I’m going by the names and doing pretty well. I’d love to come back. It’s been a great weekend and this has topped it off."
The club also owns horses in South Africa and Australia and Da Mata added: "This is what racing is all about. We're getting people involved and showing them the sport up close – you can't beat it."
No change
William Buick responded to Oisin Murphy taking the opening 6f fillies’ nursery on Build Me Up by riding the winner in the feature 5f handicap. Buick steered the David O’Meara-trained Nomadic Empire to victory to ensure the deficit remains at ten in the title race.
Shock winner
Mick Appleby saddled a shock 1-2 in the mile fillies’ handicap when 40-1 outsider Finery defeated stablemate Rhyme Scheme for apprentice Erika Parkinson in a forecast that paid £418.41.
Parkinson said: "I’ve sat on her a couple of times at home but it’s my first time riding her on the track and it’s been a wonderful experience."
One to watch
Jammrah, a daughter of Sea The Stars and half-sister to Benbatl, made an exciting start to her career when she powered home to land the 1m2f fillies' maiden for Andrea Atzeni and Roger Varian. The success completed a double for the pair after Carbon landed the 7f novice.
First for Fraser
Apprentice Kaiya Fraser enjoyed a first winner from just his second ride aboard the Chris Wall-trained Hi Ho Silver in the second division of the 7f handicap.
Fraser, 19, said: "It feels great to ride my first winner – I'm pretty speechless. I'm very proud of myself. I've been with Chris for three years so it's great to ride the winner for him."
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Published on 20 September 2021inReports
Last updated 20:25, 20 September 2021
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