Simulation to jubilation: video game helps Filip Minarik ride Ascot winner

Filip Minarik proved practice makes perfect when winning on his first ride in Britain after admitting he played the video game G1 Jockey to prepare for competing in the Shergar Cup at Ascot.

The Czech rider, captain of the European team, appeared as though he had ridden the track hundreds of times when delivering the Andrew Balding-trained Stone Of Destiny in the dying strides to land the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored Dash by a neck from Final Venture.

"I couldn't have dreamed my first ride at Ascot, and in England, would be a winner, it's perfect" said the 44-year-old.

"I went to my friend's house to play G1 Jockey on his Playstation 3 because I don't have one at home – I have a kid and my wife doesn't like it. I did the same before I went to Tokyo and luckily it paid off.

"I can't play as myself on it yet, but maybe I'll be able to when I reach the next level of the game."

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