'The cameras don't do it justice' - first Epsom ride a winner for David Noonan in unique Jump Jockeys Derby

Nine months on from his Grade 1 jumps breakthrough, David Noonan celebrated another milestone aboard a Gary and Josh Moore-trained horse when Miller Spirit provided him with a first Flat win in the Jump Jockeys Derby.

Noonan was having just his seventh Flat ride and first at Epsom, but guided the 11-2 shot to a half-length win from Big Bear Hug and front-running Parramount. 

Success was a fourth together for the rider and the Moore team and conditions were not too different than Le Patron's 16-1 shock in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase last December, with a sharp shower emerging moments before the race.

The winner, owned and bred by Paul Reed, was recording a third win of the season while the training duo also won the 1m4f handicap with Small Fry.

Noonan told Racing TV: "It went smoothly. Tom Queally has ridden the horse and he gave me plenty of helpful tips. The plan was to get a lead, he kept responding well for pressure and he hit the line well.

"A winner here was very enjoyable and it's great to be a part of the race. It's a prestigious racecourse and great to come here with a chance. The undulations at the track are different to the TV, you don't realise how much of a rise it is. The cameras don't do it justice."

Improving type

Imperial Cult has been a revelation since joining Rachel Cook and John Bridger and picked up a third win of the season in the 1m2f handicap. 

He was winless when running for two trainers before joining the Hampshire operation in June last year.

Read this next...

'She's only going to get better' - potential turns into performance as Guineas hope Desert Flower blossoms 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.