'Today is my 100th winner' - Jefferson Smith has landmark success at Lingfield

Wednesday: Lingfield

Jefferson Smith may be an unfamiliar name to many, but the jockey landed his 100th career winner and illustrated his riding credentials when guiding the Roger Varian-trained Sound Angela to a comfortable two-length success in the mile novice stakes.

The 26-year-old French native has relocated to Varian's stable having previously ridden professionally in France and as a work-rider for Charlie Appleby in Dubai.

“Today is my 100th winner,” Smith told Sky Sports Racing.

The 8-11 shot gave favourite backers a scare when she fell out the stalls, but her rider kept his composure.

He added: “The start was not good, she was a little bit funny, but it was not a problem, I was in no rush. I know the filly, she has a good finish and I listened to the orders of Roger [Varian] and was patient.”

Smith is building a fruitful partnership with Sound Angela as she gave him his first victory in Britain and for his new boss at Kempton last month.

He said: “It’s my first year in the UK, I need to work more and improve all the time.”

First winner

Young jockeys coming to the fore was the theme of the day as Anna Gibson rode her first winner aboard the Gary Moore-trained Semser in the 1m4f apprentice handicap. She completed a double for the West Sussex-based handler who earlier won with Durdle Door ridden by Jason Watson.

Pearson double

Apprentice jockey Laura Pearson completed a double, first producing Rainbow Mirage from a long way back to score by a nose in the second division of the mile handicap for trainer Mark Rimell. She then guided the William Stone-trained Pillars Of Earth to land the 1m2f handicap.

Results, replays and analysis

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