Sunday, 12 June 2011
More From York
Kevin Ryan's Lexi's Hero ran out a game winner in a thrilling finish to the feature race at York, the £80,000 Bond Tyres Trophy Handicap.
Unsighted behind Majestic Myles and Desert Law at Newmarket last time, he was sent off at 20-1 under Jamie Spencer and having grabbed the rail from his berth in stall 18, he was prominent throughout while most of the other fancied runners were out in the middle.
Cocktail Charlie and Acclamazing, who came from stall two, flashed home late and ended up dead-heating for second a length away, with Swiss Dream fourth. David Allan and Adam Kirby, riding the dead-heating pair, were given two-day bans for careless riding.
"He'd become a bit lazy in his work so I told Jamie to bounce him out and even if he felt like he was going a stride too quick, to kick on," said Ryan.
"He had to make his mind up for him but he's a talented horse. He's run his heart and soul out there so he'll have a good month off now. We'll see what the handicapper does but I imagine it will be a Listed race next."
The domination of the Easterby family at the two-day meeting continued as Crackentorp won the Queen Mother's Cup (for lady amateur riders).
After doubles for both Mick and Tim Easterby on Friday, it was the latter celebrating again, while the winning jockey was Jacqueline Coward, Mick Easterby's granddaughter.
Inspirina tried to nick it from the front, but was worn down through the final furlong and Crackentorp (8-1) got up by a head.
The winning rider famously wins her weight in champagne and Easterby jnr said: "She gave him a great ride and I'm thrilled for her. I've been ringing her up all week to check she was in shape as she's been in Portugal. She feels a bit wobbly now so her mum is going to get on the scales for her!"
Coward added: "I've always wanted a go on these scales!"