John Terry races to victory at Leicester
John Terry kicked off his career with a promising victory at Leicester today.
Named after the captain of Premiership champions Chelsea, the two-year-old colt, a 6-1 chance, recovered from a tardy start to take the Pytchley Maiden Stakes by half a length from 50-1 shot Bathwick Emma.
But there was drama after the line when the winner showed his greenness by ducking away and unseating Johnny Murtagh which in turn caused Steve Drowne to come off the runner-up.
“Johnny’s a bit shook up. The horse ducked – he’s a green two-year-old,” said Mark Perrett, husband of trainer Amanda Perrett.
“He was a bit slow into his stride but he’s done it well. The ground’s a bit slow so they didn’t go flat out.”
Owner Alan Spence is a vice-president of Chelsea and explained how he got permission to name the son of Grand Lodge after the England defender.
“John was delighted when I asked him. I would expect he’s watching today because I spoke to him last night,” he said.
