Compensation for Drowne

Steve Drowne gained a measure of compensation for finishing aboard the runner-up in the July Cup in midweek when powering Autumn Glory to a neck success today in the first ever Group race to be staged on an all-weather surface in Britain.

The Geoff Wragg-trained five-year-old (9-1) travelled very well throughout in the one-mile Group Three Ladbrokes Silver Trophy Stakes at Lingfield.

Unpromisingly drawn in stall 12, Drowne was able to get a good pitch up the outside in fifth after breaking smartly on the outside and he then switched the colt off, asking him to pick up again with three furlongs to go.

There was an abject showing from those billed as likely victors, with joint-favourite Eccentric boxed in on the inside rail off the final bend and Chic seemingly cramped for room at a crucial stage.

Once Lygeton Lad was swallowed up as they approached the furlong marker, Drowne pushed the accelerator and Autumn Glory had plenty in hand as Court Masterpiece closed.

Last week’s Newmarket winner Vortex had the run of the race and stayed on for third.

Wragg, whose father Harry saddled Darius to victory in the Eclipse 55 years ago to the day, said: “I'm thrilled with this win. You can put that one in the record book – the first ever Group race on the all weather!

“He is a classy horse. He just got beaten on the line at Longchamp and beat Group One winners in Saint-Cloud. He’s been a bit unlucky.

“I was a bit worried when he came down the hill, because although he does all his work on the all-weather, he likes a straight mile and soft ground. Coming downhill is not his cup of tea.

“He will probably go to Maisons-Laffitte for the Prix Messidor in two weeks.”