Good win for Goodricke at Haydock
Goodricke won the Group One William Hill Sprint Cup at Haydock Park.
Jamie Spencer sent David Loder’s charge into the lead approaching the final furlong and the 14-1 chance ran on strongly to beat La Cucaracha (8-1) by a length.
Ashdown Express (50-1) finished a further length back in third but favourite Proclamation was a huge disappointment.
The Jeremy Noseda-trained Proclamation was backed as though defeat was out of the question before the start of the six-furlong race and was sent off the 6-4 favourite.
Frankie Dettori was still going well aboard the son of King’s Best entering the final two furlongs but the grey found very little and finished well down the field, as did other leading hope Gift Horse.
Goodricke, however, responded to all his title-chasing jockey’s urgings to continue his rise through the ranks with an impressive success.
Spencer told BBC Sport: ``David has been a good friend of mine and it is sad to see him end his training career (at the end of the season).
“I am delighted to have done this today for him.
“I didn’t really believe that I could win the race and I thought he would run really well to be placed. But I knew at halfway that he was going to hose up.
“I went for an opening and he really flew – I am delighted for everybody.”
Barry Hills, trainer of La Cucaracha, said: ``She ran a great race. Perhaps she saw too much daylight but that's just how these sprints work out sometimes.
“The Hong Kong race is very much on the agenda and that is what she will be prepared for.”
Chris Wall was delighted with the effort of Ashdown Express.
“He ran a really good race and he has bounced back to something like his best,” he said. “If we want to get his head in front there is a Listed race at Yarmouth for him.”
Tim Easterby saddled Somnus to be fourth with stablemate Fay Jag in fifth.
He said: “They ran cracking races and I am very pleased with both of them. I could have just done with another 10 days with Somnus and he’ll go for the Prix de la Foret now.”
