Galient lands dramatic opener

Racing got off to a dramatic start on the second day of Newmarket’s Craven meeting when Richard Hills survived a hair-raising stumble in the opening contest.

Just as Hills – riding Alhaajes for his father Barry – was coming to challenge leader Galient over a furlong from the finish of the Spaceworks Furniture Hire Maiden Stakes, his mount veered right as his rider pulled the whip out and collided with the leader.

Alhaajes stumbled and Hills did well to stay in the saddle, but lost his irons and all chance in the incident which saw the colt return lame to the unsaddling area.

Meanwhile Galient was left clear in front under Philip Robinson and recorded a six-length success over the staying-on Cougar Bay.

A son of Queen’s Vase winner Endorsement, Galient’s pedigree is all about stamina and trainer Michael Jarvis sees the colt as a possible Cup horse for 2007.

“I hope the other horse is OK,” he said. “It looked as if my horse started to hang just as Barry’s came in the other direction and they collided into each other.

“There’s a very strong wind blowing across the track today and that can’t have helped.

“There’s a chance this horse could go for the Queen’s Vase and try to emulate his dam but he would want some more experience first. He was just a big baby last season but he’s coming to himself now.”

The stewards held an inquiry into the race but ruled the interference was accidental and had not affected the placings.