Quito marks century in style
Quito marked his 100th racecourse appearance with a thrilling victory in the Bank Of Scotland Corporate Stakes at Haydock Park today.
The evergreen nine-year-old has now amassed more than £350,000 (€510,000) in prize money since being bought by York trainer David Chapman for a bargain 3,500 guineas in July 2002.
Despite his advancing years Quito is as good as ever and had finished a close second in a Group Two contest at York on his previous start.
And under a cool ride from his regular partner Tony Culhane, he went one better in the Haydock Listed race, which is registered as the John Of Gaunt Stakes.
As expected New Seeker set out to make the running with Quito under restraint towards the rear of the seven-runner field.
The former looked like holding on when he quickened the tempo in the straight but Culhane had the move covered and brought his “favourite horse” with a sweeping run down the outside to lead well inside the final furlong.
Despite edging left close home, the 9-2 shot gained the day by just half a length from the rallying New Seeker much to the delight of the crowd.
He was given a hero’s reception on his return to the winner’s circle.
However, the celebrations were delayed slightly when a stewards’ inquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong was announced but it did not take the officials long to confirm the result.
Following the win, VC Bet trimmed Quito’s odds to 20-1 from 33-1 for the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, which is to be his next target.
Chapman, who stayed at home as he was feeling unwell, was represented by his wife Marrion, who said: “It’s hard on your nerves when he comes late like that but this horse brings a lump to your throat.
“I think he’ll have to go for the Golden Jubilee now.
“David is at home, he’s had some arm infection but this will cheer him up a bit.
“This horse is a nine-year-old but he must be still improving.”
Culhane was always sure of success and he added: “He just hung a little bit but it was nothing really.
“He’s my favourite horse. He’s not straightforward but we’ve all got a bit of a kink haven’t we?
“I thought he ran one of his best races at York and it put him spot on so I knew he’d take care of these no problem, so I rode him with that much confidence.
“He’ll hold his own in the Golden Jubilee. I’m not going to say he’ll win the race but he certainly won’t embarrass himself.
“It will be a full field with a lot of hustle and bustle and he’ll love that.”
John Egan, who was on third-placed Cape Columbine, was banned for two days (June 19 and 25) for careless riding.
Culhane was completing a double having taken the opening Pontin’s Holidays Maiden Claiming Stakes on the Nigel Tinkler-trained Picture Frame (8-13 favourite).
Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer also had a good afternoon thanks to a 22-1 brace on Methaaly and Tawaassol.
Fresh from his nail-biting victory on Sir Percy in the blue riband, he once again had a close call when he got the newcomer Methaaly (6-1) home by a short head from Rogue in the Win £3Million@worldcupgames.com Maiden Stakes.
The Dwyer double was completed when Sir Michael Stoute’s Tawaassol (9-4) held off Imperial Sword by half a length in the EBF Brannigan’s Bars Handicap.
The jockey said: “It’s been a very good day.
“I’ve just about come down to earth. I celebrated for a couple of days but it’s back to work and the ball keeps rolling s I’m very happy.”
Both his winners carried the colours of Hamdan Al Maktoum, for whom he rides as second retained jockey.
“Methaaly will improve,” Dwyer continued. “He was green but was good enough to win on the day.
“Tawaassol probably hit the front too soon and he idled with no company. The other horse drifted away from me and he was on his own for the last furlong and a half, which didn’t help him, so he should improve again.”
Imperial Sword’s trainer David Barron and jockey Jimmy Fortune had enjoyed better luck 30 minutes earlier when they combined successfully with My Gacho in the Louis Tussaud’s Blackpool Waxworks Handicap.
Fortune brought the 16-1 shot through to lead approaching the final furlong and it took all the jockey’s considerable strength to get the gelding home by half a length and a short head from Lake Garda and Trojan Flight.
Fortune was stable jockey for Barron in the 1990s and the handler said: “You would like to get Jimmy as often as you could.
“He was with me for three or four years and he never got beat on one he should have won on but he won on a hell of a lot he shouldn’t have won on – he could really lift them home.”
My Gacho was Barron’s 28th winner of the season and he added: “The horses are running all right at present but it can change quickly so enjoy it while it lasts.”
Trouble Mountain (9-1) was the second nine-year-old to win on the card when Mick Easterby’s veteran took the closing Blackpool Tower & Circus Handicap by a neck from Brief Goodbye in the hands of Dale Gibson.
