Sea on Triumph trail

Ermine Sea, third in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot for John Gosden, could run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle for his new handler Henrietta Knight.

The son of Rainbow Quest is owned by Lady Bamford and Alice Bamford, who are part of the family who run the heavy machinery firm.

Ermine Sea won only once in nine starts on the level with his Royal Ascot run representing a career-best performance.

“I don’t know if it’s a sneaky entry but the owners sponsor the Triumph Hurdle which is why he is in it,” said Knight.

“The Bamfords own and bred the horse and they sponsor the Triumph Hurdle and they are very keen for him to run if we can get him there.

“He’s got a lot to learn. He does like jumping but he is not quite ready for a run yet

“He just wants a few more schools and the ground got really bad last week which meant we couldn’t school him. I think he’ll be all right,” she told At The Races.

Ermine Sea is 33-1 with Bet365 for the Triumph Hurdle.