Palace date for Rebel

Geoff Huffer rates Cockney Rebel’s success in the Stan James 2000 Guineas as the “ultimate” victory in his training career.

Huffer, who is in his second stint as a trainer, handled the likes of 1988 St James’s Palace Stakes winner Persian Heights and Derby fourth Ile De Nisky in the past, but he believes Cockney Rebel’s triumph is on a different scale.

“It is unbelievable for a small yard. I have won some big races in the past but to win a Classic is the ultimate,” he said.

“He only cost 30,000 guineas and this horse is going to be a legend. We are going to have a party next week to celebrate, it was far too hectic last night. We had a few jars but it wasn’t a late night. We have a lot of work to do today.”

Although Cockney Rebel, winner of two of his four starts, is entered in the Vodafone Derby, Huffer has set his sights on a repeat victory at Royal Ascot.

“He came out of the race unbelievably well. He ate up and is in fantastic form this morning,” added Huffer.

“He only lost five kilos and you would not know that he has been in a race. He will go for the St James’s Palace Stakes now. We haven’t got anything to prove in the Guineas any more.

“I rate the English 2000 Guineas as the best and we’ve beaten them in that.”