Cup hero Wigmore takes a break

Wigmore Hall is being rewarded with a well-earned break after his hard-fought success against older horses in the John Smith’s Cup at York.

The son of High Chaparral was the only three-year-old taking on his elders in the ultra-competitive heritage handicap, yet he came through his test with flying colours in the hands of 3lb claimer Martin Lane.

He withheld the determined challenge of Kings Gambit by a short head and survived a stewards’ inquiry after the first two came very close together in a tight finish.

“He looked well-in on the evidence of the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot and so it proved. I think the first three from that race look very useful and arguably we were a bit unlucky,” said trainer Michael Bell.

“It was nice to get compensation yesterday and Martin Lane gave him an excellent ride. I spoke to Jamie (Spencer) this morning who rode the second (Kings Gambit) and he really likes him.

“We were the unexposed horse in the race. He ran a very good race and was ridden exceptionally well.

“He’s had three runs in five weeks, so we will just give him a bit of a holiday and I’ll get my head in the programme book and come up with another plan. The race at York, the Sky Bet, will come too soon.”