NUNTHORPE STAKES at YORK: POPULAR SPRINTER Borderlescott gave the Yorkshire punters something to cheer about as he claimed back-to-back victories in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York yesterday.
Trained near Wetherby, Robin Bastiman’s seven-year-old had won the race 12 months ago when it was run at Newmarket due to the abandonment of the Ebor meeting.
Sent off as a 9 to 1 chance this time, the consistent sprinter came with a late rattle under Neil Callan, who was riding him for the first time, to pass long-time leader Benbaun well inside the final furlong and win by a neck.
Ironically Callan is stable jockey to Benbaun’s trainer Kevin Ryan, but the Thirsk handler only ran his charge due to a late change of plan.
Radiohead, the only juvenile in the field, came with a late run to grab third with Tax Free fourth.
Bastiman said: “It’s brilliant to win on our home ground. We’re only eight miles away, so it’s just the job. He comes right at this time of year and I keep telling everybody that.
“He likes that fast pace and got a nice lead today.
“The change of hands probably helped but I’ve nothing against Pat Cosgrave, who has ridden him well enough. It’s great to have a horse like him and I just wish I had a few more.
“I’ve had two Group One winners now and I’ve only got 20 horses in my yard so there must be something wrong somewhere! Don’t forget it’s the Doncaster Sales next week!”
Callan added: “It’s the most amazing feeling. I’m having a good year and I’ve had five Group One winners now and these are amazing feelings.
“I had a bad fall yesterday and I was a bit worried I wouldn’t make it today, but I made the right decision in taking off my last two rides so I was 100 per cent.”
Of Benbaun, Ryan said: “He has run a blinder. He has not had a lot of racing and has been so well looked after he is doing us proud and it is a credit to the horse.
“The plan now is to go back to France for the Prix de l’Abbaye. He loves it over there and I think he will go there with a big chance.
“It is ironic that Neil rode the winner, but the thing was Benbaun was going to run in Ireland and once it was decided he would come here, there was no way I was going to mess Neil about and ask him to get off the winner.”
Brian Meehan was delighted with the performance Radiohead, adding: “I’m really pleased with that. It was well worth having a shot. It was only his fourth run and it’s all about progression. He wants six furlongs so I’d say he’ll go the Middle Park Stakes now.”
Dandy Nicholls, trainer of Tax Free, said: “I’m delighted for Robin as no one can say last year was a fluke now.
“Our horse ran his race and we’ll be gearing him towards running in the Prix de l’Abbaye.”
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