Danetime pipped by berry's Glyer

LONG-SERVING trainer Jack Berry secured only his second success at Royal Ascot as Selhurstpark Flyer triumphed in a dramatic Wokingham Stakes yesterday.

In a desperate finish to the cavalry charge, the 25 to 1 shot, ridden by apprentice Paul Roberts, scraped home by a head from the gambled on Danetime.

Berry has not had the best of luck at Royal Ascot and he said: "It took us years and years of trying before Mind Games gave us our first win here in 1994. At least we haven't had to wait so long this time.

"I thought he would run a big race today. Paul gave him a good ride but they go well together those two.

"Paul is an exceptionally good horseman and this horse, about 18 months ago, wasn't a very nice person at all.

"He has settled him down and the owners have rewarded him with some good rides.

Chester-born Roberts, 23, who was watched by his proud dad, said: "He's a very highly-strung sort of a horse but if you can take him off on his own he's all right."

Danetime, ridden by Gary Stevens, was backed down to 7 to after being available at 14 to 1 in the morning and might have won with a bit of luck in running.

His owner Michael Tabor, who backed him each-way, said: "The draw was the factor. With the right draw he would have won but that's the fascination with a race like the Wokingham.

"Gary had to switch him to produce him with a run and within another stride he would have won.

Little-known French trainer Guy Henrot was celebrating after Don't Worry Me continued the bookies' benefit with a 33 to 1 victory in the King's Stand Stakes under Olivier Peslier.

Henrot, who is based in the Loire Valley near Le Mans, took the mare into his care after she was bought at the Newmarket December Sales last year out of Francis Lee's stable.

"It's my first runner at Royal Ascot and it could well be my last," he said.

"I wasn't sure whether she would like the ground but before the race Olivier told me that on the straight track it was not very heavy."

With Titus Livius filling second spot it was a one-two for French-trained horses in the Group Two contest.