Johnston on target

Mark Johnston's unswerving faith in Double Trigger was richly rewarded when his stable sharp-shooter rediscovered his marksmanship at Goodwood yesterday. He hit back at those who suspected Trigger's gun-slinging days were behind him on the evidence of two poor runs, to claim a second victory in the Crowson Goodwood Cup.

In a near repeat of the memorable finish to the 1995 event, Double Trigger out-duelled Classic Cliche with his brother Double Eclipse, second two years ago, third today.

He became only the fourth horse to win the Group Two race twice, but his odds of 16-1 indicated just how much his one-time ardent following has waned.

Even Jason Weaver, a virtual ever present on Double Trigger's back throughout his successful career, was prepared to desert the six-year-old in favour of the year younger Double Eclipse.

But his replacement Michael Roberts, on board for the first time, seized his opportunity to make all the running and return to a hero's welcome.

"Even though there was a little doubt in my mind, you can't write a horse off on two bad runs. It can happen to any horse in its career," said Johnston.

"The horse I feel sorry for is Double Eclipse. He's not had a proper gallop in 14 months and just one race.

"Ninety nine per cent of horses would have been retired with the tendon injury he has to his right fore, but we have kept him going in the hope he will one day win a big one.

Weaver sportingly paid tribute to his old partner for his courageous performance.

"It's great for racing, his owners and myself to see Double Trigger win again," he said. "But I still believe my horse would have won if he had been 100 per cent fit. We thought we might get away with it, but he just met a brick wall."

The Double brothers are again engaged in the Melbourne Cup, but a crack at winning a third Doncaster Cup is Double Trigger's next target.

Classic Cliche is also among the 22 northern hemisphere-trained entries for the Australian race, but his chances seemed to have slipped away with today's performance.

In the rear for much of the race, he dropped back to last entering the straight and made heavy weather of recovering the lost ground.

"Frankie said he was a little bit tame. He's not won a race since last year's Gold Cup now and plans are on hold," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

There was more misfortune for Weaver who, despite being stable jockey to Johnston, was overlooked for the mount on the Schweppes Golden Mile winner Fly To The Stars, who completed a 254-1 double for the Kingsley House stable.

Olivier Peslier, successful on the Peter Savill-owned colt at Royal Ascot, secured another valuable prize when the 14-1 chance held off Crumpton Hill and Pride of Pendle.