LORDSBRIDGE BOY won at Salisbury this afternoon for the first time over five furlongs, having won over six twice last year.
This was only the second time he was running over the minimum distance, having run over it at Windsor last time and despite similar going, Good to Soft, being a concern, he battled tenaciously to hold on by a head from Secret Potion.
The four-year-old gelding tracked the leaders and despite hanging right from over two furlongs out, he went to the front under George Downing over a furlong from home and ran on to hold on…just!
In his previous two wins, at Newmarket and Kempton, the son of Equiano has made all. Despite not being able to do so today, he has hit the front and gamely held the late challenge of the runner-up. He has a good win strike rate of 20% and has won his third race in 15 starts despite the ground not because of it.
Equiano was a real speed merchant, having been a dual winner of the five furlongs Group One King’s Stand at Royal Ascot and Lordsbridge Boy, while not in that league, has proven today he can handle the minimum trip. He has a willing, competitive attitude, should not go up much for today’s victory and can give his owner, Roger Beadle, more success in the future. Congratulations to Roger, who although not at the track, would have been cheering home the 6/1 second favourite.
This was another nice winner for jockey George Downing, following his success on Badenscoth at the week end. George had to suffer a nightmare start yesterday to Spring Romance’s race when severely bumped, giving horse and jockey no chance, so this was a welcome tonic.
The yard seems to be stepping up a gear now and hopefully there are more winners on the horizon!