LUKE BACON, the stable’s young 7lb claimer won his first ever race yesterday on Fancy Flyer at Lingfield and it was a first win too for the three-year-old Archipenko gelding.
Despite being well supported in the market into 100/30 favourite, the yard’s runner was drawn out wide which was not ideal in this seven furlong handicap. Luke was positive from the off and made a beeline for the rail. The pair were in front before the first bend and they were always travelling well and in command. Coming into the home straight, Luke was in the clear and he kicked clear to win by an easy three and a half lengths from Islay Mist.
Eighteen-year-old Luke Bacon, who looks after and rides Solario Racing’s 50/1 debutante 2yo winner, Dancinginthewoods was having just his tenth ride in public, having made his debut at Windsor aboard the yard’s Soaring Spirits less than ten weeks ago. He went close on his last ride when second aboard Classic Star at Sandown beaten an agonising neck when collared right on the line. There was no way Luke was going to be beaten this time around!
Congratulations to winning connections Cynthia Smith and Radlett Racing and of course to Luke who said, ” I couldn’t be happier, what a fantastic day. Hopefully many more to come in the future.”
The yard’s winner was completing a 27/1 Lingfield double on the day after Lothario won an hour earlier with Joey Haynes aboard. The grey, running in the colours of Michael & Heather Yarrow, was having his first run around Lingfield but he had won twice on the polytrack already this year at Chelmsford and Kempton. He was given a good ride by young Joey Haynes who was completing a double himself having won on his partner’s Chelsea Banham’s Voice Of A Leader earlier in the evening. This was Joey’s sixth win for the yard this year from 29 rides.
Harper Lodge Farm has now had 34 wins this year, just five short of last year’s joint best ever tally and is well on schedule to make it a record 40 wins.