THE STABLE equalled its best ever number of wins yesterday, a total of 39, courtesy of Soaring Spirits at Lingfield yesterday.
The eight-year-old son of Tamayuz was one of twelve runners in the 0-70 handicap over a mile and he was drawn widest of all. However, Franny Norton, who was riding him for the first time, chased him along to get a good early position and he was well placed turning into the straight and duly headed for home. Soaring Spirits, who went off at a generous 14/1, was a length to the good ahead of Three C’s at the finish.
Franny Norton, who came in for the spare ride, is one of the veterans in the weighing room but he’s the consummate professional and does his homework beforehand: “I managed to get a quick glance at the form and the drop in trip appeared to suit Soaring Spirits. He showed a recent attitude there and there’s no reason why he couldn’t go in again as he likes it around here.” Indeed he does, as his four all-weather wins have all been at the Surrey track.
This was Soaring Spirits’ third win from eleven starts this year but his 11th win in total. He’s won from six furlongs to a mile and although he’s higher rated on the turf than the all-weather, he’s done his fair share of winning on both, having won seven times on the grass.
One of the stalwarts of the yard, he’s a favourite of owner, Mrs Doreen Carter and there’s no doubting he’s done her proud yet again. Congratulations Doreen!
The victory equalled the best ever achieved by the stable five years ago when 39 wins was achieved with total prize money of some £367,000. This year, the same number of wins has been achieved with nearly £200,000 more prize money earned.