VARSOVIAN, a previous nine-times winner, but never on the turf, made it win number ten and a first on the grass when bolting up at Windsor last night.
Sent off the 9/4 favourite in a seven runner 6f seller. the son of Refuse To Bend was given a fine front-running ride by Robert Winston. Sent straight to the front of affairs, he was allowed to bowl along, drew clear two furlongs from home and was pushed out to win comfortably by 3 1/2 lengths from Alkashaaf.
At the weights, he was one of the leading contenders but the Good to Firm ground was a concern beforehand. However, Varsovian had only ever had four runs on the grass before, so it was a slight guessing game as to whether he’d handle the quick conditions. In the end, he made a mockery of any doubts about he ground as he led from pillar to post and never looked like getting beaten.
The eight-year-old has been a fine servant to the yard with ten wins in 46 starts and any owner would be proud to have a horse winning more than one in five races. Radlet Racing are the winning owners of Varsovian and the trophy presentation was made to Solario Racing’s Simon Double on behalf of winning connections.
As the race was a seller, Varsovian had to be auctioned after the race but surprisingly, there was no bid for the winner at £3,000. Perhaps even more surprising was that two horses who finished sixth and seventh, Musical Comedy and Ballasteros, were both claimed for £6,000 each.
Harper Lodge Farm was very pleased to have Varsovian amongst its ranks and having won on the grass and on fast ground, there are now more opportunities open to this very likeable gelding. Well done Varsovian and welcome back!