Big Ascot Win ...
Young Mick has come a long way from winning in banded company to scoring at Royal Ascot in only six months in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap.

He is our first winner at a Royal meeting. Young Mick had taken a maiden claimer at Wolverhampton in January, in which he was rated only 54.  Racing from a mark of 89 in this race, he was notching his seventh success of the year.

Young Mick is used to big fields and getting knocked all over the place at places like Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Kempton so I knew the hustle-bustle was going to be on his side. 

He worked well with Tarandot and Polar Jem as a three year old, so I knew he had an engine, he was just under-achieving on the track.  This is our 11th winner so far this year.  I'm going to test this four year old in the best handicaps.  He's in the Magnet Cup and I don't think the drop down in trip will be a proble but my main aim is the Ebor - I'm adament he'll end up getting two miles.

(24.06.06)

> see photo of Young Mick