St Leger Festival: William Buick and Ryan Moore enjoy Doncaster doubles as Bounce The Blues win Scepter Stakes | Racing news
The champion racer voted by William Buick put on his best to steer the Bounce The Blues to victory in the Scepter Stakes feature on the first day of the St Leger Festival in Doncaster.
Buick, who is set to ride St Leger’s favorite New London in Saturday’s Classic, live on Sky Sports Racing, is an eye-catching first-timer on Andrew Balding’s 5/1 hit.
He was made to work for his win as the Bounce The Blues battled to the finish line with Umm Kulthum in Wednesday’s Group of Three competition.
Despite having not won in the previous 11 runs for the Balding team, there is a lot of confidence behind Bounce The Blues after failing at the twice-listed company in early 2022 before stepping up to Team level and showing performed with credit at the Goodwood Festival and at Sandown last month during the Atalanta Stakes.
George Boughey’s 150/1 romantic rival defied his low rating of 89 to finish third, ahead of Nizaaka and Honey Sweet.
Peter Schiergen’s German driver Novemba, the 3/1 favorite, overcame most of the early but lackluster run masterfully and was eventually beaten in ninth place.
Bounce The Blues home against Scepter Stakes in Doncaster
Buick said: “She was tough there, she got through the gears nicely and the race opened up wonderfully for her as well.
“She ran some nice races, she ran well here two years ago, everything is ideal for her today. She’s really tough.
“She’s black now and that’s what they want. I don’t know what the plan will be, but it’s very valuable to her.”
Buick is doubled on the card as XJ Rascal Back to the winning ways in Vertem Nursery for coach George Boughey.
Kodiac’s two-year-old son, who enjoyed a successful start to his career at Brighton before filling slots for the next three starts, has outperformed Marco Botti’s Maximilian Caesar and Leap Year Lad by Kevin Ryan.
XJ Rascal (right) wins at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival under Buick
Manaccan gives Spurs legend a winning start on Champions League night
Ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League group stage opener, club legend Ossie Ardiles has reason to celebrate like his horse Manaccan landed the listed Scarbrough Shares.
The three-year-old coached by John Ryan started as the favorite in 13/8 after winning the Shergar Cup earlier in the season, with top track athlete Ryan Moore being called up to the competition. family.
Ryan’s sprinter displayed plenty of finishing speed to knock Frankie Dettori off Karl Burke’s Mo Celita and Attagirl, delivering a double of the day for Moore.
Manaccan (yellow) wins Scarbrough Stakes at Doncaster under Ryan Moore
John Ryan told Sky Sports Racing: “Ryan [Moore] gave him a great ride, as you would expect and I think this horse has a lot to offer.
“Hopefully we’ll go to Newbury next and the International Trophy. He likes a good pitch but I’m not concerned more than five games.
“It’s still a bit juvenile and will only get faster. It eats, sleeps and races!
“I’m so happy for Ossie Ardiles and the others. Hopefully they’ll have something else to celebrate tonight!”
Indian Dream (centre) won the Doncaster’s St Leger Festival under Ryan Moore
Moore’s Leger Week got off to a perfect start with 5/2 Indian Dream scored in the Cambion Electronics Incubator for Michael Bell, the coach’s first win in the race since 2015.
The former Epsom winner found just one too good in subsequent runs at Haydock and York but made the most of those experiences to beat Brian Ellison’s Utilis and 7/4 Modern Dancer favorite .
Sammy Jo Bell is crowned Leger Legends champion again
Sammy Jo Bell (red and white) wins her second Leger Legends race at Doncaster
Former stars of the equestrian game, on both Flat and Jump races, gathered for Doncaster’s annual Leger Legends charity race, with Sammy Jo Bell topping the top spot for the second time in four years.
This year’s competition, which raises funds for the Injured Horse Racing Foundation (IJF) and the National Racecourse, features 2022 Grand National winner Sam Waley-Cohen, as well as former Flat jockeys champions Kieren Fallon and Seb Sanders.
But, it was Bell who took the lead with a decisive victory over Richard Fahey’s Absolute dream (11/1), beat Adrian Nicholls in Dougies Dream and tired Sanders for third in Night Bear.
Bell told Sky Sports Racing: “I was wondering why I was doing this at first, but once the gate opened there was nothing like it. It was amazing to have this opportunity.
Sammy Jo Bell is led back after winning the Leger Legends race
“The IJF couldn’t have been better for me and it’s nice to have something in return.”
Sanders added: “I think I got tired of the horse!”
When asked how it feels to get back in the saddle, Sanders said: “It’s horrible! Absolutely horrible! It’s a bit of a lung burn!”
The most impressive winner of the opening day came in the final race of the afternoon as the heavens opened up over Town Moor.
William Haggas’ Mujtaba seemed to enjoy the conditions as he went to victory in I Love Julie Parkes Handicap under the guidance of Jim Crowley, setting up a potential shot at the Cambridgeshire Handicap.
