Spear heads one-three for Qatar Racing

Lightning Spear returned to winning ways at Goodwood today as Qatar Racing runners finished first and third in the Gr.2 Celebration Mile (picture below).

The David Simcock-trained Lightning Spear, who was ridden by Oisin Murphy, won by a length and three-quarters from Zonderland, who was a head in front of third-placed Arod from Peter Chapple-Hyam's stable. Faster ground enabled Arod to put in a solid performance, and he attempted to make all the running, only being passed by the first two in the final furlong.

Simcock took on the training of five-year-old Lightning Spear for the current turf season after Olly Stevens handed in his licence last year. The winning trainer said: ‚"That's a massive relief. We've always thought the world of him and he was brilliantly nurtured by Olly Stevens. We've just picked up the pieces.

‚"I'm not one to hype horses but I think he's really talented. He's got a good turn of foot. Everything is aimed towards Ascot now and we'll have a good go at the [Gr.1] QEII [on QIPCO British Champions Day, October 15]."

Suzi's Connoisseur also ran a super race in Qatar Racing colours, finishing second of 17, beaten just a head, in the Goodwood Revival Handicap (15.20), while Rich Legacy finished strongly in the Gr.3 Prestige Stakes and missed out on third place by just a nose.

Qatar Racing runners tomorrow include Opal Tiara, who won a handicap in good style on her latest start, and now returns to Stakes company for Goodwood's Gr.3 Supreme Stakes (16.20).

Holy Cat and Velveteen have been declared for the Gr.3 Tower Stakes at the Curragh. Holy Cat won on debut at Leopardstown for Michael O'Callaghan's stable, while the Ger Lyons-trained Velveteen found five furlongs just too sharp on her latest outing at the Curragh. Returning to six furlongs should suit better.

Photo of Lightning Spear winning the Celebration Mile, with Arod on far rail: Dan Abrahams