 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Trainer James Owen, based in Newmarket, achieved an impressive one-two victory in the Emirates Breeders Handicap (0-70) at Brighton last week. The winning horses, Mayfair and Victoria, are half-sisters and were bred by Owen himself.
Rhea Betts rode Mayfair to a remarkable finish, crossing the finish line with a length and a half lead. Meanwhile, Teagan Padgett skillfully guided Victoria, who is a member of the James Owen Racing Club, to secure second place.
In the 1200m sprint, there were four horses competing. Victoria took the lead and stayed on the inside rails, with Storm Troupour following closely behind. Storm Troupour, trained by Mitchell Hunt and ridden by Aidan Keeley, was unable to keep up with Victoria's pace and started falling behind. Meanwhile, Mayfair, a fellow horse from Victoria's stable, began to make a strong appearance with Betts as the jockey.
Winning rider Betts said, “It’s lovely to have my family here, I think they’re my good luck charms! Mayfair can normally travel quite well at the start and then we often seem to get outpaced but three out she was still traveling well and I thought I’d be able to stay with the others. Two out I decided to kick on and hope that she stays and she did, bless her! We’ve kept her a little bit fresh, and I think that’s been the key to her. Quite a few people ride her at home, including me, but I love her.”
Owen, commenting on phone, added, “That was lovely our first ever homebred winner and lovely for Rhea to get her first win of the season. She’s been improving massively every ride this year, was very strong in the finish and looked good on a small horse, who isn’t the easiest. Mayfair will probably go for the 0-75 at Lingfield next.
“I thought Victoria ran really well, but will be better next year when she strengthens up. We’ll put her away for next season now.”