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| Staff Writer |
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Jamie Spencer further solidified his reputation on Ascot's Straight Course by guiding Ain't Nobody to victory in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
In his typical fashion, Spencer steered the Kevin Ryan-trained winner to the forefront inside the final 100 yards, crossing the line ahead of US raider Gabaldon by a length.
Aviation Time, the sole filly in the race, finished third, while the favorite, Shadow Army ,could only manage a 13th place.
Ain’t Nobody, a son of Sands Of Mali, was purchased for £30,000 as a yearling at Doncaster and triumphed in his debut at Carlisle in May.
Ryan said: “I am very happy to have this winner – Ascot is Ascot. The horses we bring down here, we expect to be competitive, and this was a very competitive race. When I looked at the Norfolk, I thought maybe we’re in the wrong race. But he’s a very good horse and will do nothing but improve.
“Jamie gave him a super ride. Jamie is brilliant here, and we’ve had a great association for a number of years. It is hard on Tom [Eaves], he went to Hamilton, but Tom will have his day hopefully at the end of the week,” Spencer said.
“It panned out perfectly. Normally, I take my time but it's a speed favouring track today. After going 100 yards, I was following the American horse, getting a good lead, and he was always going to bring me as far as I wanted. I got a little bit lost coming to the final furlong, when Ain’t Nobody eased out a little, but once he straightened up, off he went.
"It is a well-trodden quote that this is our Olympics. We've got our Classics but this is the most important Flat meeting of the year, so to get on the board is important as you only get so many chances.”
1st- Ain't Nobody | Owner: J Blackburn & J Matthews & Trainer: K A Ryan
2nd- Gabaldon | Owner: Soldi Stable Llc & Trainer: J D Angelo
3rd- Aviation Time | Owner: Bronte Collection 1 &Trainer: R Hughes