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| Staff Writer |
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Mickley, trained by Ed Bethell and ridden by Callum Rodriguez, secured a victory in the Britannia Stakes, giving both the trainer and jockey their first Royal Ascot win.
After a successful day at Ripon with a double win, Rodriguez made a decisive move with over a furlong to go. Despite a challenge from the Ed Dunlop-trained Skukuza, Mickley held on to win by three quarters of a length.
Native Warrior finished third, followed by Mission To Moon in fourth place.
Mickley, a yearling purchase at Tattersalls for 20,000gns, had previously won at Southwell and Doncaster this season after two starts as a 2YO.
Rodriguez said: “Huge performance, a very classy horse. It was very smooth, really, from start to finish – he got a nice pitch and a bit of cover, but plenty of room to run into.
“He came under me from two-and-a-half out and I was really confident then that with a clear run to the line, he’d take some pegging back.
“It’s very special to have a winner here. I think this is my 10th year riding now and I’ve been down here a few times, but this week I was really looking forward to it and had two rides with real live chances, and a winner and a second - I’m very pleased.
“It’s never smooth sailing in this game, there are ups and downs every day of the week and you just have to keep a level head all the time and really work hard, and I feel like that’s what I’ve done throughout my career.
“Since linking up with Ed two years ago, we’ve really had a good relationship and fingers crossed it will keep going.”
Bethell said: “It’s a great feeling, and I’m delighted for everyone at home. I was quite surprised how well he did today, and I’m really happy.
“He’s an interesting horse. He does absolutely nothing at home and never tells you where the limit is, but he’s got size and scope... It is like winning the lottery, this race, and you can never be confident at all.”
1st- Mickley (P K Siu) Ed Bethell / Callum Rodriguez
2nd- Sukuza (Cayton Park Stud Limited) Ed Dunlop /William Buick
3rd- Native Warrior (Wathnan Racing) Karl Burke /James Doyle