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Calling The Wind, the Northumberland Plate champion will be making his way to the Sussex Downs on Friday to compete in the Coral Goodwood Handicap, which offers a prize of £75,000. This race will serve as preparation for potential participation in the Ebor.
Richard Hughes Sets Sights On York After Goodwood Stepping Stone
Richard Hughes has identified the two-and-a-half-mile contest at Goodwood as a stepping stone to York, as he aims to build on his victory in the Pitmen's Derby two years ago.
After narrowly missing out in the Cesarewitch, Queen Alexandra (twice), and the Ascot Stakes, Calling The Wind finally achieved success at Newcastle, giving the former jockey his biggest triumph as a trainer.
Although not present at Gosforth Park, Hughes watched with joy from home as Neil Callan delivered a perfectly-timed ride on the often unlucky 7YO.
“Neil gave him a good ride. I was watching him on my phone and he got to the furlong pole and I thought, ‘he’s run great again, but he’s always placed and never wins’,” said the three-times champion jockey.
“You need to ride him to get beat — and he put it in at the death.”
Owner Jo Wakefield has earned £262,000 from six wins and eight runner-up finishes in 35 races. Hughes is determined to aim for the £300,000 prize in the Sky Bet Ebor next month, which would grant automatic entry to the Melbourne Cup if victorious.
“He has 9st 5lb in the Ebor and if he won at Goodwood, he’d get a small penalty. We can’t give up Goodwood then the ground be fast at York.
“There’s plenty of money up for grabs and the timing between Goodwood and York is great. It’s perfect.
“He is in great form and it looks like the ground will be in his favour.”