Staff Writer |
Charlie Johnston celebrated his first Qatar Goodwood Festival win as Arisaig made a decisive late charge to secure victory in the Ridgeview Fillies’ Handicap. Johnston took over the family’s Middleham yard last year and had previously shared a licence with his father, Mark, who has been leading trainer at the festival 13 times.
Ridden by Jamie Spencer, the Arisaig won by a neck, defeating Surveyor, with joint-favourite Strutting two lengths back in third.
Johnston remarked, “Arisaig has done well to win there. I think the second and third were at a massive positional bias. Jamie said he was further back than intended, so it's been a huge effort to make up that ground.”
“We always believed she was a nice filly and felt she was unlucky at Royal Ascot. She is another of dad’s miracle purchases for six grand, and it’s settled the nerves for the week.”
“She is one of our better three-year-old handicappers and close to stepping into stakes company. She’ll be even better next year, and I’m sure black type company will be on the agenda soon.”
Regarding her entry later in the week, he added, “The owners might not want her to race again this Saturday, and she doesn't need to.”
Johnston’s mother Deirdre part-owns JL Dublin, who won Olympic Gold in Paris. Johnston said, “Mum, dad, and my brother Angus came straight here from Paris after a fabulous weekend. It's been an emotional journey with JL Dublin and winning an Olympic Gold medal is pretty special.”