Stunning 66/1 Winner Caps Off Thrilling Start to Royal Ascot
In a spectacular display of equine talent, horse racing enthusiasts were treated to a stunning upset on the opening day of the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting. Rashabar, a colt trained by Brian Meehan, defied the odds by storming to victory in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at the incredible price of 80/1.
Ridden by 18-year-old apprentice jockey Billy Loughnane, Rashabar showcased his grit and determination, edging out the 40/1 shot Electrolyte and the 50/1 outsider Columnist in a thrilling photo finish. The tricast payout of £83,273 left racegoers in awe of the upset.
“Dare I say it, it’s not a huge surprise. He’s felt very good since Chester, and everything has gone very well with him throughout,” expressed Meehan, known for his keen eye in spotting young talent. The trainer praised the guidance of teenage jockey Loughnane, who celebrated his first career win at the Royal meeting.
The victory carried added significance, as Rashabar ran in the iconic colors associated with the late Robert Sangster, a legendary figure in the sport. Sangster’s son, Sam, was visibly emotional, saying, “I’m pretty much in tears behind my sunglasses, it was amazing. Brian has believed in the horse from day one and I really did feel we had a big chance.”
The runner-up, Electrolyte, trained by Archie Watson, also put in a strong performance, narrowly missing out on the win. Watson praised the horse, stating, “I guess it’s fantastic to be sent these horses from Wathnan, he ran a huge race and he’s going to be a proper two-year-old.”
The third-placed finisher, Columnist, trained by Richard Fahey, was another Wathnan-owned runner that impressed, further solidifying the Qatar-based operation’s presence in the sport.
As the first day of Royal Ascot drew to a close, the racing community celebrated the incredible upset, with Meehan and his team basking in the glory of their 80/1 triumph. The victory serves as a thrilling start to what promises to be an unforgettable week of world-class horse racing.
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