St Mawes battles back for stirring Nottingham success
There are wins that feel routine — and then there are those that lift a racing heart. For owner Julian Reed, St Mawes’ gallant victory in the Close Brothers Colwick Cup at Nottingham was the latter. The progressive stayer produced a thrilling finish to deny Rock N Roll Pinkie and seal back-to-back wins that left his connections “thrilled to bits.”
Reed, who made the trip from just outside Cardiff, could hardly contain his delight. “I was banging my fists on the rail shouting him on,” he said. “I thought we were beaten, but he battled back which was brilliant to see.”
Lavelle’s stayer finds his stride
Having impressed on his first try at two miles at Kempton Park, St Mawes again proved that stamina is his strong suit. Trained by Emma Lavelle and ridden with quiet confidence by David Egan, the three-year-old travelled smoothly before striking for home inside the final three furlongs.
He swept past early leaders Call My Bluff and Nathanael Greene, only to be challenged late by Rock N Roll Pinkie, a three-time course winner who briefly nosed ahead under Hector Crouch. Yet St Mawes wasn’t done — digging in with heart and determination, he clawed his way back to win by half a length, much to the delight of the grandstand crowd.
The £20,000 feature marked Egan’s second win on the card after his earlier success aboard Loughville (5-1) in the Close Brothers Premium Finance Handicap.
Reed praises team effort
For Reed, this win was as much about teamwork as talent. “Emma and her team have done a lovely job with him,” he reflected. “We thought he had ability, but it’s taken time to unlock it. It seems to have clicked at last.”
Plans are fluid for St Mawes, with a winter break under consideration. “The idea was to see if he could do it again and then give him some time off,” Reed added. “But we’ll chat to Emma and decide what’s best.”
Apprentice title race tightens as Leavy strikes
Elsewhere on the card, Joe Leavy breathed a sigh of relief after returning to winning ways aboard Assaranca in the Close Brothers Asset Finance Nursery Handicap. The success extended his lead in the Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship to five with just days remaining.
“I’ve been frustrated lately — plenty of rides, no winners,” the 20-year-old admitted. “So this one felt massive. It was a real confidence boost.”
Promising debut for Iceni Queen
John and Thady Gosden unveiled another bright prospect in Iceni Queen, who coasted home by seven lengths in the PricedUp EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes. Ridden boldly from the front by Benoit De La Sayette, the daughter of Cracksman impressed with her composure and stamina.
“She’s still growing and will be better over further,” said the winning jockey. “A mile and a quarter or even a mile and a half next year will suit.”
Varian’s high-priced ‘playboy’ comes good
Earlier, Return To Unit — a 900,000-guinea yearling by Kingman — finally delivered for Roger Varian in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes. Partnered by Ray Dawson, he made all to beat My Fermoy by a length.
“He’s a little playboy,” Dawson smiled. “He enjoyed himself today and showed what he can do. Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
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