ROY IS THE KING OF BRIGHTON - BUT VICTOIRE IS THRUSTING…
No racecourse can match Brighton’s lengthy and quite illustrious list of course specialists. Thus we talk about the ‘horses for courses’ theory.
Roy Rocket, who produced a record equaling ninth track win at the August Festival, typifies this. To the cheers of his followers, he bravely fought off his rivals to defy blustery conditions and ground softer than he truly appreciates. In doing so John Berry’s grey joined Shikari’s Son at the top of our modern day course specialist leader board.
Meanwhile, fellow eight year old Pour La Victoire (Tony Carroll trained) who also loves Brighton managed two wins in August taking his track tally to eight.
COURSE STANDINGS:
Nine wins: Roy Rocket and Shikari’s Son (John White trained).
Eight wins: Pour La Victoire and the retired Megalala (John Bridger).
Seven wins: The retired mare Mandhooma and sixties legend Operatic Society.
Amongst six time winners from the past we include previous track favourites like Belper, Penang Cinta, Mutabassir, Multahab, Willie Conquer, Landucci, Crystal Heights and Lady Florence. Good Luck Charm, who is still in training, is another six-timer.
Five times course winners include oldies such as Alpen Wolf, Foot Patrol, Green Dollar, Barbason, Hooray Lady, Beacon Lady, Ocean Countess, Olney Lass, Jazzy Millennium, Choreography, Magical Speedfit, Helawe, Swynford Welcome and Pick A Little. In the moment there is also Live Dangerously and Black Caesar.
Past four time Brighton winners include: Mister Clinton, Needwood Mystic, Sno Serenade, Norfolk Flight, Factual Lad, Unveiled, Apollo Red, Madrasee, Hard To Catch, Ivory Lace, Prince Valentine, Flying Spirit, Jayanjay, Croeso Croeso, Cavendish Road, Stonecrabstomorrow, Perfect Treasure, Green Earth, A Woman In Love, Bloodsweatandtears, Green Earth, Ailincala, Perfect Pastime, Fairy Mist, Cheylesmore, Port Lairge, Hawk Moth, Whitecrest, Welsh Inlet, Ginzan and recent addition Andalusite.
WINNING TRACK RECORD OF ROY ROCKET: 9 wins from 23 starts.
10 August 2018 won over 12f ridden by Rob Hornby
3 July 2018 won 10f John Egan
26 June 2018 won 12f amateur Mr. Ross Birkett
25 April 2017 won 10f John Egan
28 June 2016 won 12f John Egan
21 June 2016 won 12f amateur Mr. Ross Birkett
10 June 2015 won 12f John Egan
28 April 2015 won 12f John Egan
21 April 2015 won 10f John Egan
WINNING TRACK RECORD OF POUR LA VICTOIRE: 8 wins from 21starts
22 August 2018 won over 6f ridden by Poppy Bridgewater
10 August 2018 won 6f Poppy Bridgewater (Brighton Bullet)
24 April 2018 won 1m George Downing
27 May 2016 won 6f Georgia Cox
7 August 2015 won 6f George Downing (Brighton Bullet)
15 Sept 2014 won 7f William Twiston-Davies
24 April 2014 won 1m Robert Tart
8 August 2013 won 1m Robert Tart
Ahead of this two-day September meeting 16 fixtures have been held in 2018 for 113 races.
Leading jockeys:
Jason Watson (14 wins from 56 rides), Shane Kelly (10 from 30), Hector Crouch (6 from 29), Luke Morris (6 from 45), Pat Cosgrave (5 from 18).
Leading trainers:
Richard Hughes (9 wins from 16 runners), Richard Hannon (9 from 28), Tony Carroll (7 from 34), John Gallagher (5 from 18).
Phil Grimstone
