Gritty Sands holds off rivals to make Swann's big dream come true

If Peter Swann’s speech at the Gimcrack dinner in December meets with the same reaction as his winner did at York on Saturday then he could be in for a bumpy ride.

Barely a murmur was heard on the Knavesmire after Sands Of Mali stormed to a near-three-length success under Paul Hanagan, with few in the crowd having supported the 14-1 shot.

However, that was hardly the fault of Sands Of Mali, or the concern of his connections, who were jubilant about claiming a long-coveted contest.

Swann, who owns Sands Of Mali in partnership with his wife Karin and mother-in-law Barbara Wilkinson, said: “We’ve been trying to find a horse to win this race for years, but it’s so tough to win. I’m absolutely delighted.”

On a Saturday afternoon at this time of year Swann would normally be glued to the football results, but the Scunthorpe United chairman admitted he had no idea what the score was at Plymouth as he celebrated in the winner's enclosure.

Instead he was left to reflect on how, with the assistance of bloodstock agent Matt Coleman, he had picked up Sands Of Mali from the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot breeze-up sale in April due to his similarity to another of the owner's star performers.

“He breezed really well and reminded me of Prince Of Lir, who won us a first Group 2 in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot last year, as he was sharp and stocky,” Swann said. “He’s grown into a proper horse and we thought he’d run well today.”

Prince Of Lir: won the Norfolk at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sands Of Mali was given quotes of 50-1 by Paddy Power and Betfair for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, and where he goes for the remainder of this season is still up for debate.

Trainer Richard Fahey said: "We were surprised when he was beaten here first time. He's in everything, which was a brave call to do before today. I've been second and third in this race before but never won, so I'm delighted."

Delight in the winner's enclosure was in contrast to the frustration in the runner-up spot, where trainer James Tate found himself with Invincible Army.

He said: "I don't like coming second, it is the worst place to be. But if you'd told me before that we'd beat Cardsharp and Headway I'd have been happy, it is probably his best performance.

"Martin Harley said the ground was a bit loose for him, he didn't pick up as well as he normally does. He's a great big horse and I'm sure he'll go on developing and progressing and he's certainly going the right way."

Gimcrack result and analysis