'I shouldn't be in the bar but probably will' - Shergar Cup win thrills Ryan
Saturday: Ascot
John Ryan might not be getting a call-up for the new Premier League season, but despite clutching a pair of crutches, he was dancing with delight after Manaccan struck in the Dash.
Ridden by Shergar Cup queen Hayley Turner, the well-thought-of three-year-old is owned by Graham Smith-Bernal and was putting a huge grin on the trainer's face.
He said: "I had a knee op on Friday last week and, touch wood, it's gone smoothly, but I'm probably not supposed to be racing and in the bar this soon. I dare say I'll be in that bar in a minute, though!
"I'm delighted for Graham, who has supported me well and sent a couple of nice horses my way. If the ground stays quick, the world is this horse's oyster."
Haggas red hot
William Haggas is not always in attendance when he has runners, but joked Ascot was closer than Haydock and six runners on the card meant he probably had to "pull his finger out", so it is a good job he was rewarded with three winners.
His afternoon got off to a bright start when Joanna Mason guided Amanzoe to victory in the 1m2f classified stakes.
"The horse won very nicely and Jo gave her the perfect ride," said Haggas. "One of the reasons this event is so successful is it gives everyone a chance. It's a terrific, global event and Jo proved, given the right ammunition, she's as good as anyone."
Amanzoe was bred in part by the late Lester Piggott, whose daughter Maureen is married to Haggas.
"This horse is a sister to Rivet, who won what was the Racing Post Trophy and it's been a very good family to us," the star Newmarket trainer added.
"Maureen's father bred her with Coolmore and Des Scott so it's nice to win and we're lucky to have her. She's a nice filly."
Pride Of Priory made Haggas's trip even more worthwhile when winning the Challenge before Hamaki landed the Classic under an inspired Jamie Spencer ride.
"That was a great ride," said Haggas. "I hoped we'd have a good afternoon because they were all shortish in the betting. It's been a good day."
Orbaan doubles up
Neil Callan's day got off to the perfect start thanks to Orbaan, who won the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood last week and followed up here in the 7f classified stakes.
Callan said: "When I saw the draw come out, I thought, 'Yeah, at least I've got one who can win'."
Orbaan was in the green colours of the Great Britain and Ireland team, but his owner Jimmy Chua was on hand to celebrate the success.
"That was amazing," said Chua, who has been an owner for more than 20 years and is in the food wholesale trade. "We waited two years for him to win and now he's won twice in two weeks."
Read these next:
'A very special horse' - Little Big Bear demolishes Phoenix Stakes rivals
How do you assess next year’s 2,000 Guineas after the Phoenix Stakes?
Ruthless Callan dazzles but it's Wilson who sums up the magic of the Shergar Cup (£)
'He's reaping the dividends' - Callan stars as GB & Ireland scoop Shergar Cup
Lakota Sioux heading for Group 1 company after breakthrough win for owners
'He'd step into a ring with Mike Tyson' - brave Bears shows fighting qualities
Gutsy Mr McCann cheers Liverpool players after opening day frustration
Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME22 to get 50 per cent off your first three months.
First three payments will be charged at £17.48, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.
Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.
Published on inReports
Last updated
- Catterick: Siog Geal makes perfect start over hurdles for in-form Fergal O'Brien and Johnny Burke
- Challow Hurdle: 'He's really special' - The New Lion cut to 4-1 favourite for Cheltenham Festival after blowing rivals away
- Savills Chase: 'He's going to take a lot of beating anywhere' - Paul Townend jubilant as Galopin Des Champs reverses form with Fact To File in style
- Savills Hurdle: Home By The Lee continues fantastic festive period for Joseph O'Brien with second victory in Grade 1
- Faugheen Novice Chase: Impaire Et Passe provides Willie Mullins with first Grade 1 win of a frustrating Christmas period
- Catterick: Siog Geal makes perfect start over hurdles for in-form Fergal O'Brien and Johnny Burke
- Challow Hurdle: 'He's really special' - The New Lion cut to 4-1 favourite for Cheltenham Festival after blowing rivals away
- Savills Chase: 'He's going to take a lot of beating anywhere' - Paul Townend jubilant as Galopin Des Champs reverses form with Fact To File in style
- Savills Hurdle: Home By The Lee continues fantastic festive period for Joseph O'Brien with second victory in Grade 1
- Faugheen Novice Chase: Impaire Et Passe provides Willie Mullins with first Grade 1 win of a frustrating Christmas period