'What a performance' - Alfred Boucher's connections proud despite narrow defeat

Connections of Alfred Boucher were overjoyed rather than deflated with his narrow defeat in the Sky Bet Ebor after coming within a short-head of securing a remarkable double, having won at the prestigious meeting just three days previously.

The gallant grey's victory in the 2m handicap on Wednesday secured his place in the field for the lucrative handicap, but trainer Ian Williams was initially cool on the idea of a rapid reappearance before being declared on Thursday.

Their ambitious gamble nearly paid off after Alfred Boucher hit the front inside the final furlong before Trawlerman fought back to deny him under a remarkable Frankie Dettori ride, but Williams was amazed with the six-year-old's performance.

"He's an absolute star, what a performance. You'd actually have to question how far he'd have won by without the run the other day! But without that run the other day he wouldn't have got in," he said. "I'm very proud of him and what he's achieved is absolutely amazing.

"A little bit more pace in the race would have suited him, but the race was the race. There are lots of targets abroad and we'll see how far we would like to go. He may even come back here next year."

A thrilling finish ensues to the Sky Bet EborCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Alfred Boucher's owner-breeder Robert Allcock was equally thrilled with his star's brave effort and suggested a possible Ebor redemption bid could be high on the agenda for next year.

"He's gutsy, brave, honest and loves passing horses. We might have to postpone the winning party for a year! The race was run as it was, but I'm thrilled and the glass is half-full," he said.

"Ian said to me on Thursday morning when are we going to get this chance again? Sometimes you have to go with it and decide to take a chance. He's wonderful. I'll go with Ian on everything, especially to see what he's done with the horse in the last two months."

Earl Of Tyrone – Ireland's leading Ebor hope – travelled smoothly in the home straight but faded to finish third. Trainer Paddy Twomey, who picked up some compensation when Treasure Trove won the Roses Stakes later on the card, is eyeing up Irish Champions Weekend as his next port of call.

He said: "I'm very happy, I'd have loved to have won, but I'm happy. Three out it looked likely, but they probably didn't go quick enough. He'll go for the 1m5f Petingo Handicap on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown."

Fourth-placed John Leeper is set to be stepped up in trip and his trainer Ed Dunlop said: "He's run a great race. I think he wants further now and we'll look forward to stepping him up in trip again. We're very pleased."

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