Ukrainian head lad speaks of horrors in homeland following Abernant success

Success for Double Or Bubble in the Abernant Stakes had particular resonance for Oleg Sheyhets, travelling head lad to winning trainer Chris Wall, who two weeks ago rescued his mother from the war in Ukraine.

Sheyhets, who comes from near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the city of Pirytin, was able to help his mother make the journey to Newmarket – where his two brothers also work for Saeed bin Suroor – in the wake of Russia's invasion.

Double Or Bubble's short-head victory in the 6f contest was a poignant moment for the 38-year-old, whose father is still in Ukraine.

Members can watch Double Or Bubble's success in the Abernant

He said: "We've not had a Group-race winner for a while and to start the season with one is quite special. I got my mum out of Ukraine two weeks ago and she is now safe and sound with me in Newmarket.

"It's only when you talk to her when you really get a sense of what the country is like with dead bodies lying around. My dad is still out there.

"It's really devastating what's going on back at home and sad for people, everybody has families over there."

Sheyhets spoke of the effect the ongoing war has had on his mother, and of the damage done by Russian forces.

He added: "Seeing what state she's in, she's pretty devastated. Every time she puts the news on, the tears come out, it's a constant battle.

"It's really bad for the people that have been there and seen the devastation the Russians have left, it's surreal."

Double Or Bubble (Jack Mitchell) gets the better of the grey Garrus in the AbernantCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Plans remain undecided for Double Or Bubble following her first Group-race success, with a tilt at the top level in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot a possibility.

Wall said: "This was the plan and there is no fixed plan for Double Or Bubble, but she was kept in training to win a Group race. She likes fast ground and this track, but she's not in the Duke of York next month as I didn't think the track would suit her."

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Newmarket head lad speaks of his anguish following Russian invasion of Ukraine

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