'We'll definitely be looking towards June next year' - Holkham Bay ignites royal meeting dream with second course win

Holkham Bay took his course record to two wins and a second from three starts with a narrow success in the 6f handicap and left his connections dreaming of a date at Royal Ascot next year.

The William Knight-trained four-year-old won on Shergar Cup day in August and after two defeats elsewhere since, he bounced back when holding off Garfield Shadow by a short head.

Knight said: "I'm delighted and the little bit of juice in the ground helped him, as it was quick enough at Doncaster last time. We'll put him away now but we'll be looking forward to next year, and we hope he can be a nice horse for the big Saturday TV races.

"He loves Ascot and we'll definitely be looking towards June next year, especially if there's some juice in the ground, but for now he's earned a well-deserved holiday."

Holkham Bay completed a double for jockey Oisin Murphy, who guided Subsequent to an easy win in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes. Those winners took Murphy's strike-rate to 33 per cent in the last fortnight.

Owners in form

Cheveley Park Stud warmed up for Inspiral's Sun Chariot challenge with Russian Crescendo's victory in the 1m4f novice.

Her neck success continued the fine recent run for the owner-breeders, who have celebrated three winners from their last four runners.

Landmark success

Jack Nicholls enjoyed his first winner at the track when steering the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Mercian Warrior to success in the 7f amateur jockeys' handicap.

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