'You'd put him on the yard donkey now' - Buick hailed by McCoy after another win

Friday: Goodwood

William Buick, who has a healthy lead in the race to be champion jockey even if he reckons it is still all to play for, rode his sixth winner of the week when Rebel's Romance struck in the Glorious Stakes – after which his title credentials were given a ringing endorsement by a certain Sir Anthony McCoy.

Buick has starred in the saddle all season and has brought that attitude and ability into Glorious Goodwood, extending his lead over Hollie Doyle (92-58 before her rides at Newmarket on Friday).

McCoy – winner of 20 consecutive championships over jumps – was enjoying a day out with wife Chanelle and, after watching the rider land the Group 3 for Charlie Appleby, he said: "He's classy, a worker too, and that's what it comes down to at the end of the day.

"He's got talent and he's obviously riding for a brilliant trainer, which helps too, but you've noticed a difference in him in the last three years.

"You could put him on any horse now; he's world-class with regard to that. No disrespect to him, but three years ago you'd only want him on a horse in [Godolphin] blue. Now you'd put him on the yard donkey; he's very good."

Buick, who is in action at Newmarket on Saturday, is not getting carried away with any hype or praise and said: "There's nothing to complain about.

"Goodwood is fantastic and everyone turns up, so the races are very hard to win, but I felt this week Charlie's horses have been in great form and running their races. There were a handful of horses I was looking forward to riding."

Winning the most prestigious races is still vital to Buick, who has set his stall out to be crowned champion this season.

"You have to be seen at these big meetings," he added. "I've always said it, but these good meetings, good races and good horses are what it's all about, although day-to-day winners are also important, especially this year.

"There have been a few races this week that haven't been as I wanted them to be, but that's Goodwood. I think we've got some of them right and I've had some nice horses to ride."

He added: "I'm riding tomorrow, Sunday, Monday – it's every day and that doesn't change. In my mind, it [the title] is still all to play for."

Racegoers watch the runners break in the 6f nursery, which was won by RumstarCredit: Edward Whitaker

Portman pick pays off

Jonathan Portman had former trainer Michael Blanshard to thank after Rumstar shone in the 6f nursery.

"Michael would have been training the horse, but he retired," said the Lambourn resident. "He very kindly asked the owner Vincent Ward to send the horse to me to train.

"It was very nice of Michael to do that and I might have to send him a case of wine now."

Ward also owned Rumstar's dam Stellarta and he said: "I didn't take any persuading to send Jonathan the horse. We sent Stellarta to Whitsbury Manor Stud [to be covered by Havana Grey] and Mike said, 'Jonathan Portman is the man for you'.

"He's good company too and you get the full package with Jonathan; I'm so pleased for him and his team."

Master Milliner and Sean Levey come home in frontCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Lavelle jumping for joy

Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Emma Lavelle joked it was a pleasure to wear a dress "rather than a fur coat" to a showcase meeting after Master Milliner stayed on best in the 2m4½f handicap.

Lavelle, whose stable favourite Paisley Park won the Stayers' Hurdle in 2019, trains the winner for the Simpson family and was thrilled to enjoy the delights of a summer fixture.

"For us to come to Glorious Goodwood and win was the surprise," she said. "It's a real privilege. I was going to enjoy Glorious Goodwood anyway, but now I'm really going to! It's a fantastic day out and winning is the icing on the cake."

Master Milliner overcame meningitis – a condition not many horses survive – in his youth, but Lavelle is not about to trouble the Flat superpowers.

"We've got four in training on the Flat, but they're nice ones, so it means we can go to the nice fixtures," she added. "We're small in number, but we like coming to places like this."

Watson chooses right

Jason Watson faced a conundrum after his mount Shelir was taken out of the Golden Mile but he chose well when deciding to partner Orbaan when given the choice of David O'Meara's other runners.

The five-year-old struck at 20-1 when finishing three and a quarter lengths clear of his stablemate Blue For You, and the jockey said: "I found out last night my horse wasn't running and had the option of one of the other runners. Orbaan had the best draw of all of them.

"He's run well this season. He showed a lot of speed early on and we absolutely flew."

Orbaan was cut to 10-1 (from 33) by Paddy Power for the Clipper Logistics Handicap at York's Ebor festival next month.

Results, replays and analysis

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