'This is a dream' - progressive The Covex Kid claims Brighton Mile honours

Wednesday: Brighton

The Covex Kid marked an impressive rise through the ranks with success in the Brighton Mile, which was a fitting reward for the longstanding loyalty between trainer Amy Murphy and owner Nina Rajani.

The three-year-old defied an 8lb hike to land the feature contest under Stefano Cherchi during the opening fixture of the track's three-day festival.

It was the fifth success in seven starts this season for the gelding, who has climbed nearly 30lb in the ratings this year to the amazement of his owner.

"He's incredible, his progression is just beyond belief," Rajani said.

"I've owned him since May and he was rated 46, but Amy said he was working really well against the 80-rated horses in the yard. First time out with Amy he won well at Lingfield, and he's just kept going.

"We haven't really talked beyond today because we thought the 8lb rise might be difficult. We were hopeful, and the market believed in him too."

After enjoying success with Murphy for four years, Rajani is steadfast in her commitment to the Newmarket-based trainer, who operated a satellite operation in France this summer.

She added: "This is a dream, you don't expect it at all, but Amy is just a master trainer, she really is.

"She's had great results in France recently and I've been with her from the very beginning. I wouldn't go with any other trainer, she just gets it."

Carroll on the board

Tony Carroll, Brighton's leading trainer in the last five years, kicked off the meeting with a winner as Thunderoad made all to win the 1m2f classified stakes.

The six-year-old struck under Jason Watson for owner Leslie Hunt, who was elated with the success of her sole horse in training.

"We were introduced to racing through a friend and we ended up with Thunderoad, and it's been a bit of a dream," Hunt's husband Michael said.

"Tony is quite the celebrity here, so I think he's as relieved as we are with the win!"

Thunderoad scores in front of a busy Brighton grandstand on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Relief was quickly followed by more success for Carroll as Temur Khan made it back-to-back wins in the selling handicap under Mollie Phillips.

The seven-year-old went up for sale at a starting bid of £4,000 but was unsold and remains with owner Helen Hogben.

Tables turned

Antiphon snatched joint-trainers Mike Murphy and Michael Keady a slice of redemption over Michael Attwater after the three-year-old won the by a nose from Street Parade.

Keady endured a tense wait in the stands for the result of the photo-finish, fearing he would once more play second fiddle to Attwater after being denied success four days ago at Lingfield.

Antiphon and Georgia Dobie (green and purple cap) claim success for Mike Murphy and Michael KeadyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We had a winner on Saturday night and it was slightly controversial, got turned over and we were demoted to second," Keady said.

"Funnily enough, the trainer who was promoted to first was Michael Attwater. I thought he'd collared us again on the line but we got it this time!"

Crouch celebrations

There was cause for celebration after the 7f handicap, which birthday boy Hector Crouch claimed on Amathus.

Crouch's family was there to welcome the jockey into the winner's enclosure and sing happy birthday after the Patrick Chamings-trained runner recorded a first success this term.

Results, replays and analysis

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