Cunco – in the paddock
SOLARIO RACING’S hospitality day at Newbury yesterday witnessed some history when Frankel’s first progeny to hit the racecourse, Cunco, won very nicely on his debut.
Owners in Roman Legion took up two tables in prime position in The Racegoers’ Restaurant for the whole afternoon and as ever, the afternoon started with a champagne reception, after which it was eyes down for the Solario Racing tipster competition with eight races to fathom!
While the main race of the day was the Starlight Handicap, all eyes were focussed on the second division of the 6f juvenile maiden in which the well-touted Cunco from the John Gosden yard was making his debut. The first born of Frankel’s first crop, on January 11th, he was a big drifter on course after being very coltish in the paddock and then going down to post quite free.
Happy Owners!
However, it’s what happens in the race that counts and the second favourite showed an impressive turn of foot under Rob Havlin to run out an impressive winner by three-quarters of a length from Isomer. The Racing Post analysis read: “He looks a very exciting prospect and his Dad would be proud.”
Meanwhile in the Racegoers’ Restaurant, owners enjoyed a three-course lunch with fine wine followed by afternoon tea and there was a nail-biting finish to the tipster competition with Solario Racing newcomer, Mick White winning by one point. Mick kindly donated his winnings to the Solario Racing charity for the day, The Hospice of Francis in Berkhamsted, a perfect gesture to end a perfect day.
