Dean Ivory with Fantastic Flyer & Sophie Ralston
DEAN IVORY last night won his 500th race since taking out a trainer’s licence in 2002 when Fantastic Flyer, lived up to her name at Chelmsford, bolting up by three lengths under Sophie Ralston in a 6f fillies’ handicap.
The 5yo daughter of Harbour Watch was bidding for her seventh win after breaking her duck last April and she didn’t disappoint! She made all, kicked clear inside the final furlong and won decisively from Mythical Spirit who never threatened to get a blow.
The 500 milestone is a great tribute to the staff at Harper Lodge Farm, especially Head Lad, Chris Scally and Travelling Head Lad, Graham Mash,who have been at the yard 60 years between them. They both served under Ken Ivory who handed over the licence to Dean some 18 years ago.
Fantastic Flyer – 500th winner for the stable
Dean’s first runner was Mister Clinton at Lingfield on 12 January 2002, a 25/1 shot ridden by Chris Catlin and the 5yo gelding fared fairly well when sixth of 12, beaten just 3 1/4 lengths. However, a month later, Dean hit the target with Land Of Fantasy, on 13 February, also at Lingfield.
Owned by G Steinberg, the Hernando colt out of a Shirley Heights mare, won a 3yo maiden over 1m2f by a head and the 6/5 favourite was ridden by Dane O’Neill.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that first success and many good horses such as Sirius Prospect, Lancelot Du Lac, Lucymai, Tropics, Flaming Spear and Eirene have won not just many races but good quality races. Librisa Breeze, winning the Group One Champions Sprint at Ascot in 2017 under Robert Winston would be Dean’s finest moment to date.
Last year, Harper Lodge Farm recorded its best ever season numerically with 42 wins. This year, who knows if that will be surpassed? One thing is for certain….Dean Ivory will be looking to chip away at 1,000 wins!
