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  • EMERALD DOWNS WINS ON DEBUT AT KEMPTON!

    20 February 2025

    In the Winner's Enclosure

    In the Winner’s Enclosure

    EMERALD DOWNS won at Kempton Park last night on his racecourse debut for Solario Racing (Ashridge) under a great ride by Frederick Larson for trainer, Lemos De Souza, for whom this was his second winner from just four runners since taking out a licence earlier this month.

    Eight runners went to post for the restricted novice over seven furlongs and there was a red hot favourite, Papa Oscar, running for Juddmonte, in the famous colours of the late Prince Khalid Abdullah.

    When the stalls opened, Emerald Downs, who was drawn on the outside, ducked left and Freddie lost some ground.  However, the pace was gentle and he steered him to the front after the first two furlongs, closely followed by the favourite.

    Heading for victory!

    Emerald Downs heading for victory!

    The intention hadn’t been to lead but as there was no pace on and Freddie knew he’d stay the trip, he decided to make all.  A furlong out they were headed but to his great credit, Emerald Downs fought back near the rail and won by a head from another newcomer, Fulford Cross with Wise Stars, also a newcomer back in third.  The odds on favourite was sixth.

    It is not often on the flat one sees horses being  headed and then battling back and certainly not on a racecourse debut so this was a very good performance from Emerald Downs and his tenacious will to win should stand him in good stead.

    On the winner's podium

    On the winner’s podium

    The fully subscribed syndicate is in quarter shares but sadly, most were not on hand to see this great debut performance.  However, one couple did attend along with yours truly and his new trainer, Lemos De Souza.

    What was remarkable about the win was that despite a lot transpiring against the horse (bad draw, ducking left at the start and making the running over a trip really too short) he still prevailed.

    The owners have been very patient as Emerald Downs was a big, raw horse at two and just needed time to develop.  It looks as though their patience has been rewarded!

    Exciting times!