Happy connections of Pride Of America on the podium
PRIDE OF AMERICA officially won the 64th running of the £200,000 John Smith’s Cup yesterday at York by a nose…but in reality it was more of a whisker, the photo-finish was that tight.
Trainer, Amy Murphy, was to say the least, rather pleased as she leapt into the arms of one of the owners, Anoj Don once the result of the photo-finish was announced!
The 106-rated 6yo son of American Post normally likes to front run but winning jockey, Frederick Larson said they were going so quick that he couldn’t lead. Inside the distance, the Southgate Stables runner took it up and the line came just in time as 50/1 shot Astro King lunged but was just denied.
Amy and the team with Pride Of America
Amy truly knows how to express sheer joy when she has a big winner and the unadulterated exuberance on the Knavesmire was there for all to see. It was wonderful.
Known for her exploits with horses in France during the last two years, ironically, Pride Of America doesn’t seem to like travelling and hasn’t really taken to French racing. However, he’s had a great time in England with six wins from eight runs since Amy started training him. He first won for her off a mark of 79 at Kempton in March of last year and yesterday was winning off 106. That’s some training performance.
“Pride” likes cut in the ground and that also applies to Solario Racing’s Sharp Distinction, who was running in the penultimate race on the card, a 0-80 two mile handicap under Tom Marquand.
Sharp Distinction heading for third
He looked all over the winner about two furlongs out but couldn’t get to the front two and finished a very creditable third in a £20k handicap. While he relished the conditions, this very laid back 4yo chestnut son of Tamayuz may not have stayed two miles on that ground.
There should be good days to be had with Sharp Distinction, who has been knocking at the door on the all-weather and hopefully he’ll be breaking his duck in the not too distant future.
Solario Racing’s owners were looked after very well by York racecourse and thoroughly enjoyed basking in the glory of the yard’s biggest win on the flat to date.
