Group 2 glory for Spear

27 August 2016

LIGHTNING Spear gave Trillium Place a result to savour this afternoon as he burst to victory in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Trainer David Simcock has held Qatar Racing's five-year-old in the highest regard since he joined the stables for this season.

From his work in spring, the horse's talent was plain to see. And he showcased it when finishing third to Tepin in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Things didn't go to plan in two subsequent assignments - but the belief never wavered.
Ridden each day by David's wife Jen, the feedback was that Lightning Spear was in fine fettle, despite only having raced 13 days earlier in Deauville.
Jen's assessment was spot-on as the son of Pivotal showed today. And, fittingly, one of the first to congratulate the horse moments after his success was a delighted Jen.
In a race run at a true gallop set by Arod, there was only a moment or two's concern. That came over a furlong out when the gaps didn't immediately materialise.
But rider Oisin Murphy knew what he had underneath him and didn't panic. He switched the horse towards the outer and received a generous response.
Lightning Spear came with a stirring late challenge, swamping Arod and Zonderland before going on to score by a length and a three quarters.
The 4/1 shot was winning for the first time in eight attempts, so this was a timely confidence booster.
There were joyful scenes in the winner's enclosure and understandably so. This was an important win - a special win. And a day that won't be forgotten.
Lofty targets lie on the horizon. But for now, everyone was happy just to bask in the moment.