Image opens account at Newmarket
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Desert Image made every yard of the running to land the opening Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket.
After a promising debut at Newbury, she was the beaten favourite at Leicester a fortnight ago. But the daughter of Beat Hollow rewarded those who kept the faith with a commanding performance in the hands of jockey Michael Hills, taking this seven-furlong contest with ease.
The 11-4 shot travelled very smoothly through the opening exchanges before picking up well when asked to assert. Her rider was able to just nudge her out in the final strides, with Desert Image's stablemate Mojo Miss running on to give trainer Charles Hills a one-two.
The Lambourn handler said: "I think it must have been an off-day at Leicester last time. Today she had the race put to bed two furlongs out. She has got a great temperament and is very professional. Michael said she would appreciate a step up in trip."
Frankie Dettori wasted little time in finding the winner's circle on his first day back in the saddle since his split from Godolphin was announced last weekend.
He booted home 12-1 chance Goodwood Mirage with a well-timed run to land the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Maiden, beating Legal Waves by three-quarters of a length. The Italian jockey treated racegoers to a flying dismount, while there was a blown kiss to the victorious Goodwood Racecourse Owners Group.
Winning trainer John Dunlop said: "Frankie is not just world class, he's top of the world class. I'm sure he will be employed by many people with huge success for many years to come.
"Frankie gave him (Goodwood Mirage) a great ride - he always does. The horse has started to work well in the last six weeks and he took this well. He is a bonny horse."
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