Jones sparkles on Del Mar Sunset
Friday 25th May, 2007
Jockey Liam Jones triumphed on 12-1 shot Del Mar Sunset (near side) at Newmarket today. Picture: Steven Cargill
APPRENTICE LIAM Jones flagged up his blossoming talent with a peach of a ride on Del Mar Sunset, who pinched the NGK Spark Plugs handicap at Newmarket today.
The eight-year-old gelding was lying last with a quarter of a mile to go in the 10-furlong event but 22-year-old Jones kept his cool. Del Mar Sunset made smooth progress and was switched left inside the final furlong to unleash a last thrust.
Pagan Sword looked to have nicked the race but Jones’s perfectly-timed challenge saw him get his mount up in the shadow of the post for a 12-1 head success.
Successful trainer William Haggas said: “That was a wonderful ride. I told him to wait and if they go fast it could fall his way. Liam hasn’t panicked at all and just weaved his way through on the horse.
“He is apprenticed to me and I probably don’t use him enough. But for a three-pound claimer that was great.”
Locally-based trainer Henry Cecil notched his first Newmarket winner of the year with Tranquil Tiger securing a first career success by taking the Devil's Dyke maiden. The Selkirk colt had two lengths to spare from Purple Emperor who produced a promising debut effort in the mile-and-a-quarter event.
Cecil said: "He was perhaps unlucky not to win at Windsor last time but he is an improving horse and quickened up well after they went no pace early on today. He is in races at Ascot - the King Edward VII and a Listed race - but we will see how he progresses. He will have the opportunity if he is good enough."
Chantilly Tiffany enjoyed her return to Newmarket, notching her second track success when taking the mile-long Home Of Racing Conditions Stakes.
She was a ready winner of the Wood Ditton over course and distance last April but then disappointed at Goodwood. This afternoon she put her best foot forward, racing handily and then quickened to lead over two furlongs. She was soon in command and put the race beyond reach in a matter of strides, going on to score by a length-and-a-quarter in the hands of Kerrin McEvoy.
Another filly in fine form was Liberty Belle, who was a 5-2 winner of the European Breeders’ Fund maiden for fillies. She dashed home to collar Pixie’s Belle - second again at Newmarket - for a short head triumph.
Rayhani ran out a convincing victor in the Newmarket racecourses.co.uk handicap for the Marcus Tregoning team, while the David Elsworth-trained Acclamation struck at odds of 14-1.