There were tears in Paris last weekend as Sir Mark Prescott reached the pinnacle of his stellar career by winning the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) with Alpinista and there was a similar surge of emotion for jockey Robert Havlin as he finally claimed his first top-level bet win on board. Test in bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket (G1).
Derby winners Adam Kirby and Richard Kingscote were among the riders who emerged from the weight room to cheer for Havlin, who was later disrupted by the wise and embraced by Frankie Dettori in a loving embrace as the Newmarket crowd cheered on what was most deserving of the successful Group 1.
“It’s a bit like Sir Mark’s Arc,” said John Gosden, the winner’s joint coach and boss of Havlin for many years. “For Robert, no one deserves this more.”
Gosden’s admiration and appreciation for horse racing, and the joy Havlin’s victory evoked in his riders, came from an acknowledgment of the important role he played in the race. developed and educated numerous stars on the home circuit while others made headlines on the course, be it Jimmy Fortune, William Buick, or most recently Dettori.
“He’s my best friend and to see him win in group 1 is amazing,” said Dettori, who missed the win due to suspension. “He put in a lot of effort. All the best horses I’ve ridden in my life, he prepared for me and he finally got his reward, it’s amazing.”
To make sure any nerves weren’t at his best ahead of his latest shoot in group 1, Havlin spent most of the day occupying himself and not minding. my mind drifts, especially when Laurel came close to winning the Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) for him last week only to be narrowly defeated.
“We knew she came here with the best chance and everyone wished me luck today, but I focused on doing things that kept my mind busy,” Havlin said.
“It’s great to do that. The group 1 winner is so hard to come by and I thought last week was Laurel. I was in a great position, took the lead at the right time, and the other horse turned around. come back and beat me, I can’t believe it, when it all goes well and you’re defeated, you wonder what more you can do.
“Frankie tends not to leave any stones alone when it comes to what he rides in group 1 – and he’s not nearly banned! I’m excited, but I don’t think it’s really sunk either! enter.”
While Commissoning can maintain her undefeated record, it’s not as easy as her 8-13 favorites would suggest. She won comfortably Novakai with Bright diamond in part three.
The King filly became unbalanced in the Dip – despite winning the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Rockfel Stakes (G2) at last month’s course – and was only confirmed in the final match. She has been cut to 4-1 (from 6-1) odds to land Qipco One Thousand Guineas (G1) next year for owners/raiders Isa Salman and Abdulla Al Khalifa.
“It was only the third run of her career and she was off balance going into the Dip phase,” Havlin said. “She corrected herself quickly, though, and she was really strong at the last minute — I put my cane down the last half, and she really moved on.
“She has a good mind, she relaxes, and then she pushes the button to ride; I’m sure she’ll get 10 furs. With winter on her back, she’ll be one special person next year.”
In all likelihood, Dettori would be back aboard the Commissions as she lined up in Guineas, but that didn’t bother Havlin in the slightest as he lifted the large glass trophy presented for victory overhead.
“I’ll refill the champagne later!” The driver smiled brightly.
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